5 Ways To Incorporate Self-Care Into Your Workday
The topic of self care has exploded in popularity within the last few years. While it may seem like a trendy buzz word at times, it truly is an essential part of personal wellbeing, career success and maximum productivity. As a business professional, one of the most valuable skills you can possess is the ability to truly take care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically. Working a full time job while balancing everything else that comes with being a functional adult can be overwhelming to say the least.
Here at My Mountain Mover, we are all about making things easier on YOU! We are constantly brainstorming ways that our Mountain Movers can lift weight off of your shoulders, simplify your work day and provide you with the free time you most desperately want and need. To help you out a little bit, here are some simple ways to incorporate a little more self care into your workday.
1. Create an office environment or a desk that you love
The environment that you work in has a significant impact on the quality of your work. According to a survey of 10,000 office workers, 85% of employees are unhappy with their office environment and struggle to concentrate. In order to make your work environment more peaceful and conducive to productivity, try adding some greenery, even if it’s just a small potted plant. Order some high quality desk supplies to make your space feel more luxe. Try clearing a room or even just a corner of your living space to dedicate solely to work. This will help you separate work from rest while you are working from home. Don’t forget those blue light filtering glasses to ward off headaches!
2. Stay hydrated and well nourished throughout the day
Have you ever gotten so wrapped up in your work that you look up at 4:30 pm and realize you haven’t eaten or drinken anything all day? Sounds familiar. Dehydration and lack of food are some of the best ways to ensure fatigue, headaches and burnout. Staying hydrated has endless health benefits but is especially important when staring at a screen all day. We suggest purchasing a water bottle that inspires you to drink from it all day long. When it comes to food, it can be tempting to grab a candy bar and call it a day, but you’re going to need more nutritional value than that if you want to crush your goals. Try prepping some quick and easy snacks such as an apple with almond butter, carrots and hummus or even a protein shake to keep you alert and energized.
3. Take a 10 minute nature break
When that midday slump hits at 3:00 pm, one of the best ways to keep your focus and energy up is to get outside for 10 minutes. According to the American Heart Association, “Spending time in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness and wellbeing”. If you are feeling stressed about a deadline or anxious about tension with a coworker, getting outside to clear your head will have a profound impact on your mental state. No worries if you can’t get to the beach or mountains within 10 minutes. Even taking a short walk in the sunshine around your neighborhood will do wonders for your productivity.
4. Listen to music or a podcast
Starting your day off with your favorite music or podcast is a fantastic way to ensure a burst of energy and joy. Not only is listening to music fun, it actually helps you achieve more throughout the day. According to Dr. Masha Godkin, “Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory”. Dr. Godkin recommends sticking to classical music for the biggest boost in productivity, but stick to whatever makes you the happiest.
5. Get moving throughout the day
Want to feel an increased sense of accomplishment and satisfaction during your work day? Get that blood flowing and those endorphins pumping! Sitting at a desk all day long not only increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but can lead to sluggishness and low energy. Flip the script by carving out a time to move your body and make your health a priority. We suggest a morning jog or walk, a new class (Zumba anybody?) or maybe even a mid-afternoon dance party. Bottom line: incorporate some sort of exercise into your day and enjoy the endless benefits.