Take Time For Self-care

We all need a break from our jobs from time to time. A break from the stress the workday can sometimes bring. While we may not always be able to avoid stressful situations in the workplace, we can learn how to take better care of ourselves to lessen the impact on our bodies and minds.

10 Easy Self-Care Tips:

Go for a walk. Take a walk by yourself, with a friend or family member, or your pet. Exercise is a great stress reliever. And a little fresh air and sunshine never hurts.
Don’t work through lunch. For so many of us, a lunch break consists of grabbing your salad or sandwich from the fridge and continuing to work while you eat. Perhaps even more so when working from home, it’s easy to fall into the habit of working through your lunch hour. It’s important to set aside sometime in your day not only to feed your body, but to take a break from work.
Use your vacation time! You worked hard to earn that time off. If you can’t get away, take a staycation with family, go to a local park or beach, or even your own backyard. Even if it’s only for a long weekend, it’s important to take time for yourself when you can and spend that time focusing on yourself, your family or your hobbies.
Set aside time for a meditation break. Find a quiet and peaceful place to get centered, take deep cleansing breaths, and focus on being in the moment. If meditation is new to you, there are several apps that can help. Some of our favorites are Calm, Headspace and Meditation Studio.
Listen up! Take a short break during your workday to listen to your favorite music or a podcast. It can help to literally tune out your workplace for a bit. Studies show that people who take a break accomplish more than those who don’t. The mind needs time to process all of the information that it is taking in and a short break provides that essential processing time.
Take a mental health day. Sometimes a short break just won’t do. Once in a while, you may need an entire day to unplug, recharge and take care of you. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you recognize you need a break, ask for one. And when you take that day, use the time to relax, recharge and refocus.
Ask for help when you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your supervisor or a co-worker, a family member or a friend. It’s not always easy to speak up when you are feeling stressed or overworked, but you may find help that you weren’t expecting that may lighten your load.
Pay it forward. If you recognize someone who needs help, or a friendly chat, a pat on the back, or a little encouragement, take a moment and offer it. Helping another person can go a long way to lifting your own spirits.
Have a little fun. Take a short break to work on a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or crush some candy on your phone. Whatever helps you to relax and unwind for a short time during your workday can help reduce stress.
Phone a friend. A brief chat with a mentor, friend or family member can help take the edge off and add some cheer to a stressful workday.

From all your friends at Catapult, we hope you find time for self-care. You deserve it.

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