Benefits To Taking a “Self-Care” Day
Lazy day, Cheat day, Do nothing day, Self-care day, whatever you call it.
It has benefits! Here's how!
It's no surprise that taking breaks can improve our work efficiency, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Activities such as disconnecting from emails, napping, gardening, walking, and pursuing a favorite hobby can help us naturally de-stress. Research shows that dedicating a day each week to self-care can boost our mental and physical health.
As we all have seen, the symptoms of "Hustle Culture" have left many burnt out. This mindset that the more we produce, the more valuable we become has created unhealthy routines and lifestyles. Checking emails while in bed or first thing in the morning, skipping meals to finish a deadline, or waiting until the weekend to go outside and feel free from the ball-and-chain are all examples of this unsustainable lifestyle.
Stress takes us out of balance.
Here's what the research suggests; taking a self-care day once a week can be highly beneficial for your physical and mental well-being. This break gives your brain time to rest and your body a chance to recover, reducing stress and, in turn, lowering the risk of chronic diseases linked to stress. Reduced stress levels also lead to a decrease in high blood pressure. This stress reduction can help us regulate our emotions better, feel happier by doing something we love, improve our performance at work, and restore balance to our lives.
Despite the challenges, there is always hope. It all begins with dedicating just five minutes to practicing self-care. At times, it can be difficult to take a break when we're used to being productive all the time. I've personally felt guilty for relaxing some days, feeling like I should be productive or I "wasted my day". However, like any mindset, it's possible to change. That's why I recommend to start small, as small as 5 minutes. It's like waiting in the water instead of jumping right in. If you are the opposite of me and have been needing a day off, Take it! Jump in!
"When your cup is empty it's hard to fill other's cups"
