Last Updated on 6th April 2024
Creating and sustaining a good work-life balance was tricky even before the pandemic hit – but it’s even harder nowadays. Many of us are burning the candle at both ends; we don’t know when to leave our home office for the day to relax, and we don’t prioritise taking care of ourselves. Yet looking after yourself should be a top priority. Read on for our top self care advice on achieving a better work-life balance:
1. Look after your mind
Mindfulness practice has been around for a long time, but it’s been especially popular in recent years. Essentially, mindfulness refers to the act of focusing on the present without judgment and letting all other thoughts go. It’s a form of meditation, and can easily be self-taught using books, apps such as Headspace, or even YouTube videos. You can practice it anywhere, so it’s a valuable skill to add to your wellbeing toolkit.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgment. Practising mindfulness has multiple benefits, such as increasing focus, decreasing stress, improving decision-making skills, and increasing emotional intelligence.
Meditation is the act of focusing on your breath or a specific object or sound to bring you into the present moment. It’s a great way to be mindful because it allows you to be present in your thoughts rather than constantly thinking about what could happen tomorrow or last week. Meditation can also improve cognitive function by decreasing stress and boosting emotional intelligence. One study found that people who meditated on a regular basis were able to learn faster and were better at problem-solving than people who didn’t meditate regularly.
2. Look after your body
Prioritise good food and good sleep. Too often mental strain at work can mean we eat unhealthy meals and go to bed late. Take the time to select and eat healthier foods away from your desk. Make sure you stop working at your allocated time and unwind away from any screens; then go to bed at a reasonable hour to recharge.
Exercise is one of the best ways to increase your mental and physical health. When you exercise, your heart works harder as it pumps more blood in your body. It also helps lower stress levels and burn calories. Exercise is also a great way to relieve anxiety and improve mood. You don’t need to spend hours on the treadmill or go to the gym because you can easily fit in a walk around the block or a round of push-ups while watching TV at home.
3. Book in some me-time
When you’re trying to look after everyone else around you, the last person you may be thinking of is… well, you. Consider booking in some me-time in the form of a massage or a spa mani-pedi with USPAAH. You can easily book a qualified visiting beautician or massage therapist online, to come to your home, office, or hotel.
Massage measurably reduces stress, as you’ll know if you’ve ever had one (if not, what are you waiting for?) But the best part of taking some time out to look after yourself is that you’ll be able to recharge and return more productive. Truly, balance is key. So, why not try a little bit of mindfulness practice, have a healthy meal, visit a health spa for a relaxing massage, and get a good night’s sleep. Your mind, body, AND your work will thank you for it.
What is self-care?
Self-care is the practice of taking care of yourself in order to improve your mental, emotional, and physical health. It can also be defined as taking time for activities that are important to you and are an enjoyable break from work so that you can recharge and focus better on what’s next. Self-care includes things like exercise, spending time with friends and family, reading, listening to music, or meditating.
Self-care has long been a struggle for many people. Some people don’t know how to take care of themselves because they’re not sure what it means, while others often prioritize their work over themselves. The good news is that the future of work is a lot different than what it used to be. It’s become more flexible, giving people more control over how and when they want to work.
