Work and Self Care
You are the biggest priority.
Its 2022, we are currently in the 5th worst global pandemic the world has ever seen, and yet we are still working harder than ever to keep the world ticking over.
Some of us have lost our loved ones, lost our jobs, changed jobs and even become Teachers in our own living rooms for our children! When have we had the time to look after number one? A little self-care certainly goes a looong way in this day and age.
Self-care is the act of recognising our physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual needs, and doing what is necessary to restore our well- being. Without self-care, we can find ourselves more vulnerable to illnesses and can easily succumb to stress and anxieties in our daily lives.
Even though I’ve worked from home for three years, this period of time has taught me that working from home can easily haze the lines between work and self-care.
When your home is also your office, bringing work into your self-care space can create some blurry boundaries. This makes it hard to find the motivation to work and/or switch off from work.
See below for short tips to help you get through your day, this can help everyone regardless of your current situation or job.
1) Maintain your relationships. Everyone needs human interaction, and connecting regularly with family, friends, and even clients, and focus on the positives.
2) Move! Get regular exercise, and no I don’t mean running 10 blocks and exhausting yourself!! Find an activity that you enjoy, even if you end up dancing to the radio with your cat.
3) Keep a balanced diet. Ouch, this one hurt… however, nutritious food does help with energy levels and stress management. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar and focus on the foods that will provide you with energy slowly throughout the day. But in the same breath, treat yourself to that mars bar after that challenging zoom call!
4) Shout! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and accept it when it is offered. Nobody expects you to deal with whatever is going on in your life alone, professionally, or personally. Speak with a friend, colleague or even a counselor.
5) Good quality sleep and keeping a routine is key. Try to switch off your electronics at least an hour before going to bed so that you can wind down. Try relaxation techniques such as mediation to help you feel sleepy.
