| I spent some time thinking about what my first message of the year should be, and I decided it should be about you. We all have busy lives with many responsibilities, and often, self-care gets neglected. Why not kick off the new year by taking care of yourself first, just like they say to put on an oxygen mask before helping others on an airplane? I know it might sound like something we should do when we’re less busy, but the truth is, we’re always busy.
Taking care of yourself may seem simple, but it does require some effort to figure out what works best and when. I often find myself needing a break but not knowing what to do with that time. In the picture above, you’ll see one of my favorite self-care activities: going for a walk. It’s something that works really well for me. It’s free and can last as short or as long as you can make it. To help you get started with self-care, I’ve give you 6 of my favorites below. Try them out, try others, then create your own personalized self-care routine. The idea is to incorporate a few of these into your daily life.
1. Go for a walk: Walking has numerous benefits, including improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening bones and muscles, and enhancing posture. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of various health issues, combat depression and fatigue, boost your mood, and reduce stress.
2- Journal or Write: Writing down your thoughts regularly can help you feel less stressed and anxious. You can do this by jotting down your ideas during lunch, starting a blog (for yourself or others to read), or keeping a diary that you write in every day.
3- Eat a meal away from a screen: Staring at your computer or phone during lunch might will likely eat more than you normally would. Plus, you’re missing out on a good opportunity to reflect and relax. Have you ever had a sandwich for lunch and couldn’t even recall what was inside it? Try to focus on your food, savor it, and take a moment to reconnect with your body and senses while taking a break from screens for a little while.
4. Get up and move: Smartwatches and apps can remind you to take short breaks throughout the day. These breaks help improve blood flow, reset your mind, and reduce stiffness.
5. Prepare and pack your lunch: Spending time in the kitchen can be a relaxing experience. Cooking for yourself and bringing your lunch to work ensures you eat healthy and feel good.
6. Pick up a hobby and enjoy it: Hobbies are a great way to maintain a healthy work-life balance, acquire new skills, and meet new people. If you’re caught up in the daily grind, consider adding a hobby to your routine for a refreshing and enjoyable break.
There are many more self-care activities, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, singing in the shower, dancing, exercising, or savoring a cup of green tea. You can explore a list of 134 more interesting options here.
Remember to grant yourself plenty of care, empathy, and support in 2024. Not only do you deserve it, but it will also lead to better feelings and results at the end of each day. Let the new year begin!
– Burak Sarac, Team Lead
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