The rise of the freelancer and remote worker has given us a more flexible working life. Gone are the days when an office was your home and you had to come in for meetings. The world of work has never been more global, or more mobile, or ever increasingly uncertain.
We can work from anywhere, at any time that suits our busy schedule – but with this freedom comes responsibility - it’s about time we took care of ourselves.
With that in mind, here are six tips for taking care of yourself:
1. Decide what you need and make a plan
If you’re a freelancer or remote worker, one challenge is feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks that need to be done in a day. With this in mind, it’s important to start with a strategy and then set out the key things you need to do every day – both your tasks, but also activities that will improve your health and wellbeing.
When you have time, commit to doing those things! Break free from mindless multitasking: allowing yourself an hour for meditation each morning is good for everyone, not just for your mental health.
2. Get enough sleep
Self care is of the utmost importance, and getting enough sleep every night is crucial for your brain to function properly. Sleep deprivation has been linked to depression, and it also affects how you deal with stress and how well you can concentrate on tasks. Lack of sleep also causes irritability.
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, try using a few relaxing techniques: a warm bath or shower right before bed, calming music or a brainwave app on your phone to help you relax. And avoid caffeine of any kind.
3. Eat a balanced diet
If you have a healthy diet that is rich in nutritious foods, this can help stave off mental issues by nourishing the brain. This will also provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to properly function.
Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables with no added sugar to boost your energy levels and colour up your mood. Stay away from foods that are high in salt. It will help you maintain a balanced mood and avoid being stressed.
4. Exercise regularly
To ensure you are mentally and physically healthy, it’s important to exercise regularly. It may seem like a waste of time if you’re not in the office, but taking the stairs instead of the lift is good for your health! If you can’t get out of the house (without going to an expensive gym), try using your bodyweight – yoga has been proven to be great for mental health. Just aim for ten minutes a day, even if that just means jumping on a trampoline or doing exercises such as push-ups.
You’ve probably heard this before and it’s still true – exercise not only helps you think clearer, it also helps you relax and feel less stressed, while improving your sleep patterns. Aim to do something every week that gets your heart pumping: walking, running or cycling are all highly beneficial.
If you want to incorporate some exercise in your daily routine, try using a fitness tracker app like Runkeeper to track your daily steps. You can also go for walks with friends or family – even if you live by yourself, doing something physical with others can make an enormous difference in terms of reducing stress levels.
Regular exercise can help release endorphins and other mood-boosting chemicals. It's also good for your overall health, so take up various sports like running or swimming daily.
Staying active gives your brain the oxygen it needs to function correctly. Feeling good about exercising regularly can give you a sense of achievement, which will boost your overall self-esteem and happiness.
5. Make time for self care
Life can be hectic and stressful, especially if you have a busy work schedule. It's difficult to find time to relax and do things that restore your energy levels. However, it’s important to make time for self-care or even just for doing something that makes you happy – whether it’s watching your favourite TV show or going for a walk along the beach.
This is an important step towards looking after your mental health. Not only will it help you feel better, it can also boost your productivity. You’ll be more focused and productive, because you won’t be stressed! You'll also have a healthy body and mind to come back to in the evening feeling refreshed.
6. Have a regular routine
Create a daily routine that involves healthy eating, exercise and other activities that provide you with a sense of calm, happiness and self-esteem. For example, after lunch on weekdays, try relaxing in front of the TV with your favourite programme – the more you watch something that makes you feel good, the more it will help to ease boredom and depression.
It’s also important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself socially, too. If you don’t have morning meetings regularly, try to make time for a social activity – just don’t go overboard and risk overdoing it.
Use your energy wisely and take care of yourself: do activities that will provide you with a balance of mental and physical health. By doing this, you'll not only be happier, but you'll also be more productive as well.
