When people think of when to practise self-care, it’s unlikely they think of doing so at work. But, in society today, work-related stress is having a detrimental effect on employee wellbeing. Concerningly, almost half UK employees are close to burnout from work whilst a staggering 79% of British adults feel stressed at least once a month. That is why this National Self Care Week (14-20th November) we want to emphasise the crucial need for employers to establish a culture of self-care in the workplace to improve and maintain staff wellbeing. Incorporating self-care techniques into your daily work routine can prevent burnout and improve productivity.
Here are our top 5 ways to practice self-care at work:
Movement
With the chosen theme this year being ‘Exercise Self Care for Life’, we would like to highlight how exercise is an important technique of self-care for a healthier, happier life. Exercise comes in many different forms and whether it’s going outside for a walk during lunch or stretching your legs between calls, any sort of movement is beneficial to wellbeing. Getting up from your desk to move around can help to reset your body, reshift your mindset and clear some much needed headspace. So, the next time you end a Zoom call, why not take a walk around the office to get your body and mind pumping?
Breath Work
Breathing is, of course, powerful as it keeps us alive after all. But, harnessing the power of breath can have numerous positive wellbeing benefits, including helping you feel more focused, creative, and relaxed. Incorporating breathing techniques into your daily routine is proven to make you feel more positive and boost your mental health and wellbeing. Try some box breathing to relax: breathing out for a count of four, holding your lungs empty for four counts, inhaling for four counts, then holding the air in your lungs for a count of four before exhaling, and repeating until you feel calmer.
Binaural Beats
If you’re struggling to focus whilst working, listening to your favourite music or binaural beats can help with this. Binaural beats (auditory illusions) operate by feeding two different sounds into either ear with headphones whilst playing at different frequencies. These powerful auditory illusions can replicate the brain wave states responsible for boosting focus, relaxation, and creativity. This can ultimately help you to focus your mind on the task at hand and increase productivity.
Food
The simple act of eating is vital to your overall wellbeing. Whilst many struggles to find the time to do so, especially on busy workdays, this can adversely affect your mental health and productivity. Fuelling your body with healthy and nutritious foods is proven to help you to focus, memorise and think better at top efficiency. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of getting sick.
Setting Boundaries
To maintain a healthy work-life balance, it’s crucial to set boundaries. This can be achieved by efficiently organising your workdays to suit you and your wellbeing. Whether it’s establishing the set hours you work or taking frequent breaks whilst working to avoid burnout, setting boundaries is a crucial self-care technique which should not be overlooked.
Evidently, there is a multitude of powerful self-care techniques you can use to help boost your mental health and wellbeing. But if you’re unsure where to start the Zensory app can assist you on your mindfulness journey. Our Pomodoro Timer breaks up your work into digestible pieces, which helps you to keep focused and motivated. Additionally, The Zensory’s breathwork sessions are designed to help users relax, reduce adrenaline and lower blood pressure. This feature is ideal for helping you get into the zone and then zone out to unwind. Our binaural beats can quickly shift your mood, while our naturescapes can transport you to your favourite calm space in seconds. So, if you’re curious about the unparalleled power of tapping into your senses, give it a go here.