You’ve probably heard about self-care. It takes on different forms, from bubble baths and avocado toasts to yoga and shopping sprees.
But while these examples sound superficial to many people, there’s a common denominator at the heart of real self-care: a holistically healthy lifestyle.
Practicing self-care can make you fulfilled and happy, nourish your mind, body, and spirit, and relieve stress. It’s not just about a “live, laugh, love” way of life–it’s also about choosing healthy choices.
And self-care is all the more important in one of the most stressful aspect of our lives: work.
In this guide, we’ll help you incorporate self-care not just into your weekend but also into your Monday-to-Friday life at the office.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Ever bitten off more than you can chew? If you’ve done it many times now, you might have a Type A personality–a behavior that’s associated with overachievers. And while it can be a great trait to have, an extreme version of it can harm your relationships with others and yourself.
Ending up with a lot on your plate means lacking time for yourself, along with what makes you happy.
That’s why you have to set boundaries–and stick to them.
No more volunteering to do several major projects. No more answering emails at midnight. Turn your phone off when you get home, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Acknowledge Your Victories
Self-care means knowing your worth. But how can you do that if you can’t remember what you achieved last week?
After completing all your tasks, you might be inclined to move on and start building the next to-do list–all without acknowledging your achievements.
Reflecting on your “wins” for the week can be downright satisfying. It reminds you of your passions and your value to your team and yourself.
Organize Your Desk
Some say that a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind. Others disagree, saying that an empty desk is an empty mind.
No matter where you stand in this argument, it’s important to have an organized workspace as it can give your productivity a huge boost.
That isn’t to say you have to clear your desk of everything. By all means, put up artwork or framed pictures of your dog.
It’s all about keeping your work environment tidy and, at the same time, turning it into a tangible reminder of your best self. Doing so will remind you of your priorities in life, which should include taking good care of yourself.
Engage in Water Cooler Chats
Water cooler chats don’t have to involve plain gossip. As short breaks from work, these conversations allow you to reset and socialize with your coworkers.
Less work talk, more fun topics–these are what make a water cooler chat healthy.
When socializing in the office, you have to surround yourself with positive people or those who support you and set boundaries with those who usually drain your energy. Choosing who you want to be with can do wonders for your mental health.
Take Breaks Seriously
We’re not just talking about breaks during your workday.
If you need a mental health day, don’t hesitate to use your sick days. If you’ve put off your vacation plans long enough, it’s time to get plane tickets and use your vacation days.
And lunch breaks and coffee breaks don’t always have to be about food or caffeine. Treat these rest periods as opportunities for recharging and restoring your energy–whether you spend time with friends, go for a walk on a beautiful day, practice calming breathing techniques, or just get in some quiet-relaxing me-time.
Learn How You Can Best Deal With Stress
We all define stress differently. That means we all have different ways of coping with stress.
So, figure out the best healthy way that makes you feel relaxed.
Whenever you feel stressed out, take a step back and do whatever grounds you. You can meditate for 10 minutes, take a walk outside or go to the gym after a long day.
Spending too much time on work can be draining. But when you learn how to set boundaries and make self-care a permanent part of your routine, you’re on your way to achieving a perfect work-life balance.
Oxford at Lake Worth Apartments in Fort Worth, TX