Leave Your Workspace
The idea of escaping from your workplace might seem pretty appealing, especially when you've been having a rough day. Sometimes your best form of self-care is to get out for a while. If possible, take some of your breaks outside. Go for a short walk. Breathe some fresh air. This will help restore your equilibrium and feel better about the rest of your day.
Photo by Hristo Sahatchiev on Unsplash
Start Conversations
It doesn’t matter whether outside your home or are working at home, you probably still have coworkers or colleagues,. Taking a few minutes to connect with them, even in a brief text or conversation, helps to build connections you sorely need. This is more than just networking. We all need to feel like we’re not alone. Building work relationships starts in these conversations and keeps you feeling like you’re not alone. You especially need this when you’re spending a third of your day with these individuals.
Ask for What You Need
One aspect of self-care is ensuring that your needs are met. This means having conversations with your boss. Asking questions, giving feedback, and being an active participant, especially on projects that you feel passionately. Self-care means sticking up for yourself. Doing these things will enhance your feeling that work is meaningful and fulfilling.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest forms of self-care which is overlooked more often than you think. Did you know 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? This affects cognitive function, which affects your work. Is it any wonder self-care means drinking water throughout the day? You can learn more about the symptoms and warning signs in this article by the Cleveland Clinic.
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Play Games
Work becomes more interesting when you feel challenged. Sometimes this means you have to be the one to set the challenges. Make your day interesting by setting mini goals for yourself. Set a timer and try to beat the clock for getting things done. See how much of your To Do list you can cross off before the end of the day. Be creative and have fun!
By doing these things daily, you’ll find your workday is much more interesting and you get more done. You’ll feel better, both mentally and physically, when you get in the habit of self-care at work.
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These are great ideas. For someone working from home, the reminder that we need to leave our workspace is a great one! I also really like the idea of play! One of my favorites! Great ideas and thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! I make my “chores” work breaks. Helps a great deal with I’m trying to make a decision to step away for a bit.
Beautifully written tips, Angel! Staying hydrated is the one that does the trick for me for sure!
I read this at the right time. I get so focused on trying to get everything done in the limited time I have that self-care during the day is the last thing on my mind. Right now, I realized I need some water. I have been known to make games for myself just to get through the day. Purely for sanity purposes. Good read.
Glad that you found it helpful Cassie.
Thank you for this insightful post. As someone with chronic illnesses and unable to work in a physical workplace, I can’t stress enough how important embracing conversation is, even if it’s just with a barista. It has really helped me.