The beginning of the new year is a great time to remind ourselves of the importance of taking care of our whole health – body, mind and spirit. Some resolutions are difficult to keep, but self-care can be built into our daily routine if we bring it to our awareness and take the time to plan for it. Self-care can improve our physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem, protect our mental health, lead to better relationships and enhance our ability to provide compassion and empathy toward others.
Here are some ways to nurture your well-being and build resilience while maintaining a healthy work life balance:
- Do a wellness “check-in” with yourself and your co-workers. Be the example for others on your team
- Schedule self-care by setting aside time each week to focus on yourself the same way you schedule a meeting or appointment.
- Find something that brings you joy and take time to do it. Ex. Painting, gardening, meditation
- Get moving and go outside if possible. A walk, bike ride, massage, yoga or dance can help reduce muscle tension, refresh your emotions, energize your body and focus your mind.
- Turn off electronic devices and mentally unplug. Leave work at work and take a moment to unwind from each day.
- Set communication time boundaries. While some people need to send the occasional after-hours email or other messages, it should be generally accepted that people aren’t expected to answer immediately.
- Engage in positive self-talk to remind yourself to think positively.
- Practice self-compassion. You are human and doing the best that you can.
- Stay connected with those you care about.
- Openly support and celebrate each other
- Eat healthy foods and hydrate to fuel your body.
- Extend self-care to work hours. Take breaks when you can. Don’t eat lunch at your computer.
- Don’t be afraid to say “No” to additional responsibilities if your schedule is already full.
- Prioritize sleep. A good night of sleep can make a world of difference.
- Listen to music.
- Hug someone or a pet. Positive physical contact reduces stress and releases endorphins
- Embrace spiritual practice in whatever form you use to lift your emotions.
- Practice gratitude in your words and actions
- Have walking meetings.
- Build pauses into the workday. Schedule 20 or 50-minute meetings as your default.
Many of us spend at least a third of our lives at work and work regularly intertwines with our life routines. Saving self-care for later or another time doesn’t cut it. It’s healthier to work it in as a regular part of our everyday than to ignore it.