We often have high stress demands at work, however, research shows that people who engage in regular self-care experience higher workplace satisfaction, productivity, and fulfillment, and experience lower rates of absenteeism, mental disorders, and workplace accidents.
.But people often dismiss self-care due to a misunderstanding of the differences between self-care and self-indulgence. Self-indulgence is when we obtain something desirable or pleasurable in the short-term, which may or may not be healthy for us in the long-term. Caring for ourselves, on the other hand, is not indulgent, it fosters the emotional and physical care we need for long-term fulfilment and happiness.
Self-care can be both the big things (e.g., eating well, exercising, socialising, or resting), or it can be the little things (e.g., 3 mindful breaths, stretching between work tasks, or making time for a tea/coffee break). But big or small it’s important to do at least 1 thing every day.
It is important to encourage self-care at an individual and systemic level. Ask yourself what small thing you can do today to improve your self care (no matter how small), and encourage colleagues to increase self-care by encouraging discussions on the topic, modelling self-care, and encouraging engagement in healthy and enjoyable activities.
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Top mini self-care ideas for busy people:
– Download a 5-minute mindfulness audio track
– Call a close friend on your way home to de-breif
– Combine a coffee break with a short walk outside
– Get to bed early and aim to get 8 hours sleep
– Stay hydrated! (a dehydrated body is a stressed body)
– Plan a fun activity or trip that you can look forward to
– Ask a colleague if they are okay
– Reduce caffeine in the afternoon if you are having trouble getting to sleep
– Read your favourite book or magazine before bed
If using the tips above are not enough to get your health on track, or you’ve experienced depression, anxiety, or stress for a long-time, contact Foresight Psychology Ultimo: 02 8380 8855 / info@foresightpsychology.com.
