Self-care is a concept that people typically portray as a form of indulgence when, in fact, it’s the exact opposite. When you view self-care in this way, it can lead you to practice it from time-to-time, which ultimately deprives you of the love and respect you deserve. That’s why it’s important to think of self-care as a discipline and commitment that you carry throughout your daily life to improve your overall well-being. Instead of limiting yourself to performing self-love rituals at home, try integrating them into your professional life by following these tips!
Move Around
If you’re making efforts to exercise more often in your downtime, consider bringing it into your workday as well. You don’t have to do anything too labor-intensive—like sprints, squats or crunches—to get your heart pumping! Try to set small, achievable goals such as steps or stairs per day, or even a brisk walk on your lunch. Beyond the fact that it’s good for your health, these activities can also give you a mood and energy boost, especially if you’re sitting down most of your day. Small tasks such as standing every thirty minutes, stretching, or taking a deep breath can improve your day as well as your overall health.
Personalize Your Space
Your home is a reflection of you, your personality, and the things you enjoy, so why not incorporate that into your workspace as well? Taking the time to decorate your desk can reduce feelings of stress, bring you happiness, and offer a sense of security. For example, by adding photos of a few of your loved ones, or hanging up a couple of inspirational quotes is an easy way to keep your motivation high and leave you feeling happy all day long.
Besides decorations, you should also consider bringing some plants into your workspace. Plants aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they can also make you feel better. Numerous studies have shown that plants provide a handful of benefits, such as lower stress levels, increased productivity, reduce sickness, and boost creativity.
Healthy Snacking
When you’re crunched on time, you may reach for whatever snack is in reach, regardless of whether it’s healthy or not. While this is okay once in a while, frequently snacking on sweets can lead to serious health risks and leave you feeling less than great at the end of your day. So, rather than buying out for lunch and daily snacking from a vending machine, stock up your desk with healthy snacks to help you focus more throughout the day. Small and quick bites that you can easily store in your desk are ideal. Some ideas may include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, and dark chocolate to help maintain your healthy routine on the go.
Kickstart Your Day with a Morning Routine
Your morning routine can consist of a variety of tasks, all of which will set the tone for a productive day. In some cases, a morning routine can include snoozing your alarm and rushing out the door, leaving little time for you to wake up and begin your day. Try to provide yourself with some quality “me-time” before you head into work.
Try beginning your morning with a revamped skincare routine that’s personalized to your unique skin type. One way to do this is by using a face mask to prepare your skin for the day. A mask in the morning can be beneficial as it can provide your skin with the hydration it needs before you apply makeup. But, don’t feel as though you should stop there—even something as small as incorporating new skincare products that include ingredients like niacinamide or tretinoin into your routine can recharge your skin and have you glowing all day long. Once you’ve got your skincare routine down, leave additional time in your morning for other relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, or sitting down and enjoying some breakfast.
It may not seem like it at first, but a consistent routine to help you prepare for your day will carry into your workday. Starting the day in a calm and regenerating way can help you manage chaos and remain calm in otherwise stressful situations.
Set Goals
Setting short-term and long-term goals is a simple, yet effective way to keep you motivated, and also give you little (or even significant) victories to celebrate. Sometimes, work can be just that, work. But there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to make your daily tasks more fun. Plus, goal setting can establish healthier habits, focus, and sustain momentum for success.
Say No
If you’re having a busy week, or know that you need to buckle down and get work done, it’s okay to say no. Whether that be no to drinks after work, or lunch at a new restaurant, or no to an additional project on top of your typical workload. You know what you can handle both mentally and physically, and it’s essential to create a balance. Too much work can lead to stress and burnout, ultimately hindering your success both personally and professionally.
Turn Off Technology
In this day and age, everything you need or want to know is right at your fingertips thanks to the Internet. In some instances, however, the convenience of technology can be more harmful than helpful. Think about it—how many times have you found yourself absently scrolling through social media, or buying items you may not need off amazon? Turning off your phone is a great way to maintain your focus throughout the day and limit the number of distractions around you.
By following these tips through your day-to-day life, you can find yourself improving your wellbeing as a whole. Limiting yourself to only personal success can hinder your growth as an individual, so as long as you keep these tips in mind, you should find success in your professional life as well.
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