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In the Midst of Motion: How to Turn Every Work Hour into a Wellness Opportunity

Published by Editor's Desk
Category : self-care

Navigating the demands of a modern workplace can often feel like a juggling act. Balancing productivity, efficiency, and wellness can seem like an elusive trinity. However, I discovered an alchemy where every work hour morphed into a wellness opportunity. In the bustling ethos of tasks and deadlines, silent pockets of wellness emerged, transforming not just the work experience but the very essence of professional life.

 

 The Harmony of Movement and Tasks:

 

One of the cardinal revelations was the integration of movement into tasks. The adoption of walking meetings turned discussions into dynamic interactions. Every stride was not just a physical step but a cognitive leap. Ideas flowed, creativity surged, and collaboration found a rhythm in the strides.

 

 Deskercises – The Silent Revolution:

 

The confines of the desk blossomed into arenas of wellness with deskercises. Simple stretches, seated leg lifts, and neck rotations weaved seamlessly into work hours. Every stretch was a hiatus of relief, every movement a dance of vitality, turning monotonous hours into dynamic chapters of productivity and wellness.

 

 Nutrition - The Fuel of Productivity:

 

The diet underwent a silent yet profound transformation. The snack drawer, once a reservoir of quick fixes, blossomed into a trove of nutritious gems. Nuts, fruits, and whole snacks turned snack breaks into wellness pauses. Every bite was not just satiation but nourishment, fuelling a work ethos marked by energy, focus, and vitality.

 

 Mindful Moments Amidst Madness:

 

Mindfulness carved its niche in the chaotic hours. Short breathing exercises, minute-long meditations, and mindful pauses became the oases of calm. In the eye of the storm, these silent moments were anchors, grounding the mind, fostering clarity, and unleashing a focused, calm, and creative professional self.

 

 Technology - The Ally of Wellness:

 

Technology, often branded the villain, emerged as the ally. Wellness apps, reminders to move, virtual wellness challenges transformed screens into platforms of health. Every notification was a nudge towards wellness, every virtual challenge a collective stride towards a workplace pulsating with health and vitality.

 

 The Ergonomic Elevation:

 

Ergonomics took center stage. Adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and optimal screen placements turned every hour spent working into an experience of comfort. The spine’s integrity, eye comfort, and postural grace were not aspirational but experiential, marking each task accomplished with the silent yet potent stamp of wellness.

 

 The Green Intervention:

 

Plant buddies adorned workspaces. Their silent yet profound presence was not just aesthetic enrichment but air purification, mood elevation, and a connection to the elemental. Every glance at the green was a visual retreat, a silent step from the mechanical to the elemental, breathing life into work hours.

 

 Holistic Engagement – Beyond Work Tasks:

 

Employee engagement morphed into holistic interactions. Virtual yoga sessions, wellness challenges, mental health webinars turned every interaction into a well-rounded engagement. The employee emerged not as a task performer but a holistic entity, where mental, physical, and emotional wellness was integral to professional interactions.

 

In the midst of motion and deadlines, a silent yet profound wellness narrative unfolded. Every work hour was not a countdown but an opportunity, every task not a demand but an interaction marked by wellness. In this transformative journey, the workplace is not a domain of productivity but a sanctuary where every hour is an orchestration of tasks and wellness, every day a narrative where professional demands and personal health are not at loggerheads but in a harmonious dance.

 

Join me in this revelation, where every email sent is accompanied by the grace of ergonomic comfort, every meeting is a dance of ideas and movement, every deadline is met with the silent yet potent fuel of nutrition and wellness. We are not just professionals navigating tasks but holistic beings weaving wellness into every interaction, every hour, every task.

 

In this silent yet potent transformation, wellness is not an afterthought but an integral melody, echoing in every corner of the workplace, breathing life, vitality, and holistic grace into the ethos of professional life. Every employee is a wellness ambassador, every task a wellness opportunity, every workspace a sanctuary where professional excellence and personal wellness coalesce into a symphony of balanced, enriched, and holistic existence.

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How can I go from burnout to self care

What People are talking about burnout?

I feel like my body is running on adrenaline. It’s as if I am trying to run a marathon at a sprint pace - every single day at work.

I have been consistently experiencing high levels of stress and I didn’t take steps to manage or reduce it. Eventually this led to exhaustion, physical and emotional burn out!

I just can’t say “no” and felt that I would let someone down by refusing an assignment. So I took on too much work leading up to stress and burnout. 


So what happened?

Your decision to begin your journey from burnout to self care is itself a sign of how far you’ve come. From a professional wanting to work hard and succeed to someone being overwhelmed and overworked for so long and then finally experiencing burnout is a long and arduous process. You’ve already crossed the first step of recognizing burnout and now you must slowly but steadily rid yourself of all of its symptoms. Since burnout happened to you gradually, affecting your ability to function across all aspects of life, you must prepare yourself for an incremental approach to the burnout recovery process. 

What can we do about it?

