Taking proactive steps to look after your physical and mental health can pay dividends in how you feel and function in the workplace and in life.
Self-care is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself
Self-care is prioritising your own personal and mental health
Self-care is taking time out to stop, rest or relax when needed
Self-care is choosing to eat healthy foods
Self-care is having a routine that includes regular movement, relaxation, and inspiration
Self-care is taking herbs and nutrients to support health and wellness
Self-care is showing yourself kindness and compassion when you’re struggling and asking for help when needed
Self-care is caring for yourself as well as you care for your loved ones.
While everyone can benefit from self-care, keep a look out for warning signs that you need extra support. These may include mental and/or physical fatigue, lack of emotional resilience, reduced coping ability, feeling disengaged, sleep disturbances, mood imbalances, and changes in appetite and/or weight.1,2
8 Tips for Workplace Self-Care
The workplace can be source of ‘healthy’ stress, the sort that challenges you to take on new projects, learn new skills and stretch your capacity in ways that are achievable and promote personal growth and development. Self-care can help you maintain energy and vitality and support mental health while you rise to the challenge.
1. Support stress resilience with herbs and nutrients: B vitamins and magnesium support nervous system function and energy production for greater stress resilience. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an adrenal tonic that can assist during times of stress.3 Herbal tonics and adaptogens such as Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and Withania (Withania somnifera) build energy and vitality to support mental and physical performance and reduce the impact of daily stress.3
2. Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Extra effort may be required shorter-term for special projects, however, try to avoid extended periods of overtime which can deplete energy and affect stress resilience.
3. Take Brain Breaks: If you sit for hours at the computer, make sure you regularly ‘unplug’ from stimulating screens to give your brain a break. Have lunch away from your desk and take the time to move your body and connect with others (lunchtime walk, anyone?).
4. Connect with Colleagues: Get to know your workmates and foster positive connections for a more fun and harmonious workplace.
5. Maintain work-life balance: It’s what you do away from the office that helps you better manage the everyday. Remember to create healthy boundaries between work and your personal life and spend time pursing interests that recharge and renew you.
6. Rest and Relax: Resting may not be fashionable in a world obsessed with ‘doing’ however its importance cannot be underestimated in managing workplace stress and preventing burnout.
7. Practise Mindfulness: Mindfulness is associated with diminished activity in the amygdala, and when practised regularly can have profound effects by alleviating stress, reducing overall cognitive load, and improving working memory and executive function.4 Mindfulness practices include yoga and meditation, however you can practise mindfulness in any moment by simply focusing on your breath.
8. Care for your physical body: Being active outside work hours can support you physically during the workday, especially if have a sedentary role. Find ways to move throughout the day such as stretching or walking during a break.
A Healthier Workplace for All
Sustain vitality and resilience during the work week by prioritising your own self-care. By setting an example for others, you can create a culture of self-care for a healthier workplace.