Four Ways of Taking Better Care of You

For the first time in many years, I made the decision to take a vacation. Not the kind of vacation I usually take where I spend time around home “catching up” on items I was not able to complete all year, but a REAL vacation. I decided to go somewhere peaceful where I would have an opportunity to do what I call the three r’s- rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Working in the human service field is unique to other professions. While it is job and a career to many, it is also a special calling in which we strive to make difference in the lives of other people.

With this calling, we sometimes feel guilty if we are not at work providing services to others and managing our teams. We sometimes believe that since the shop never closes; we must always be present from preventing any disaster from occurring. What I learned from my vacation is the importance of renewal and if the body and mind does not have the opportunity to release and heal, burnout will surely occur. In order to effectively function at both work and home, one must take the time to care for oneself.

The following are four ways of taking better care of you:

1.       Exercise. Participating in some form of exercise on a regular basis can help you prevent extra weight gain.  Exercise also fights different types of health conditions, improves your mood and make you feel better. If you work at a desk, take a break by walking the hallway or down the stairs if possible. It is important to find an exercise that is both realistic and right for you.

 

2.       Eating right.  Eating healthy foods will often prevent health problems such as, high blood pressure, diabetes, and health disease. Studies show that most people reach for something to eat when feeling stressed. If you work behind the desk before reaching for snacks in the vending machine, have a glass of water which will fill you up or bring healthy snacks to works such as nuts, carrots, or a banana.

 

3.       Take a class. Taking a class in something not related to work will give you an opportunity to talk about something new, exciting and different at work. This will also help alleviate the negativity at the workplace and will expand your mind.

 

4.       Meditate. Meditation is a good way to release your stress and open your mind to a new awareness. A benefit of meditation is that it will reduce anxiety, decrease muscle tension and improve your immune system. It can also help with increasing work productivity, promote  relaxation and develop compassion, love and patience.