How do you fit self-care into your workday?

I would like to add that it's vital to acknowledge the balance between personal needs and professional commitments. Fitting self-care into your workday isn't about compromising productivity, but about enhancing it through improved well-being. So, assess your daily routine and identify potential opportunities to incorporate self-care practices that don't disrupt your workflow. In essence, the definition of self-care varies greatly from one person to another. It's a personalized strategy aimed at enhancing one's physical, mental, and emotional health. Recognizing your specific needs is an essential step towards developing an effective self-care routine within your workday.

Here's the optimized version of the article: "This is a great article. Self-care is not selfishness; instead, it's a responsibility. Self-care is crucial, especially when you're teaching or guiding someone. If you're not self-disciplined, how are you going to teach others? Secondly, being physically and mentally fit will make your thoughts sharp and impressive to others."

self care is also knowing when to pivoting on your responsibilities to tend to yourself for a mental break. It doesnt have to be something grandiose - it can be simply taking the time to stand up once an hour to stretch your body and work on your ergonomics. quite often we may not even realize we are hunching or sitting improperly. another self care tip may be simply ensuring your hydrate throughout the day

I keep a pullup bar handy, put 15 minute "walk blocks" on my calendar. I also try to get in mini workouts throughout the day, so I can retain focus. I also make a habit of cleaning my desk once a week so I return from the weekend to a clear workspace. When working from home, I have my different places I work, including next to a set of free weights. I also try to stand while working a few hours each day. This all came from being stir-crazy during the pandemic.

I've self-care doesn't always mean something that's immediately pleasurable. The most impactful self-care practices are often the most mundane - right sleep, right food, right movement. Make sure your fundamental needs are met first, then explore other ways you can top up your bucket.

To-do lists are great but nothing gets done until you put it on your calendar. This applies to everything you do, including self-care.

self care is essential to preventing burnout. it is a must. you have to take the time to see what works best for you. sometimes this shifts during the seasons, which keeps things fresh

I think each person may find different times of the day more suitable for their self-care activities. For some, the calmness of early morning may provide the perfect backdrop for meditation or yoga, while others find that unwinding with a book or a walk after work helps them decompress. Your self-care time need not be a lengthy, extravagant affair. Even short breaks for deep breathing or a quick stroll can be great to refresh your mind and relieve stress.It's not about the length of time dedicated, but the quality of time spent in rejuvenating your mind and body. And be mindful of your schedule. It's easy to let work creep into your designated self-care time. But maintain those boundaries to ensure you are giving yourself the care you need.

Working from home has opened my eyes to self-care. I schedule focus time to use deep breathing exercises. This helps throughout the day. Taking care of your mind and body is important to stay ahead. I also use an under the desk elitptical for exercises during the day. This keeps me aware and active.

self-care is very important to me. my working principle is to balance my job, self-care, family, and my hobbies. Self-care is not to be selfish or not working enough at day, but it helps me to be healthy and not need help from my dearest

I used to combine listening to listen-only meetings/webinars with walks. While I focused on the content, I also valued being outdoors, increasing my daily steps instead of being confined to my desk. This routine was particularly beneficial for my neurodiverse mind, and I successfully turned it into a positive habit.

i love this as a mother to five under 8 as well. since we are all up with the roosters we start the day first thing focusing on 3 minutes of meditation (with a kid appropriate guide on youtube). we have done this now for about 4 months and it has become part of our routine so much that our youngest who is 20 months anticipate it. once i drop off i walk back home focusing on my own meditation before i prep for the busy work day ahead

Make a self-care habit easy and appealing. To get started, add it something you already do every day or prepare for it in advance. Have a cold shower, then reward yourself with a long relaxing hot one. Practice gratitude before having your morning coffee. Place a bottle of water next to your bed so it's the first thing you see in the morning. Make it easy.

Self-care doesn't have to be a big to do. It can be as simple as taking a second to breathe after a meeting. Self-care is emotional and mental regulation and it can take time to figure out what works best for you. Don't be afraid to explore different times of day and different rituals or habits. Get curious!

I have an hourly alarm set on my phone to alert myself during my work day to the need to stop what I'm going, take a quick 7th inning stretch, and hydrate. It's quick and easy.

I would like to add, that by establishing these boundaries, you give yourself permission to step away from the constant demands of work and dedicate time to activities that nourish your soul and body. Whether it's disconnecting from work emails after a certain hour or scheduling regular breaks throughout the day.They serve as reminders to prioritize yourself. Setting realistic expectations involves understanding your workload, acknowledging your capabilities. It's about aligning your goals with your actual capacity, thus reducing undue stress and burnout. The art of setting boundaries and expectations promotes a respectful and empathetic work environment where individual needs are recognized and honored.