Focus on sustainability

The key to transitioning from this state of exhaustion to one of rejuvenation lies in embracing sustainability in your self-care practices. The next time an assignment is presented to you, ask yourself “Can I do this with the same intensity for the next few weeks?” If there’s a task that you don’t enjoy, ask yourself “for how long can I continue doing this task without feeling bored and unmotivated?” Instead of tolerating a stressful situation for long periods of time, address it at the beginning with the idea of sustainability at the back of your mind.

Secondly, sustainability in self-care means recognizing and respecting our limits. It involves setting healthy boundaries, saying no when necessary, and understanding that rest is not a luxury, but a fundamental need. It's about listening to our body and mind, and responding with kindness and patience.

Lastly, sustainable self-care is about finding balance. It’s not just about relaxation and downtime, but also about finding joy and engagement in activities you love, fostering relationships that nourish you, and pursuing goals that give you a sense of purpose.

Can I read more about it somewhere?

"The Thriving Therapist: Sustainable Self-Care to Prevent Burnout and Enhance Well-Being" by Matthew A. Hersh, Ph.D., is a holistic and comprehensive guide aimed at psychotherapists and mental health professionals. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable self-care practices, particularly for those dedicated to caring for others. The book, born from Dr. Hersh's personal experiences, including a life-threatening illness, offers a nuanced view on self-care, integrating wisdom from various sources with the author's own insights as a psychologist, therapist, and cancer survivor​​.

Here are three main takeaways from the book:

  • Integrative Approach to Self-Care: The book provides an integrative view of self-care, combining research, self-reflection exercises, personal anecdotes, and practical techniques. It encourages readers to actively engage in self-care rather than passively reading about it​​.
  •  
  • Evidence-Based Guidance: Dr. Hersh offers a well-researched, evidence-based guide to restoring health, mental well-being, and idealism for mental health professionals. This is particularly relevant in our increasingly stressed society, where mental health professionals often experience burnout​​.
  •  
  • Tools for Mindful Coping: The book is a reflective guide that provides tools, guides, and wisdom for mindful coping. It supports helping professionals and others in developing skills to care for themselves while they care for others, emphasizing the balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities​​.

Dr. Hersh's background as a clinical psychologist, mindfulness teacher, and energy psychology practitioner, along with his personal journey and professional experience, enriches the content of the book, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the mental health field​​.

I don't get it.. Tell me more 

When transitioning from a state of burnout to embracing self-care, it's crucial to engage in self-reflection. This process allows you to understand your needs, set boundaries, and develop a sustainable self-care routine. By asking yourself the right questions, you can uncover the root causes of your burnout and create a tailored approach to your well-being. Here are five important questions to guide this introspective journey:

What are my primary stressors? Identifying the specific sources of your stress can help you address them more effectively.

How do I typically respond to stress, and is it effective? Understanding your current coping mechanisms can reveal if they're helping you or potentially contributing to your burnout.

What activities genuinely rejuvenate me? It's essential to distinguish between activities that truly refresh you and those that might be escapism or short-term fixes.

What boundaries do I need to set for my health and well-being? Recognizing where you need to set limits can help you conserve energy and prioritize your well-being.

How can I integrate self-care into my daily routine? Consider practical ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday life, ensuring it's sustainable and not just a temporary fix.

By pondering these questions, you can begin to develop a deeper understanding of your needs and how best to meet them on your path to recovery and well-being.

Here’s what an ideal burnout to self care journey looks like:

Imagine yourself as an employee on a journey from burnout to embracing self-care:

Morning Ritual: Your day starts with a new ritual. Instead of immediately checking emails, you take a few minutes for meditation or deep breathing. This helps set a calm tone for the day.

Commute with Mindfulness: On your commute, you listen to relaxing music or a motivational podcast. This time becomes a transition period, mentally preparing you for the day ahead.

Structured Work Hours: At work, you diligently adhere to structured hours. You've learned to prioritize tasks, focusing on what's important and letting go of perfectionism in less critical tasks.

Regular Breaks: Every hour, you take a short break. It might be a walk around the office, some stretching, or a moment of mindfulness. These breaks help reduce mental fatigue and maintain focus.

Healthy Lunch Breaks: You commit to taking a full lunch break away from your desk. This time is for unwinding, enjoying a healthy meal, and perhaps a brief walk outside.

Effective Communication: You communicate more openly with your team and supervisor about your workload. When feeling overwhelmed, you ask for help or delegation, creating a supportive work environment.

After-Work Unwind: After work, you engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax - it could be a hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

Evening Routine: You have an evening routine that signals to your brain that the workday is over. This might include journaling, reading, or a relaxing bath.

Quality Sleep: You prioritize getting enough sleep, understanding its vital role in recovery and health.

Reflect and Adjust: Each day, you reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. You adjust your self-care practices accordingly, understanding that recovery is a dynamic process.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you gradually recover from burnout, transforming your work life into a more balanced and fulfilling experience.

In case you are wondering, there are some more problem and their alternatives

10 Signs That You Are Overworked

7 Tips to Manage Your Time and Energy

Ways to Prioritize SelfCare and WellBeing