According to a survey conducted in America, people mentioned the benefits of self-care as – improved self-confidence (64%), enhanced productivity (67%), and happiness (71%). [1]
Everyone is busy nowadays with the fast-paced world. But self-care is equally essential. Focusing on mental health and habits that relax the mind is vital. Mental health needs to be prioritized in self-care activities even amidst a busy & demanding schedule.
In such a face-paced world, we often wonder how to take care of ourselves. Even though we are aware of “self-care”,we still find it difficult to add it in our daily routines. We still find ourselves asking Google “How do you fit self-care into a busy schedule.”
We often wonder whether it is even possible to fit self care into our busy schedules as busy professionals and the answer is yes! It is!
Here are easy self care tips for busy professionals to fit into their busy schedules:
Tip one – Steering away from the negativity
It all starts with a negative thought! Negativity and stressful energy can harm a person in several ways. People having a busy schedule can proactively keep away from the negativity around them. It can be through avoiding stressful circumstances and surrounding oneself with good people. The energy of a person, who may be a colleague or an acquaintance, can take a toll on mental health. Making plans with family members and trusted confidants can be an excellent way to nourish the positives of life! Sometimes, even a phone call of only five minutes with a dear friend can work like a charm for mental well-being. It is also a type of self-care that helps in safeguarding positive vibes.
Tip two – Taking breaks at work
Working continuously without taking breaks impacts mental well-being. Self-care includes taking breaks amidst busy schedules even if it hampers the work. Nothing can be a bigger priority than mental peace. Many people feel a break would ruin their continuity. But taking the time out to focus on other things can do wonders! It can be a quick session of scrabble or solving the daily crossword in the newspaper! Whatever suits the likings of a person and brings relief from a stressed mind can ease the needs.
Tip three – Taking compulsory leaves
The compulsory leave facility is a unique concept that nurtures the self-care need. A few years back, the concept of providing compulsory leave to the employee was not there. With time, employers have also realized the worth of the employees and introduced these facilities to promote mental well-being. Taking leave and planning exciting activities during the compulsory leave can beat the stress. It soothes the mind and revitalizes the mental state.
Tip four – Recognizing self-worth is self-care
Busy professionals often do not find time to look after themselves. Thus, they do not recognize the small achievements in life. Valuing the positives in life is essential for self-care. It impacts their self-esteem and confidence as well. Rewarding oneself from time to time for achieving smaller targets can be an excellent solution. It can be a relaxing day in a spa for soothing the body and mind after a hectic week or can be buying a dress that was on the shopping wish list for a long time! It is a process that helps mental health become better. Rewarding hard work with self-gifts or through simple activities like reading a favorite comic is also a part of the self-care regime.
Tip five – Meditation can do wonders!
Mental well-being is correlated with the mind. A stressed mind full of anxious thoughts impacts mental health adversely. Even half an hour of meditation during a quick break in the office can fix the mental health status. Meditating to a soothing tune with a natural breeze hitting the face can be therapeutic. It soothes the mind and relaxes the heart. The natural air helps relieve stress. It is an excellent way to take care of oneself.
Tip six – Skincare equates to self-care
Skincare is the easiest form of self-care. A morning skincare routine or a night regime for skin care can be therapeutic. Why? Because it signifies the exclusive time or breaks that a person takes for nourishing the skin. It does not only benefit the skin and takes care of it but also nourishes the soul and brings a much-needed break from mundane tasks. Skincare can be in any form like even trying a different makeup on! Trying new looks from makeup tutorials can enhance the mental health state as it helps a person indulge in something else that brings them joy from the hectic tasks!
Tip seven – Interacting with a therapist
The ideal way for self-care and mental health nourishment amidst a busy work schedule is by connecting to a therapist. Communicating with an expert therapist is undoubtedly the best way for describing the feelings. The professional who is there to listen to what the person has to say helps in clearing the mental clutter. A therapist analyzes everything before jumping to conclusions. A heart-to-heart conversation with the therapist is an excellent form of self-care through which one can vent out accumulated thoughts. Whatever the thoughts may be, clearing the train of thought is more than essential at times.
Tip eight – Writing all that comes to mind!
Writing journals can be as therapeutic as talking to a psychologist. Journaling about the existing mental health and describing the train of thoughts in the mind can reduce anxiety. According to a recent research report, people writing online journals for 15 minutes daily for a period of 12 weeks could soothe their anxious mental state and other issues. Mental well-being improves if one can pen down the thoughts and regulate the emotions that play a significant part in self-care. [2]
Tip nine – Creative nourishment is vital
Creativity is the best way to self-care amidst a busy schedule. Even if a person is busy for 10 to 12 hours, taking out time for innovative activities is essential. It can be in the morning or at night before sleep. Also, it helps nurture hobbies. It can be through music, dance, art and craft, and many more during the much-needed me-time.
Tip ten – Take out the me-time
Me-time is the most-effective form of self-care. It brings a golden opportunity to sit in solace and indulge in activities that soothes the mind and brain. It can be watching a movie or going on a solo trip! All these are different ways to take care of oneself, and the me-time activity can differ from person to person.
Mind Alcove – Helping you always!
Mind Alcove brings you an effective virtual online platform where you can share your thoughts without taking your name. It is an anonymous platform where you can write anything and everything you want to without worrying about your identity. You can use the app or the website by signing up.
Self care is important especially as a busy professional. Try incorporating self care into your busy schedules with a few of these easy self care tips.
At first it will take some time to get used to them, but the more you follow them, the more you will see their benefits.Taking time for yourself and your mental health is always an investment with high returns and rewards in the long term.
