Make self-care at work a priority in 2024
It is almost back to work for most South Africans and there has never been a better time than now, to think about implementing in-office practices that will ensure you maintain your energy all year long.
Self-care is the foundation for effectiveness and well-being.
‘In-office’ practices that positively contribute to self-care, which can make a tremendous difference to a person’s quality of life, career success and fulfilment is important,” says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education.
He says while it is important to build those habits that support mental and physical wellbeing outside of work, the 8 hours plus of our workday should also be harnessed to ensure optimal and ongoing wellbeing, to avoid burnout.
“While the specific in-office self-care habits can vary from person to person, there are some fundamental ones that successful people employ to improve both their well-being,” he says.
The most important habit to develop is effective time management, says Kriel.
“Prioritising tasks, setting boundaries, and delegating to avoid burnout helps maintain a healthy work-life balance, while procrastination (a tendency to put things off) is the main enemy of good time management and adds to stress levels.
The following habits can help you feel empowered and in control of your life:
CONTINUAL LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Learning and personal growth are vital for success. Successful leaders often engage in lifelong learning by reading, attending seminars, taking courses, or seeking mentorship to stay updated and adapt to changing environments.
REGULAR MENTAL & PHYSICAL BREAKS
Taking short breaks during the workday can help recharge the mind and prevent burnout. Use these periods of downtime to reflect and refocus.
EFFECTIVE STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing or journaling, help. Creating a to-do list and prioritising tasks is number one, but then breaking down tasks into manageable chunks can reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
Learn to be assertive by respectfully communicating your needs and boundaries to reduce workplace stressors and say no when necessary to avoid over-commitment.
REFLECTION & GOAL-SETTING
Regular self-reflection and personal goal-setting help us stay focused on long-term objectives and ensure we are aligned with our values and priorities. Being able to measure your performance against the goals you set will not only identify gaps, which will help you focus but also create a sense of achievement when goals are met.
Source: MEROPA COMMUNICATIONS
