Following very easy self care tips is key to help you find the right balance and a healthy lifestyle. And now, given the fact that many of us are working from home, it’s even more important.
How do we look after our mental, emotional, and physical health while trying to manage the challenges of working remotely?
What is self-care?
Self-care is the practice of taking care of yourself to improve your health and wellbeing. The ways people practice self-care are different depending on the things that make you feel relaxed and refreshed to approach the current pressures of our changing lives.
Why is self-care important when working from home
Working from home, especially when unexpected, is not as easy as it sounds.
You may not have a rigid work schedule, but too much sitting and spending too much time indoors can have adverse effects on your physical and mental well-being.
It can be difficult to adjust to a new routine, a new working environment or even spending more time with your partners than we’re used to. An effective self-care routine is important for your mindset and the way you feel.
With self-care tips, you can improve both your emotional well-being and be more productive while working from home
Self care tips
1.Crate a Morning Routine
Whether it’s heading out for a walk first thing or listening to relaxing music, get set for the new day by putting yourself first. Waking up a bit before you start your work will ensure you have time to get anything in the house done. Whether it’s preparing your breakfast or popping on some laundry, use your time before work as productively as you can.
2. Have a dedicated work space and make it inviting
Invest some time into creating a work setting that makes you feel comfortable and productive.
If you have the space, create a small study area, with a desk and upright chair. Lighting is key to ensuring you don’t strain your eyes, while a tidy area will help to keep your mind clear. Also consider the decor of your home office space. Small touches like plants, pictures, and filing cabinets can help keep your work space feeling like a place you want to be, and can help you feel better while working from home.
Try not to work in your bedroom — keep this for relaxing and sleeping only.
3. Set goals for the day
Identifying tasks that you aim to complete during the work day can help you to stay organised and on track. Further, this can help you to avoid the temptation of multi-tasking that working from home can bring. Remember, if you were at your office, you wouldn’t be able to empty the dishwasher!
There are effective digital tools and online apps out there such as note-taking service Evernote which enables you to categorise notes as well as set reminders and productivity platform Trello which enables you to manage ongoing projects and free-up mental space.
Plus, ticking tasks off at the end of the day brings a sense of achievement. Just ensure you make your goals realistic for the time you have.
4.Set a schedule and boundaries between work and home
When you are working from home it can be easy to slip into bad habits, such as working late into the evening or not taking a lunch break. Establish a schedule and stick to it most days. To ensure you work efficiently you need to maintain a healthy balance between work and play.
Put in clear boundaries where you will be working, give yourself ‘working hours’ and make sure you do something to unwind in the evenings, too. You might not be commuting into a physical office, but it’s vital you create an environment that works for you which is separate from personal areas .
5.Make time to move during the day
Most of us associate working from home with a sedentary lifestyle, which is not the healthiest way to live.
Prolonged sitting leads to poor blood flow, while regular movement helps your body maintain optimal circulation to the brain, which is linked to improved cognitive function.
Also, making time for some light exercise will boost motivation levels and increase productivity. Even if it’s a quick park run or 10-minute workout in your front room, you will find yourself with more energy throughout the day. Walking or running with your dog is an excellent way for both of you to get in some additional exercise
6.Practice mindfulness.
Many people find that mindfulness techniques help reduce their level of stress and improve their attention. From deep breathing to making sure you focus completely on just one task at a time, spend some time exploring the benefits of these techniques.
Incorporate these self-care tips into your normal routine so you can continue feeling energetic and excited about your goals.
If you are really struggling and suffering with your mental health wellbeing do seek guidance from a therapist.