Better Self-Care: How To Take A Work Breather

Better self-care: How to take a breather from work

Post-pandemic blues have reigned in over on us – now that we have seen how employees’ mental health and wellbeing are considerably skydiving, with high burnout rates and undetected levels of stress on the rise all this while striving to keep up with work with surmounting exhaustion, some of which going undetected. Working longer is no longer working smarter it seems, with top executives chanting the mantra now that an intentional time out from work is to be expected, and that switching off from jobs will not guilt-trip anyone or throw off an employee into a precarious, serious situation when they return. Life still goes on, with or without work.

Adecco Asia Cluster’s CEO for One Month Palak Agarwal had shared that working from home has blurred the realities between work and life in a world where competition is needed and “busyness” shows that we are important and appreciated. Burnout happens when employees persistently continue the high paced schedules and constantly nagging activities, without knowing a company culture of wellbeing is in place for them, in the comfort of winding down for better rest. It is necessary that work life balances a full-time job’s expectations and ample time for relaxation, to protect employees’ sense of self and instill their pride at work of being part of a productive organization.

So how can we properly and realistically take a respite from work? Here’s what our 2021 Asia CEO1M Winner Palak suggests for productive self-care:

#1 Track what you’re doing to take care of your wellbeing

Monitor and reflect on exactly what you have been doing during your work hours and spare time. Are these significant and aligned to your values, goals and health concerns? Have you been staying up late at night combing through company emails and sorting customer files, not prioritizing sleep/rest and gotten yourself tired the next morning? Often repeating these actions again, which could lead to further burn-out? Take notes on your everyday activities disrupting your day and night, then make proactive changes to put your wellbeing on track again.

#2 Set realistic goals and rewards for meeting those goals

Be real when setting work goals, specifying every detail on what to achieve in the coming days, weeks or months. Do this by simplifying grand tasks into smaller, shorter work actions via a charted trajectory which is not out of reach so you can perform well easily, which would build upwards and culminate into the actual goal completion. Then, reward yourself with a practical gain (cups of ice cream, picking up a special dinner, visiting places of interest) when you have accomplished these tasks and attained goals, so you are motivated to continue working hard towards the achievements you have planned for the entire year.

#3 Set clear boundaries of work in your team

Deliberate clear boundary lines of work and leisure with your managers and the respective teams you work with. Setting these boundaries in the office can allow you to work smarter and become more efficient with time management. First, know and establish what are the work limits which should be in place, then speak to your managers and colleagues clearly about them where there is a defined agenda in the team. If agreed, go ahead to execute these boundaries under a specifically prioritized response framework which includes the call to delay a task, delegate, proceed or reject, according to reasons you have provided. Let others show you the respect you deserve, even at the workplace.

#4 Communicate your concerns calmly and seek help

We all have some concerns of our own which could end up affecting the way we function and comprehend matters. If you are feeling stressed, encounter issues with colleagues whom you think are offensive or uncooperative, or just fuming over a particular job order, stay calm and speak to your manager. Try not to overreact and overthink before getting possible help and advice, all of which could lead to redundant pressures on yourself landing into complicating extremities. You can also approach a professional from a company’s HR department to discuss the particular issue at hand and obtain help.

#5 Integrate wellness activities as a routine in your work week

Incorporate a quick wellness workout program into your workday which you currently can commit towards and consistently do. Yoga, stretching and weight lifts are easy ways you can start becoming active, and are highly stress-busting and enjoyable. If you prefer not doing it solo, rope in a partner or friend into an hour of exercise twice a week, including short minutes for meditation to encourage mindfulness and a state of calm away from the daily hustle and bustle. Plan out and arrange a conducive space that allows movement and bring in some greenery to promote serenity and relaxation.

#6 Make time for hobbies that make you happy in a week

Indulging in your own exciting hobbies every week should never be a tall order. As play is often linked to a boost in creative thinking and behaviors, having time to engage in active play and pursuits not only breaks the monotony of jobs constituting a routine drag but increases your chances in novel hands-on work problem-solving and facilitates better interpersonal communication with colleagues and co-workers. Of course, doing the things you enjoy within the rubric of your hobbies on top of surrounding yourself with things you love not only relieves stress and makes you happy. It potentially engages and provides meaning and enrichment to your life, challenges you outside of work, and even shapes you into becoming a more interesting person.

#7 Ensure quality time for family and friends

Probably the most important reason why we still have to take a break from work. For the sake of families and friends, to which only gratitude applies to their economic, social, physical and mental support given to us. Scheduling good time for a catch-up to maintain close relationships can prove to be difficult when cooped up and busy due to work responsibilities, so plan ahead and be continually involved whenever possible. Go ahead to enjoy and commemorate precious moments together, taking a brief detox from the daily toils. Families and friends stabilize and affirm a working individual’s authenticity, identity and sense of belonging, removing feelings of isolation, deprivation and hopelessness, especially when experiencing overwhelming distress.  

Article written by: Vania Wong