Self care doesn’t necessarily mean bubble baths and face masks. Self care is simply taking action to improve your wellbeing. Most of us may think we are too busy to stop what we are doing and preform these self care rituals. We insist we will get the hard work done and rest when we’re done. But what If i told you that practicing self care will actually boost your productivity and help you get more work done.
As we reach the end of the year some people may start to lack motivation and productivity, I certainly do. So, below are a few simple acts of self care that will get you back on track in order to be more productive and smash the rest of 2020!
1. Set Morning and Nightly Routines
In order to increase your productivity you must set regular morning and night routines.
Regular sleep schedule
Forming healthy sleeping habits is easier said than done. Here are a few things you can implement in order to have a better sleep.
- Going to sleep and waking up at the same time.
- Having an 8 hour sleep.
- Giving yourself an hour of screen free time before going to sleep.
Gratitude
Before going to sleep ( in your screen free time ) make a mental note of 3 things that you are grateful for. You may even like to write them down and come back to them at different times the next day to remind you of all the good that surrounds you.
Prioritise
Prioritising the most important tasks for the day ahead (both professionally and personally) is super valuable. When you have a lot on your plate you may feel overwhelmed. Having a list of your prioritises will make it easier to focus on what you have to achieve. When making your daily list of priorities be sure to include acts of self care amongst there, this will help you stay productive.
2. Eat your soul happy
Instead of grazing in front of your computer all day long try setting aside a reasonable lunch break. Move from your ‘working’ space to somewhere you can enjoy a well deserved lunch break.
Eating foods rich in B vitamins
Foods rich in vitamin B are known for their energy boosting properties.
Try incorporating foods into your diet including:
- Leafy Greens
- Eggs
- Beans and lentils
Mindful eating
Mindful eating refers to focusing on what food you are putting into your body and observing the sensations that come with that. Mindful eating allows us to reconnect with our senses and ultimately boost our focus and production.
Headspace has heaps of resources to help you understand more about mindful eating and how to do it. Check it out here!
3. Get moving
If you are feeling overwhelmed you are likely to lack concentration and therefore reduce your productivity. By doing 30 minutes of exercise a day you will relieve stress and refresh your thought processes.
Some easy ways to get moving without feeling like you are exercising include:
- Walking your pet.
- Dancing around your lounge room.
- Cleaning your space.
4. Meditate
Meditation is using mindfulness techniques in order to calm an individuals senses. Meditation is used to help an individual improve their focus therefore increases their productivity. The good thing about meditation is that anybody can meditate, anywhere and at any time
Focus on breathing
There are a variety of breathing techniques that you can use as a meditation. A popular technique is Box Breathing.
Box breathing is breathing in for 4, holding at the top for 4, breathing out for 4 and holding at the bottom for 4.
Guided Mediations
Guided mediations are listening and following the instructions of a separate person. There are a range of apps that you can download for access to guided meditations.
These include:
5. Declutter
Take a break from working and choose a space in your life that you could declutter. This will help clear your mind and increase your productivity.
Ways you can declutter include:
- Donating 3 items of clothing or accessories that you no longer wear.
- Deleting an app on your phone that you don’t use.
- Unfollowing 3 social media accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
Implement some of these acts of self care into your daily routine to increase your productivity and overall wellbeing.
