Does this happen to you?
You thought it’s going to be another productive day. You’re doing your usual work, typing away on your keyboard, and just being the busy person you always are because you’ve got deadlines to meet and a couple of meetings scheduled.
Then exhaustion hits you. You’re suddenly out of energy and can’t focus on what you’re doing anymore. You look at the time and realize it’s only been 15 minutes since you started working. But it felt like hours. You can’t concentrate and all you want to do is curl up and sleep on your cozy couch. You’re aware of what needs to be done but you can’t push yourself to do it.
If you answered yes then it might be time to take a break and practice some self-care.
Self Care: Do you need it?
Self-care looks like an indulgent luxury for some. Others consider it as a necessity. The hustle culture and ever changing fast-paced world makes it almost impossible to pause, reflect on your life, and take care of yourself better. The result: you’re more prone to stress and burnout. Before it hits you, do something to prevent it.
While self-care isn't a new concept, the pandemic has pushed it to the forefront. You don’t have enough time for yourself. We get it. When you're so busy taking care of everyone else, the idea of taking care of yourself sounds selfish. But here’s the truth. When you neglect yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. That, my friend, is a recipe for disaster. It can affect your health, your productivity, and your happiness. Is self-care important? The answer is a big YES.
Although it’s often associated with things like getting a massage or going for a run, self-care can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, drinking a glass of water, or taking a break from work to take a nice walk outside. There are endless possibilities when it comes to self-care, but it’s important to find activities that work for you and fit your lifestyle.
Here are 5 self-care ideas to relieve stress and prevent burnout:
1. Develop healthy sleeping habits.
It’s a known fact that getting enough sleep everyday is very important. But why? It’s a form of self-care. Good sleep equals good health. And good mood, too!
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting enough Zs every night:
Follow a sleeping schedule.
Regulate your body’s sleep rhythm by setting a sleep schedule. For example: going to bed at 9pm and waking up at 7am each day. Try this and you’ll have less trouble falling asleep and waking up.
Relax and unwind before going to bed.
Take a nice shower. Read a book. Try doing some stretchings, meditation, or breathing exercises. Write in your journal to put your mind at ease. These are some of the relaxing pre-bedtime activities you can try to fall asleep easier.
Watch what you eat and drink.
Don’t go to bed super hungry or super full. The last thing you want is an all-night discomfort from worrying about your growling stomach or feeling bloated. Avoid drinking coffee and alcohol before bedtime because some ingredients in these beverages can disrupt your sleeping schedule.
Create a peaceful, restful sleeping environment.
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. You can’t go wrong with that combination. Also, avoid using your phone, laptop, or other light-emitting devices before bedtime as it can affect the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep cycle.
2. Eat healthy to be healthy.
It’s true that you are what you eat. If you want to be healthy, you have to eat healthy. Consuming nutritious foods helps your body to stay strong and function at its best. And when you’re strong and healthy, you can do anything in life and be anything you want to be. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Self-care the natural way.
3. Keep moving to keep the stress away.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. Taking a brisk walk, going for a swim, or doing some yoga are all great options.
4. Take short breaks.
Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and recharge. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or enjoy your favorite snack. No matter how busy you are, don’t forget to pause from time to time.
5. Treat yourself and do what makes you happy.
Do you have any hobbies? What makes you happy? Do it. Don’t feel like going out? That’s okay. There are plenty of ways to show yourself some love without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Cook your go-to meal. Watch your favorite shows and movies. Treat yourself to a luxurious spa at home. Oh yes, it’s possible. Check out this spa gift set from Give An Orange. All the self-care products you need in one box delivered straight to your door. Perfect as a gift for your bestie, too
In summary, self-care is one big buzzword with many different definitions. Many people think that self-care is just taking a break from the daily grind and going out to dinner. But it’s more than that. Ultimately, self-care is taking care of yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally. It helps you to recharge and rejuvenate yourself. It means eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, making time for yourself, and doing what makes you happy.