I originally wrote this blog as part of a webinar on self-care in the WORKPLACE! This was a fabulous opportunity I was given by a local business which then led me to presenting to three other companies dotted around the country. Definitely one of the best things that happened for me during the first lockdown of 2020. As we know now workspace can be pretty much anywhere! I recently met a lady who works remotely, living in her van, with her dogs! BLISS! She nips home for a week and goes off in her van for a week. So as I say your workspace can be in the office, at home or in your van, and these seven tips are valid wherever you lay your laptop!
Movement
“Movement is the song of the body” One thing I hear from my massage clients is how they can be sitting at their desks working and before they know it three hours has past. My tip here is to set an alarm every 20 to 30 minutes to remind you to move; Just stand up, have a stretch, do little dance, do a few steps…..anything to just move your body!
Hydration
I think we all know how important water is! Staying hydrated is essential for good mental and physical performance. 6-8 glasses of water a day is a good amount of water to aim for. Try having a jug or glass bottle of water in your workspace that you make your way through; one during the morning and one during the afternoon. It makes it a little more of a ritual. If you struggle with plain water, add ice or lemon or lime!
Nourishment
Do you have a tendency to eat out of boredom? Or do you grab a mid morning biscuit? Help yourself to eat healthier and more mindfully by having a bowl of fruit, nuts or seeds on your workspace.
Positive Password
We use passwords everyday! I wonder how many of you have a fairly mundane password? One of my pillars of wellness is SMILE. Smiling is good for the mood and the spirit, so help yourself smile at the start of the workday by having a password to make you smile! Or maybe it’s a positive affirmation instead! I can’t tell you what mine is…..obviously! But it does make me smile!
Nature
Nature is good for the soul! If you can get out in nature during your work day then do! Absolutely do it! You can also combine it with your daily movement and a bit of mindfulness too! Bring nature in by having a plant, or even better a herb in your workspace. Rosemary is a good choice; it smells amazing AND it helps concentration too! It’s even been suggested that even seeing pictures of nature can improve feeling of wellbeing; so maybe a screen saver picture for you!
Connection
We are social creatures. Make sure you are connecting with others, especially if you are working alone. Becoming a part of a network, or sports groups or creative groups can be excellent for mental wellness. Talk to those around you if you are feeling overwhelmed, low or struggling in anyway. Never suffer in silence. For additional help please reach out or visit Young Minds. Mind. CALM.
One Minute Check In
Sometimes, well often actually, time just flies. The world moves so fast and we are often sprinting like mad to keep up, to get on top of everything! This is a topic for another post! When you find yourself in this place, just STOP. Take a minute. Check in with yourself. Ask yourself “how am I feeling?”. Then answer the question as if someone else has asked you. And don’t just say “fine”. How do you feel mentally? Physically? Then breathe. Deep, slow breathes. Let your world slow for a minute!
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