Self-care at work: Simple ways to encourage well-being

Put Well-Being First. And Love the Results.

Self-care starts with just that. Yourself. We don’t want to list all of the anxiety-inducing, daily, work-related stressors, but you’re probably already aware, there’s quite a few. Instead, let’s flip to the “Good News” channel for this one: self-care and strong mental health in the workplace are very achievable for employees and employers alike.

Why is self-care important? Your mental health and productivity are not mutually exclusive. When you put your well-being first, higher levels of productivity follow. This rings true for your employees as well. A work environment built around empowering employees with an effective work-life balance plants the seeds for high workplace efficiency.

How to diffuse a ticking time bomb

Stress creeps up on you and your employees—always lurking, hiding behind rigid deadlines, strongly-worded emails, personal feuds, etc. Sometimes completely undetected. Until… BOOM. Burn out and apathy set in. The smallest of work-related tasks suddenly seem overwhelming and mentally draining. The result? Morale takes a nosedive and productivity tends to falter. Mental health and burnout are inversely proportional. As one rises, the other dips.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk of burnout and counteract its effects by practicing effective methods of self-care. Here are just a few ideas for discovering and implementing an effective work-life balance:

Meditate. I’m not necessarily suggesting becoming a monk, but there is a certain philosophy to it. Meditation, slowing down and turning the lens inward even just for a few minutes, can help you clear your mental inbox, step away from daily stressors, and act as a mid-workday reset button. Simple breath work offers a sense of control.

Hobbies. Biking, painting, drawing, stargazing, reading, puzzles. Any of these are fine ways to exercise interests outside of work. Find that thing you love and do it often. Passions are great mood boosters and a great distraction—natural highs.

Get physical. Get that blood pumping. Take the time in the day to workout or just stretch. Part of self-care is working on your physical health. The best part is the benefits aren’t just physical—it can improve your mental state as well. Your employees might laugh while you do jumping jacks at your desk until they start doing it too and realize it’s true benefits.

Vacation. Seriously, take time off. Not to get too personal here, but relationships need space sometimes, right? Your work-life relationship is no different. Don’t be too clingy. Unplugging is the ultimate recharge. There’s a world waiting for you outside of work. Don’t make work the only thing you see every day. It will be there when you get back.

Socialize. Developing friendships and true connections might just save you from insanity. Humans are social creatures, and all have stories of their own. Everyone is an opportunity to learn something new and grow. It doesn’t even have to be outside of work. Chat it up with your coworkers as well.

Make self-care part of your routine away from work-related spreadsheets and emails. Whatever your practices may be, make it as essential as brushing your teeth (I’m only assuming and hoping you do it every day). There’s a method to the madness—a good work-life balance lowers risk of burnout and heightens your sense of well-being.

Creating a self-care culture: Lead by example

This may seem like weird advice for a business owner, but you shouldn’t want your employees focused on work all the time. Achieving maximum productivity from your team means ensuring that they’re physically and mentally healthy—and more importantly not burnt out. If you’ve already mastered the tools for your own self-care, share them with your team. Be the example. Do those jumping jacks. Take that vacation. Find that time to meditate.

What else can you do to keep the self-care torch lit? Give your employees the freedom to ask questions and voice any concerns privately to you or your HR department. And give them a sense of deeper connection and support with:

Flexible work schedules
Benefits providing access to help
Manageable team goals
Safe workplace environment
Encouraged breaks

Self-care looks different for everyone. What works for an astronaut might not work for a cowboy. It’s about finding your own methods to make your everyday at work better than the last and to live a fulfilling life. Find what works for you and help your team find what works for them. Productivity and good office vibes will be the ultimate result.

What ways do you encourage self-care at the office? Let us know in the forum thread here!

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