Self-care is about taking care of you, not just on International Self-Care Day but every day.
Why is this important?
Commercial real estate is a booming industry in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Our professionals need to be on top of their game to meet their clients’ needs and provide the best service possible. As part of their job, it means that they’re attuned to and understand what they need to be their most constructive, effective, and authentic self. As individuals, it is important to reduce stress to enhance our well-being. Everyone needs to have enough “fuel” to get through the day to take care of ourselves, loved ones, and clients. The phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” comes to mind. Self-care should not be thought of as selfish, it’s about knowing what we need in order to be the best version of yourself.
What is self-care?
Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Sounds simple enough right? Yes, but it is often overlooked. We live in a digital “want it now” fast-paced environment, where we prioritize work and the never-ending to-do list at the expense of our well-being. The core of self-care is a soul that needs to be tended.
How do we start?
- Basics – Keep it simple, do not try and do too much. Whether it be taking a walk with no distractions, reading a book, delegating at work, or practicing self-compassion. Over time you will find what works for you. You can implement more as you identify other forms of self-care.
- Actively plan – Self-care needs to be an active choice and you must treat it as such. Plan activities into your calendar and increase your commitment over time. Actively look for new opportunities to practice self-care.
- Conscious mind – Be aware of what you do, why you do it, how it feels, and what the outcomes are.
Self-Care Tips & Tricks at the Workplace
Rather than having self-care be something “outside” of work, it’s important to weave it naturally into the course of your workday.
- Cut Yourself a Break: Try not checking emails or answering your phone during your lunch break.
- Healthy Diet: Choose nutritional meals. Look into meal planning or find nutritional options at your local grocery store.
- Take a Victory Lap: What did you do last week? According to Havard Business Review, most of us can’t remember because once we’ve completed a deliverable or gotten through a tough crunch, we’ve already moved on to the next thing. Instead, hit the pause button with yourself and your team to take a look back at the previous month or quarter, and name or write down what went well or what felt particularly satisfying. This kind of debrief can help you and your team stay connected to passions, highest contributions, and actions that actually add value.
- Exercise: 30 minutes of moderate exercise can do wonders to your mood. Take a walk and call a loved one to catch up. Use your office amenities whether it be the fitness facility, tenant lounge, off-site walking trail or outdoor deck park to reboot and recharge.
- Laugh Daily: Surround yourself with good people. Don’t let work cause you to neglect the most important people in your life. Use breaks during the day, or perhaps your commute time, to call friends and loved ones, and carve out plenty of time outside of work to nurture relationships.
How is your soul? How will you practice self-care on International Self-Care Day?
