Self-Care is not a luxury it is a necessity

Incorporating self-care into your work life is a key component of ensuring that your performance at work does not come at the expense of your health and well-being. You and you alone are responsible for your own well-being. Self-care begins with your relationship and connection to self. Your physical fitness is only one dimension of self-care. It also encompasses care of your mind, emotions, relationships, environment, time and resources. You need to become attuned to understanding what your needs are and how best to become your most productive, effective, balanced, happy and authentic self.

Stop self-judgement and learn to pace yourself

There is one word in our vocabulary that adds to the expectations and pressures that we place on themselves. The word ‘should’ can evoke feelings of guilt, anxiety, stress and self judgement. Try to avoid ‘shoulding’ yourself. If you know your plate is already very full do not add to your burden by self-judgement.

Stay connected with what your mission and contribution to the organization you work for is. Understand the value that you add to the overarching mission and vision. Understanding the bigger picture and what the organization is trying to achieve will help you to feel aligned to the strategy. This will also help you to recognize the pressing needs that arise in the context of the larger purpose that you are fulfilling.

Understanding your own career journey and what you want out of life is also vital to ensuring you are on the right path and aligning your own career goals with organizational goals can help you feel fulfilled as an employee. Take time to construct a career plan and work with a coach who can help you stay on track.

Rome is one of the most picturesque cities in the world with beautiful architecture and fountains that have survived for centuries.  “Rome was not built in a day,” is a popular quote that many people cite when they embark on ambitious projects. There is a lot of truth in that saying. Learning to pace yourself is key to your success and avoiding burn out. Prioritize your tasks and work through them systematically.

Build a healthy relationship with your supervisor

Everyone at some time or another will feel pressure at work irrespective of their rank within a company. Organizations typically go through periods of intense activity followed by dips where employees catch their breath and recover. Building a good relationship with your supervisor will help you to enjoy your job and maximize your performance at work especially during difficult times. Try to understand the pressures they are facing and what their priorities are. This will help you to empathize with their situation. If you are a supervisor or leader, get to know your employees so that you can empathize with them and help them to perform at their best. Forge a common understanding. At the end of the day employees want to feel engaged, valued, appreciated and empowered.

Value your time and plan your work day

Throughout your workday it is common for you be constantly interrupted by others who ask for time and resources. If you have taken the time to plan your workday the night before or first thing in the morning, you will have defined what your top priorities are for that day. As requests come in, you can assess the impact these requests will have on your priorities. Exercise good judgement to evaluate what incoming tasks are truly urgent and which can be rescheduled for a later day. Developing a system where people can ‘book’ your time will also help them to value and honor your time.

Embed self-care practices into your work day

Self-care is highly personal. Only you know what helps you to feel at your best. Take purposeful action to make your work day more balanced. Use your breaks to get short bursts of exercise and disconnect with your ‘to do list,’ connect with other staff members, share a joke and fuel your body with nutritious foods. You can also stay at your desk and listen to a ten-minute relaxation video or sit outside in nature and breathe deeply. Find what works for you.

Surround yourself with good people

Healthy and supportive relationships are critical to self-care. Connect with others around you and get to know people. Build good relationships. Invest in those who inspire and support you. The same applies to your personal life. Do not neglect the relationships with the most important people in your life. Carve out time outside of work to nurture your relationships.

Exercise good Self-Management

Notice without self-judgement when you have slipped into unproductive habits or procrastination. Identify what the underlying causes are. Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you feel you do not have adequate resources? Do you feel you do not understand the tasks assigned to you? Rather than being passive in these situations and letting your stress levels build up, be bold and take action. Ask for the right resources, or for clarity or help. Learn to stop suppressing emotions. Get the help you require to move forward and clear the obstacles in your path. You might be surprised how people are willing to help if they understand what dilemmas you are facing.

Improve your workspace

A cluttered desk and a messy office space can add to your stress. I came across a lady at work who always has flowers on her desk that she brings in herself. She said they make her feel happier. This little personal touch goes a long way to making her work day better. You can improve the environment you work in by simple things such as decluttering, placing a few items on your desk that remind you of things you value, ensuring your chair is comfortable and that your space is clean.

This article aims to give a few suggestions that can help make your life at work happier, more productive and more meaningful for you. Everybody has the power to control their own destinies and to help shape a collective destiny that is bigger than themselves. Embrace this personal power and become the highest, healthiest and most authentic version of yourself.

Article by Shailja Sharma, Executive Fellow and Coach