where self care and productivity meet

There’s a common misconception that self care is separate or distinct from our work lives, when in reality it’s all interconnected. The more we take care of ourselves, the more we can make efficient use of our time to achieve our goals.

Productivity isn’t about working 24/7 and crossing as many things off our list as humanly possible; productivity is about making the most of our time while leading a balanced, sustainable life over the long term.

With constant pressures from society and media, you may sometimes feel like you should hustle nonstop until you’re completely burned out and need a vacation. These simple self care tips will give you a different vibe, opting instead for stability, rest and connection rather than work, work and work (we know, kind of an odd thing for us to advocate for as a coworking space).

Even just trying one of them for a full week could have you feeling more prepared to take on your days.

• Say “no.” It can be hard to say no to opportunities and clients because it feels as though we’re losing income, but we all need time to breathe in order to produce our best work. Say no when your schedule is already full and trust that the opportunities will be there when you need them.
• Go outside. This one’s easy. Endless studies have proven that brief time spent outdoors can decrease stress while boosting creativity. Whether it’s one minute or one hour, go connect with nature and come back with a fresh mind.
• Rest well. Try your best to get 7+ hours of sleep each night. In addition to helping your brain function better, it’ll maintain your immune system and decrease physical tension. Maybe that means better nightly routines like reading books & turning off your laptop, or maybe it means sleeping in for 30 more minutes each morning. Maybe “rest” for you looks like taking a siesta each afternoon to recharge. You have our support!
• Eat well. Food is fuel for our bodies, and the best quality fuel is healthy and satisfying meals. Instead of fast food at the desk while writing emails, try eating a full meal away from the screens, including your phone. Taste the food, enjoy it, drink lots of water and get energized.

• Tidy up. Cleaning your workspace only takes 5-10 minutes once a week, and can help ease stress and anxiety that you didn’t even know existed. It’ll also save you time during the week when you’re looking for items that often disappear under endless piles of nothing.
• Do things you really like doing. This one is fun and mandatory for a productive life. Whether you like ice cream, sports, animals, day trips or fancy brunches, make official time for it on your calendar and do it. It’ll boost your mood and create positive anticipation for the future, which is important for staying engaged with our days.

Final words: You don’t need a flawless self care routine. You just need a small amount of focused effort to allow yourself to feel ready for the week ahead. By implementing one or all of the above tips, you can start turning that Monday dread into Monday eagerness, and create a schedule that serves you rather than depletes you.