"Working Towards Well-Being, Self-Care for a Better You"
Everybody is talking about Self Care these days. When your job and responsibilities involve looking after others, it is hard to think much about looking after yourself. But as they say, "You cannot pour from an empty cup, you cannot do much for others if you are not okay yourself". What do we think about when we talk about self-care? We talk about good nutrition and lifestyle, good sleep, mindfulness, the importance of physical activities and relaxation, drinking enough water (especially in this region)—these are all good advice, but advice is easy to ignore.
What comes to your mind when you think about self-care? Whatever it is, it is different for everyone. Today with this blog, we suggest making our own Self-Care Plan. To create one, it would involve answering questions to yourself like, What do you enjoy doing? What truly recharges you? What drains your energy? What are my emotional and mental needs? Do I have social and spiritual needs? What are my boundaries? And further, what am I already doing for self-care? We must acknowledge and appreciate the positive things we are doing. What things do you think you don’t do and would like to try? We can think about things that would benefit our mind, body, and spirit. Maybe, you are neglecting one particular aspect of your well-being.
When you have answered these questions, you will have a nice lengthy list of possibilities. Take a closer look at the possibilities and cross off the ones that you know will not work for you or are not possible now. Choose the ones which you feel are possible, most appealing, or you feel you need the most. Try to do it for a few weeks. Over a period, you will have your own Self-Care strategies that can be sustained and amended as required. We agree, developing this plan might require some time and involvement, but it will be worth it. Stress tends to make all of us forget how to look after ourselves, when we need it the most, and self-care is a necessity for everyone.
For those of us who enjoy shortcuts and need effective go-to tips, here are some ideas, specifically for working professionals:
- Smart lunch choices. Packing your lunch gives you control over your nutrition. While occasional restaurant treats are enjoyable to pamper yourself. And hey, if you regularly prepare meal anyway every morning, how about occasional restaurant meals and extra sleep as a treat?
- Drink more and more water. I know we have heard this a lot from many people, and it is basic, but it certainly energizes you. How about making your colleague your water buddy? Shake things up by infusing a fruit or fresh mint or cucumber in your water during the day.
- Limit your responsibilities. It is good to be helpful and wanting to be perfect in what you do, but sometimes it is essential to share or skip responsibilities in personal life to make some time for yourself. It is always good for our mind and body to work at a relaxed pace.
- Socialize with coworkers. Make an effort to connect with people, even a few minutes of friendly chat, a shared laugh, or a quick catch-up about something outside of work can boost happiness and reduce stress. They're a big part of our daily routine, and that routine is a big part of our lives.
- Listen to your favourite music and decorate your work desk and home/room tidily. Putting on the type of songs you enjoy can instantly lift your mood. A tidy workspace, whether at your desk or at home, can do wonders for your focus and mental clarity. Imagine walking into a clean, organized room where everything has its place – it's instantly calming, right? These small touches can make a big difference in how you feel and adds to effectiveness too.
- Learn to be present in what you do. Avoid daydreaming and being lost in your own thoughts. You will be surprised how it will help you maintain your stress level.
- Cultivate inner peace. To have a moment of gratitude, acknowledging the blessings in your life. This could be a simple prayer or a quiet reflection. You can combine this practice with short periods of meditation or light exercise – even five minutes can make a difference – to centre yourself and find calm.
- Consistent body care. This is something we tend to give the least importance to in our busy schedules. Make time for your skincare and grooming. Keep a small budget for this every month.
- Digital Detox. Have at least one hour in the day when you disconnect from all electronic devices. Start with 30 minutes. Use this time to take a long bath, or do stretching, cook, or spend time with loved ones, or simply close your eyes and focus on your senses. Even a few minutes can significantly reduce stress.
- Think and recognize small ways that add to your happiness. It could be being with your pet, singing, writing, playing a musical instrument or even connection with nature that is calming and refreshing.
Self-care is not selfish; it's essential. It is about understanding your unique needs and creating a plan that nourishes your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you prefer a structured approach or quick, practical tips, the key is to prioritize your well-being. Remember, small, consistent actions can lead to substantial changes. Start today and invest in the most important person you know – yourself.
Written by Shraddha Mavani
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