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Article by Alice Jonas of educatorsupport.org

Busy professionals often struggle with making time for self-care. However, dealing with pressure and anxiety, eating healthy, and staying fit are crucial for maintaining mental health. If you want to make sure you are doing right by yourself, here are some self-care tips from The Noisy Brain that can help give you the upgrade you’ve been hoping for.

Stay Physically Active

If you’re struggling to find time to fulfill all of your obligations, making time for more physical activity might seem counterintuitive. However, the benefits of exercise extend beyond improvements to your basic physical health; being more physically active also gives you more energy and reduces stress, meaning you have an increased capacity to face each day’s challenges. You don’t have to go to extremes with your workout — use a walk score map to plot out some comfortable walking routes. Long story short, being more physically active – along with improving your diet – can make you a far more efficient person, in addition to the immediate physical gains.

Don’t Keep a Job You Hate

There are a multitude of reasons why people stay in jobs they don’t like. Some may have a sense of pride about being overworked, while others may simply be afraid of heading in a new direction, even if they’re currently miserable. But that change is important, even if it’s scary. Otherwise, you’re dooming yourself to more misery.

When job stress leads to a lack of focus, anxiety, or insomnia, it’s time to move. No position is worth sacrificing your wellbeing. By leaving a job you don’t like that’s also harming your mental health, quitting becomes an act of self-care. Plus, it creates room for something better!

Be Positive

Developing a positive mindset is a powerful tool for improving your mental health. It involves cultivating an attitude that focuses on the potential for good, even in challenging situations. By defining success for yourself, you create personal benchmarks that are meaningful and attainable, steering clear of unhealthy comparisons and unrealistic expectations. This self-defined success fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Update Your Work Wardrobe

It may seem like clothing isn’t particularly vital to the self-care equation. However, comfortable clothes boost productivity through better focus, increased mobility, and more. Since that’s the case, you can get more done in less time, making your day less stressful.

Look through your work wardrobe to see if any pieces are ill-fitting or have fabric that isn’t pleasant on your skin. If so, replace the items (if necessary) with pieces that allow for better movement and are comfortable on your skin.

While you’re at it, make sure you have great options for your off-time. Feeling confident about your appearance no matter where you are or what you’re doing makes a difference. That’s why comfortable clothes that don’t sacrifice style are critical even when you’re off the clock.

Tackle Your Housekeeping Responsibilities

Housekeeping can feel like even more of a chore after a long day at work and isn’t inherently stress-reducing while you’re handling it. However, the end result usually is, making it a potent tool for boosting your mental health. Plus, it can make your home life less contentious, ensuring those bothered by messes feel respected and supported.

Turning your home into a fresh, vibrant space can relieve tension in your household, letting it serve as a form of self-care. If your family is arguing, declutter, clean, and let in fresh air to inject positivity, making your house a happier place for everyone. Take care of the laundry, sweep and vacuum, and add a little air freshener. It can make a big difference!

Add a Fake Commute to Your Workdays

The line between work and personal time is blurry when your office is always a few steps away. Since that’s the case, many people who work from home struggle with maintaining healthy boundaries. A lack of separation or feeling “always on” can harm your mental health. Fortunately, CNN notes that options like a fake commute can make a difference. With a fake commute, you have a transition activity that shifts you in and out of work mode. Whether it’s walking, driving, or listening to a ‘commute’ playlist, a fake commute makes it easier to set boundaries and maintain work-life balance, improving your mental health.

Learn to Say “No”

Many professionals think they don’t have a choice but to say “yes” when asked to take on more. However, that isn’t typically the case. Additionally, if you always welcome a bigger workload, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.

Saying “yes” at work every time comes with serious drawbacks. You might find your workload increasing far beyond what you can handle or may see your work quality drop to keep up. It’ll also strain your mental health, to say the least.

Harvard Business Review points out that learning how to say “no” can take a little time. However, once you get comfortable with it, it becomes easier. Additionally, as long as you keep your yeses and nos in balance, people will respect your decision when you choose to decline.

More Helpful Ideas

• Practice Mindfulness Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breath and being presentin the moment to help calm your mind and reduce stress.
• Engage in Physical Activity: Regular exercise, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, can help release endorphins and improve your mood.
• Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains, to help rejuvenate your mind and body.
• Art Therapy: Use creative outlets like painting, drawing, or sculpting to express emotions and relieve stress.
• CBD: Incorporate CBD products into your routine to help manage stress and anxiety, and explore THCA as an optionfor additional benefits.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to make mental health a priority when you’re a busy professional. Switching jobs, being more active, updating your wardrobe, a fake commute, learning to say no and keeping a tidier house are easy ways to work toward a healthier and happier you. Even implementing a few of these tips will make a difference, so give one a try and take it from there.

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