Best Ways to Practice Self-Care in the Workplace

This July 24th marks the 8th annual International Self-Care Day. Originally created by the International Self-Care Foundation, ISD acts as a device that “promotes self-care as a vital foundation of health.” While the long-lasting benefits of self-care are apparent in our personal lives, they also trickle down into other ares of our lives as well–including our careers.

Between busy schedules and grueling work days it may seem impossible to fit self-care into the equation, but we have a solution! The following simple, yet effective acts of self-care can be practiced in the workplace. These five tips will help improve your mood and overall health even on the busiest of workdays—Your coworkers will thank us!

1) A Change of Scenery = A Change of Mood

Don’t become a creature of habit! A change in scenery is an easy way to boost your mood and mental health. Eating your lunch outside or moving office meetings to rooms with more natural light are simple acts that can help you practice self-care at work and positively shift the overall mood of the day.

 

2) Make Daily To-Do Lists

Start your day by creating a To-Do list and prioritizing all the tasks (personal and professional) that you have to complete for the day. It will help you feel in-control and make your schedule more manageable.

 

3) Practice Good Breathing Exercises

It’s easy to become overwhelmed at work, but that doesn’t mean we have to let our workloads hijack our mental health. Deep breathing exercises have been shown to reduce stress along with a plethora of other benefits including increased energy and better posture. Just five minutes at your desk can change the rest of your day.

 

4) Drink More Water

I know what you’re thinking: “Water, really?” It’s true! Staying hydrated improves physical performance while increasing energy levels. Keep refillable water bottle nearby at all times so that you can remain hydrated from nine to five.

 

5) Go For A Lunchtime Stroll

Try to avoid spending your lunch sitting at a desk or in a dimly-lit break-room. Even if you have a thirty minute lunch, spend ten of those minutes walking outside. The fresh air will naturally lift your spirits and the walk will give you a chance to recharge your brain for the second half of your day.

 

Fitting self-care into our hectic lives can be tough, but it’s important to maintain a healthy balance between work and our personal lives–that includes our physical and mental health. Click here for a list of life balance speakers that can help de-stress your employees and bring clarity to the chaos.

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