FEEL RESTED, REFRESHED AND RECHARGED

Self-Care in Action

Spinning My Tires in a Fog

Have you ever felt like your concentration has left you, you were going in circles and brain fog has set in?  This can be a sign you need down time, a break or a vacation.

I have recently returned from my vacation in Summerland.  A vacation helps to refresh us and recharge our batteries so we can go forward in our lives and in our work with renewed vigour and appreciation.

I had a good rest and now I have renewed energy and zeal to give my best self to every one of my clients.

Take a Break from Feeling Guilty

Sometimes we tend to not want to take a break because of various responsibilities at home and work.  Some may feel guilty if they are not constantly doing something productive.   

We also may worry that going on a vacation or even being away a day from work the load will pile up and we would have to work that much harder to catch up, thus negating any positive effects from said break or vacation.

Get More Done Effectively in Less Time

To take time off or may seem to be the opposite of what a working person feels they should do.  However, research suggests the average Canadian works 8.8 hours everyday, and the average person is only productive for two hours and 53 minutes.  Anything over that limit will result in slower, less effective results, with more mistakes. 

When you have rested, refreshed yourself and recharged your batteries, you are more mentally alert and energetic.  You can focus and problem-solve effectively.  Also, many tasks are completed quickly and with less errors.  Taking time to take a vacation, downtime or practice self-care is vital to us and for those around us.  It greatly benefits our mental and physical health, as well as the quality of our relationships with other people.

It is strange how people will remember to get their car tuned up, change the oil and get their furnace serviced each fall, yet we often forget that we need to take care of ourselves as well.

Some Practical Self-Care Practices

Besides taking a vacation, regular self-care is critical.  Here are some ways to achieve self-care:

  • Sleep – Not getting enough may cause major health issues.  Keep your bedroom free of distractions (such as TVs, laptops, cellphone, etc. Put up room-darkening curtains.
  • Gut Health – Types of food you eat impact bacteria that live in your stomach. An unhappy gut can lead to an unhappy person.
  • Exercise – Daily exercise boosts your mood, reducing stress and anxiety. Create a routine that works for you.
  • Eat Right – Keep your mind working and alert.  Eating the right foods helps prevent short term memory loss and inflammation.
  • Saying “No” – If you are already stressed or overworked, saying “yes” to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety and irritability.
  • Get Outside –  Getting outside reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, be more mindful, helps reduce fatigue and sleep better at night.
  • Getting Organized – Create an area to keep keys, purses, backpacks, briefcases and coats.  Make sure they are ready to go for the next day.
  • Cook at Home – You need the right nutrients that fast food can’t give you.
  • Read a Book –  Read a book on self-care so you can learn more about how to take care of yourself.
  • Schedule Self-Care.  Plan regular self-care time.  Moments alone can help you ponder the best ways to move forward in your life and keeps you grounded.  Moments with friends can help you feel more connected and relaxed.  Go for a long walk, take a hot bath, enjoy a good movie with friends.  Take 15 minutes before your day begins to practice deep breathing.  Self-care will help you grow, enjoy life and thrive.

Some self-care suggestions I give my clients also include drinking plenty of water, diffusing essential oils and taking natural remedies for their health.

What are some of your favourite ideas for self-care? Let us know in the comments below or contact us.

Categories
Tags