Simplified Self-Care at Work

by Robyn Conley Downs on Sep 6, 2018 (last updated Feb 5, 2022) 0 comments »

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, overwhelming or time-consuming, and can, instead, be all about the small ways that you tune in and take care of you.

The commute to work and hours at your desk provide amazing opportunities to practice self-care, and to keep your day grounded and refreshed.

Read on for tips to simplify your self-care at work!

Feel Good Commute Self-Care Ideas

1 | Listen up… Feel Good Playlist.

Remember when mix tapes were a thing?

When you’d spend time putting together a special playlist for someone important in your life? Yeah, let’s bring that back.

Except this time, make yourself the special person.

Create a playlist using Spotify or Pandora, or find one already made that makes you feel really good.

Maybe it’s mellow spa music, 80’s flashback music, or rap. Playing music you love can turn an otherwise draining commute into your own personal self-care time.

2 | Listen up…Podcasts Forever.

Podcasts are a game-changer when it comes to your daily commute.

Maybe you want something inspirational, educational, entertaining, or downright hilarious. Whatever your mood or interests, chances are there’s a podcast for that.

Take a few moments to download your favorites each week so you have hours of listening available without wifi required.

Kids in the car who don’t want to listen along? Pop in one earbud (keep the volume low enough so you can still be aware of traffic) and listen away.

3 | Listen up… Call a Friend.

I know, who makes phone calls these days anyway?

Use your car time to catch up with friends and family with an old-fashioned talk in real time. Invest in a headset or earbuds so you can talk, hands-free.

4 | Listen up… Audio Books.

Like podcasts, audiobooks can completely change your daily commute from something you dread into self-care time you look forward to.

Particularly if you’re someone who enjoys reading but can’t find the time, audiobooks can be just what you’re looking for. Download your book before you hit the road and you’re good to go.

Feel Good Self-Care Ideas at Your Desk

5 | Get Cozy.

Whether you work in a cubicle or from home, spending some intentional time on making your environment as cozy as possible totally counts as self-care.

If you’re always cold, find a cozy blanket to drape over the back of your chair.

Tired feet? Hide some comfy slippers under your desk to slip into when you’re sitting.

Challenge yourself to set up your space to feel as nurturing as possible.

6 | Create a Hydration Habit.

Sitting at your desk all day is the perfect opportunity to adopt a hydration habit.

Find a large glass, fill it up and sip away. Straws can make drinking a lot easier.

I like these and these. Also? Try implementing a caffeine cut-off, particularly if you find it difficult to fall asleep.

7 | Take a Break… Stand, Breathe, Move.

While it can be tempting to push-through and sit in order to try to get everything done, taking short breaks is an important way to practice self-care.

Set a timer on your computer or watch, to get up, and stretch.

Bonus points for taking a quick walk or breathing session.

Feel Good Self-Care at Work

8 | Break up with Gossip.

Getting sucked into the gossip trap at work?

Consider changing things up to protect your mental and emotional energy.

Take your break in a different location, bring a book, or listen to a podcast.

Changing things up can be heard at first, but you may find it makes a big difference in how you feel in the long term.

9 | Bring Your Own Treats.

Ahhh, the break room.

The break room with its donuts, and cookies, and co-worker birthday cakes.

If you find yourself giving into break room treats at 3:00 in the afternoon (even though those donuts are stale and not that good anyway) consider bringing your own stash of “worth-it” treats.

Coming up with a new routine will liberate you from the break temptations and leaving you feeling really good.

10 | Take a Break… Advocate + Stand / Stand, Breathe, Move.

When it comes to lunches and breaks, be your own advocate.

Chances are you are granted legal breaks throughout your day.

If you’re employer isn’t making breaks available to you, speak up and advocate for yourself.

And, if breaks are available and you’re not actually taking them, it’s time to change that! Consider it your mini self-care reset.

Stand up (or sit down, depending on what your job requires outside of break time), get outside, take a walk, read, listen to an audiobook, or simply breathe.