The Importance of Self-Care For Busy Professionals

In the constant hustle and bustle culture of 2023 and in America, it can be easy to prioritize work

over taking care of ourselves. As busy professionals, it may seem like there are simply not

enough hours to get everything done AND also take some much needed time for individual self

care. However, neglecting to take the time for yourself and away from the workplace is shown to

have some serious consequences on both our mental and physical health, as well as our level of

productivity and our overall quality of life. So what can we do for self care and what is the

importance of adding it to our daily routine?

So what really is self-care?

Self-care is defined as any deliberate action we take to care for our physical, emotional, and

mental health. This can include anything from taking a relaxing bath to practicing some mindful

meditation to making sure we get enough sleep in the evening. The key to self-care and any

actions that can be defined as self-care is that they are intentionally chosen as something to

promote our well-being.

Why is self-care important for busy professionals?

As working professionals, a lot of the time we believe that, the more productive we are, the more

we will succeed and improve our daily lives. However, recent studies have shown that when

individuals neglect their own needs and just continue to hustle hustle hustle; burnout,

unproductivity, stress and anxiety are way more likely to occur than when an individual takes

care of their well-being. A lot of companies are beginning to understand that time away from

work promotes more productivity and happiness in workers, which is why a lot of companies are

transitioning to a 4-day work week and seeing a MASSIVE improvement in their workers. So

how does self-care improve our daily lives and work lives? Here are just a few examples:

• 1. Improved productivity: When we are overworked and stressed, our productivity can

suffer. Taking time for ourselves can actually help us work more efficiently and

effectively in the long run. By prioritizing self-care, we can recharge our batteries and

come back to work feeling more focused and energized.

• 2. Better physical health: Neglecting our physical health obviously has some serious

consequences, including the development of chronic health conditions, injuries, and

more. Incorporating a routine and easy day-to-day activities such as eating healthy,

exercise, and making sure we get enough sleep can help you take care of your body, even

when things get busier in life.

• 3. Improved mental health: Mental health is just as important as our physical health and is

often overlooked in society. Chronic stress and being burnt out can lead to anxiety,

depression, and other mental health conditions. Taking the time to meditate, to walk away

from work for a bit, to read a book, to let your inner child out to play are great for your

mental health and improving your overall well-being.

• 4. Increased resilience: Life is full of challenges, and we need to be resilient in order to

navigate them successfully. When we practice self-care, and set boundaries and do our

inner work, it makes going through these hurdles in life that much easier for us to

navigate.

Now, how can busy professionals start to incorporate some self-care into their daily routines?

• 1. Prioritize sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health.

Aiming for 7-9 hours per night and having a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most

important ways to practice self-care.

• 2. Make time for movement: Movement / exercise is a great way to relieve stress, boost

energy and improve your overall health. Even if it is only for 10-15 minutes per day,

taking a walk or even doing a short yoga routine are great ways to incorporate some

everyday movement into your life.

• 3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness and gratitude can help reduce stress and improve our

mental health greatly. Even just being grateful for small things, such as a good cup of

coffee, a beautiful day, or giving someone a compliment are great ways to appreciate life.

Being mindful in our day to day activities as well as practicing mindful meditations are

easy ways to use self-care everyday.

• 4. Take breaks throughout the day: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle lifestyle while

you’re working, but throughout the day try and take a walk or stretch every hour or so to

give you mind and your body a break.

• 5. Set boundaries: As busy professionals, it can be tempting to work around the clock and

be available 24/7. However, it is crucial that we all set a work-life balance and give

ourselves time to do things outside of work.

Adding these little habits into your daily or weekly routine will definitely improve your mood as

well as your own productivity and motivation surrounding your work life. Although these things

help with our day to day, what truly helps with taking care of yourself is making sure you are

working a fulfilling and worthwhile job where you feel respected for all that you do. The grind in

today’s society is dying, and people are beginning to understand and dedicate more time to their

own self worth and their own self love. Even with these tips and tricks, if you are being

overworked or “abused” in your work space, it is time for a change and to go after something

that would be truly fulfilling.

Self care matters. Money matters. But so does your happiness.