You finally get home after a long day at work. You slip off your heels at the door and sink into the soft couch cushions. For a moment, you’re resting on cotton candy clouds. Slowly, each and every tedious thought trickles away. Until your phone buzzes calendar reminders, you haven’t started writing that paper due in a few days and have yet to email back one of your clients. You’re immediately off to another task. This can make you feel overwhelmed and at risk of burnout.
What is Burnout?
Yes, focusing on goals and achievements is important, but taking on too much can make you overwork which can result in burnout. Burnout is burning oneself out, it is exhaustion in all spheres of life; emotionally, physically, and mentally. It is caused by a lengthy period of stress. This can result in extreme fatigue, insomnia, emotional instability, and even vulnerability to illness.
Why does self-care matter?
It is important to take good care of your health, which means your mind, body, and soul. Self-care is necessary for keeping a healthy relationship with yourself and your loved ones. Participating in wholesome activities will make you feel relaxed and happy. It will help build and improve confidence and self-esteem. Self-care teaches you to set appropriate boundaries to help put yourself first to prevent overworking.
It’s time to make self-care a regular part of your life!
Here are 9 tips to help you get started:
1. Sleeping – get your beauty sleep girl!
Getting enough sleep and being well-rested is important. Not sleeping enough can cause health risks. Start a night routine, avoid caffeinated and sugary food and drink before going to bed. Stay away from electronic devices; although these gadgets are helpful in the day time, at night they block the release of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin.
2. Schedule your self-care time
You are busy juggling work, school, and life in general. It’s all too easy to forget to take care of yourself. Make time for that skincare routine, for that painting class, or novel you’ve been wanting to get to. Scheduling the time can help in forming it into a habit.
3. Eating right
Eating nutritious foods can boost your mood, immune system and overall health. It can keep your brain and body alert and run efficiently. Add some dark leafy greens and fresh fruit to your diet for vitamin enhancement.
4. Get that exercise
Exercising regularly can help your body and mind because exercise improves overall mood and decreases stress and anxiety. Going to the gym daily may be a difficult task with a busy schedule so it’s best to incorporate various exercises such as walking, yoga, or sports. Choosing a routine that fits best for you is what’s most important.
5. Enjoying nature
Pause for a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature. Take a hike, visit a garden, or take a nature walk in your local forest. Breathing in fresh air with some light exercise will relax and calm you.
6. Learning to say no
We can oftentimes take on too much and overload ourselves. Knowing who you are and your limits are a big part of self-care. It’s important to be aware of when you are doing more than you are used to managing and understanding what can be done to slow down.
7. Take a trip
A weekend getaway once in a while can be a great way to destress. Even if you’re not feeling stressed, going away for a couple of days every now and then can help you feel rejuvenated. A trip does not mean it has to be extravagant, a self-care trip can be a camping trip, or a road trip, maybe a visit to a different town. The key is to do something different than what you normally do and doing something just for yourself.
8. Unplug for an hour
Turn off your laptop, phone, and other electronic devices and take a social media cleanse. Take some time to meditate or reflect. Write out your thoughts. Let your thoughts run free, write about what is bothering you and write about what makes you happy. Take the negative thoughts, rip them up and recycle them.
9. Choose who you spend your time with
Your time is precious. Surround yourself with people who motivate and inspire you. Stay away from negative people who drain your energy. Hang out with positive people who support you and care for you.
Self-care is not a one-time thing to tick off your to-do list. Its several healthy habits, which together calm and relieve you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Taking some time to focus on yourself and wellbeing can prevent burnout. Self-care will allow you to feel closer to your family, friends, and all your surroundings. What previously felt difficult will not seem as tough as before and the little things will bring you joy. Think about what makes you feel truly relaxed and happy to consistently incorporate some love and attention for your own body, mind, and soul.
