Work is the second most common source of stress among American adults. Long hours and large workloads often lead to unhealthy lifestyles like skipping lunch or missing out on sleep. It’s hard for employees to be engaged if they are unhealthy. Read on to hear tips on how to care for yourself at work.
Clean
Decluttering your physical environment also works in decluttering your mind. Taking time to searching for supplies or paperwork interrupts your train of thought. Give yourself a leg up by organizing your workspace. Read here for a helpful article by Madeline Harrell on how to best arrange your desk.
Meditation/Mindfulness
Meditation is very simple to do, and the best part is you don’t need anything extra. Just find a comfortable place, close your eyes, relax your muscles, and focus on one thing. The easiest thing to focus on is your breathing, but an object or a location work too. You can do this for as little as ten minutes a day to experience benefits. The key is to be mindful. Stay focused, and when distracting thoughts enter your mind, let them pass, and return to what you are focusing on.
Create a Relaxation Space
You can easily create a space in your own area to relax. It can be a really comfortable chair in your office with dim lights or candles nearby- whatever you find relaxing. This gives you an opportunity to decompress with little stimulus. Turn screens off, turn off your phone and leave it off your person. Even the weight of your phone could remind you of an errand you want to do, and distract you from relaxing. Unplug from social media. You might want to read a book or a magazine if that helps, but the idea is to clear your mind of distractions and stressors.
Scents
People have been enjoying the health benefits of aromatherapy since the 11th century. Essential oils can speed up the healing process, boost energy levels, reduce anxiety, alleviate headaches, improving sleep, and increasing memory capabilities. Whether you are using them on your skin, or diffusing them in the air, the use of essential oils is used by many to calm their mind and body.
Ergonomics
Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of regular physical activity. Consider taking a short break and going on a brisk walk. Invest in an ergonomic chair or desk. See here for in depth tips on how to most comfortably arrange your desk for maximum benefit. Print out exercises that you can do while seated at your desk like these or these. Find reasons to move around and energize your body to be more productive at work.
Find opportunities to relax and recharge in order to do your best work. Take time off or a vacation each year to rejuvenate and return to work refreshed. Rested employees are engaged and productive. By bringing a healthy mind, body, and spirit to the workplace you are certain to have better success.