I used to multitask by combining listening to webinars or meetings where I didn't have to actively participate with taking a walk outdoors. This provided motion and sensory stimulation that enhanced my focus. Taking short walks during long meetings became a positive habit that benefited my physical and mental health. Integrating small bits of self-care into your regular work routines can make a big difference.

This is great advice, but not everyone has an employer who is willing to accept your boundaries and expectations. So what do you do? Find a work around. Sounds hard? Believe me, I hear ya. Been there... done that... I had to tell myself (repeatedly) that I'm only one person and that I can only do so much given the time frame I have to get it done. I had to come the realization that so long as I can look into the mirror at the end of the day and honestly say, "good job today," that's what should matter.

I have found that in setting boundaries and expectations, it is best to approach this area before there's a need to call "all hands on deck." One way to approach this area is to rely on procedures and job descriptions, and craft a message that is not accusatory nor indulgent. It takes practice and won't happen overnight, but it is worth it.

This communication isn't just about saying 'no' when needed; it's also about articulating what you require to perform at your best. It's about fostering a workplace where respect for individual boundaries is a shared value, and where open conversations enable a collective understanding of how to support one another while maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.

its essential to seek support with peers specifically. when we hold our realities to the chest, so much is handled in isolation. We forget when we do so however, quite often its still affects others- maybe in how we communicate (being short for example). When we are vulnerable with someone we trust, we break down the stigma that we need to be "strong" and perfect to be successful.

Absolutely, as a mentor, it's crucial to recognize that showing vulnerability and seeking support is essential for your own well-being and growth. Connecting with others, sharing experiences, and seeking feedback can help you navigate challenges and prevent burnout. Don't hesitate to lean on peers, managers, mentors, or online communities to create a strong support network.

Being retired military, I can tell you this is a hard concept for us. We're brow beaten into believing this. But absolutely no one is Superman/Superwoman/Thanos/Captian Marvel. No one is invulnerable to the stresses we face as mentors/supervisors. We need to lean on each other from time to time.

We grow when we seek support and constructive feedback. We must discern, however, when to provide/seek support, and from whom. Place your confidence in those who have demonstrated a true willingness to support you. You will be surprised at the weight that is lifted from your shoulders with "a little help from my friends."

Recognizing the importance of seeking support and feedback as a mentor is a vital extension of your commitment to growth and resilience within the mentoring role. It's essential to acknowledge that seeking support doesn't diminish your strength.

There are a wealth of tools available to support you in adjusting your focus and prioritising self-care. Many of these are incredible powerful and will go along way to addressing the root cause of your imbalance. To avoid these becoming another chore that demands your attention and doesn't contribute towards self care, be honest about what works for you and what doesn't. If it's not adding value then remove it from your toolbox. I swear by 15 minutes of daily meditation but I know many people who can't think of anything worse. Find what works for you and remember that self-care can often be found through taking things off your plate, not adding to it.

getting started is the first big step, followed by consistency. with so many tools out there, it can be overwhelming for some but its important not to let that get in the way of taking that first step.

This point is key - recognising that our situations and needs evolve over time and therefore the response to this too can easily be overlooked. When I started on my self-care journey what I needed to cope with issues and worked-based stressors that exacerbated these is completely different to my current situation. I have also found that reflecting on this has also improved my self-awareness exponentially.

"Plan the work and work the plan" is a phrase most repeated in our work lives. There is great satisfaction in adopting and adapting work mantras for our self-care plans. In developing self-care, listen to that inner voice and heed the messages. You will undoubtedly know when it is time to adjust your plan.

One effective strategy is to schedule short, regular break times throughout the day, just as you would for any important meeting. These breaks can be as brief as 5-10 minutes every hour or two. Use this time to step away from your desk, stretch your muscles, and refresh your mind. Incorporating walks into your day, especially during lunchtime or other longer breaks, can significantly boost your mood and energy levels. Walking, even for just 15-20 minutes, allows you to enjoy a change of scenery, get some exercise, and mentally reset. Stretching is another vital component of self-care; integrating simple stretching exercises during your breaks can relieve physical tension and prevent the strain that comes from prolonged sitting.

Remember that self-care is not self-"ish" but self-ful in that you must replenish yourself before you are able to aid others.