SmartWorking and Self-Care in the Winter

The symbiotic relationship between SmartWorking and Self-Care

We often discuss the benefits of SmartWorking for companies in being cost effective and essential to cut the commute. Yet there is a lot to be said for SmartWorking when it comes to its impact on you as an individual. Today’s working world generally demands a get-go, fast pace which can ultimately lead to fatigue, stress and a general feeling of over overwhelm.

By cutting the commute and giving yourself more time to wake up in the morning, more time to eat breakfast and more time to spend with family- you are instantly taking more care of yourself and your wellbeing. Self- care is not something we should indulge in, rather develop a disciplined approach to.

The way self-care is portrayed today is backward. Self-care as a concept can be very much aimed at women to suggest that women need to be reminded to care for themselves because they are so busy taking care of others. Furthermore, self-care is characterized as an indulgence, meaning both that the practice of self-care is something we are occasionally allowed to indulge in.

Think luxurious Jo Malone bath oil, Swiss chocolates or a hot stone massage- we spend more time talking about the power of material self-care than we do about getting enough. We have drifted from what the most fundamental Self-care is and that is; sleep, rest and fresh air.

Top Tips for Self-Care

• Saying “no” to the thing you don’t want to do even if someone is going to be angry at you. It is always impossible to make everyone happy
• Turning off the TV at 9 instead of 10 because the alarm is going off at 5am so you can get to Pilates
• Declining the second drink at after work drinks. May sound like a bit of a spoil sport but that one extra might just be the one that gives you a headache! There’s always the weekend..
• Maintaining financial independence
• Doing work that matters, that is prioritised
• Don’t take too much on all at once. Easier said than done for sure, but don’t take too much on your shoulders- let other people take care of themselves too.

Ironically when you truly care for yourself, exercising all the discipline that requires, you are actually in a much stronger place to give of yourself to those around you. You will be a happier parent, spouse, best friend and a  fully engaged colleague.

Those who take care of themselves have the energy to take care of others joyfully because that caregiving doesn’t come at their own expense. And those who take care of themselves also have the energy to work with meaning and purpose toward a worthy goal. Which means they are also the people most likely to make the world a better place for all of us.

Would you like to kick start your #SmartWorking journey or focus more on self-care?

Check out how Maryrose Simpson transformed her career here