#practice self-care

[productiveandfree]

The Power of Personal Time: Boosting Professional Productivity

If you're like many people, you may prioritize work and focus most of your energy on a fulfilling career while solidifying your chances for advancement. While that’s important and hard work is necessary to succeed, if you’re not taking time for yourself, then you may be doing yourself a great disservice. It’s essential that you practice self-care and plan your week so that you can enjoy your favorite hobbies and unwind. Doing so could be the secret to higher productivity on the job.

There’s much to learn about the importance of personal time and how it can help your career. Educate yourself and use the tips here to succeed at home and work.

You Must Make Time For Yourself

Work is essential, but if it's all you think about, you're setting yourself up for failure. By working nonstop, you're increasing your chances of burnout. While burnout can mean something different to everyone, it often involves losing the passion you once had for your job while feeling physically and mentally exhausted. In addition to potential health concerns, the longer you work without breaks, the higher the chance your quality will decrease, and you could start making mistakes that you wouldn't make otherwise.

According to recent studies, 42% of the global workforce reports burnout, likely because they work too hard or their company requires too much. Compare that number to the happiness of workers who enjoy a work-life balance, as 33% of those employees plan to stay at their jobs and are likely happier with their employer.

A suitable work-life balance will make you more content at work and could lead to increased productivity. Especially if you’re stressed in a fast-paced work setting, taking a break, meditating, and returning refreshed could be what you need to tackle the problem with a refreshed mind frame. Breaks and a strong work-life balance can even help you work with your teams because you'll be in a better mood, which can help you be more patient. The benefits to your work and your physical and mental health make the necessity of personal time a no-brainer.

How To Balance Hobbies With Your Work

You may look at your situation and believe that your job or life doesn't allow you the chance to enjoy your personal time. Remember that there's always an opportunity to make a change and learn to find balance in your daily life.

If your work schedule makes you feel chained to your desk, then your first step is to learn to say no. Yes, you should work your schedule and complete your tasks, but if you're constantly asked to work overtime or you know you're being overworked, you need to stand up for yourself. Do so politely, but put your foot down for your own well-being.

Scheduling is also vital when you're trying to maximize your personal time. Stick to your schedule at work, and when your shift is over, turn off your computer, leave the work phone behind, and enjoy your life. You can also schedule your hobbies. Block out time during the afternoon to work on your gardening or on weekends to work on your art. Set reminders and stick to them. Allow enough time for your hobbies so you can enjoy them and use them to maximize your work at the office.

Hobbies That Can Help Your Work

Filling your free time with fun and productive hobbies is the best way to boost your professional productivity. There are many incredibly fulfilling activities that may catch your interest. Most creative pursuits, from painting to woodworking, are great for your mental health because you get to see something amazing come out of nothing and know that you made it happen. Plus, since most art is subjective, you can think outside the box and apply the same processes to your work.

Many hobbies can be both fun and educational. You may use your off-time to learn a new language or to play an instrument. Pursuits like these allow you to learn new skills while having fun, so it’s less of a chore. It’s good to keep this part of your brain working so you can continue to learn new processes at your job and succeed.

In addition to hobbies, the other best way to maximize your personal time is by practicing self-care, and you can start with exercise. Make it a routine to begin each day with your own exercise routine. Whether it's yoga or weight lifting, this regime will make you physically stronger while also giving you time to think and work through your stress so you can go to the job feeling good.

A healthy diet is also vital to your success in and out of the office. Avoid fast food and trans fats, which can bog you down mentally and physically. A positive diet with fruit, vegetables, and nuts will give you energy and help you stay positive. You can even make cooking a new hobby. Making completed dishes from a handful of ingredients can be incredibly rewarding and boost your self-esteem.

Conclusion

If you're feeling bogged down at work and know that you need to make the most of your personal time, then this is the time to make a change. Find a hobby that fulfills you, and you'll enjoy each new day much more.

Katie Brenneman

Katie is a passionate writer specializing in time management, marketing, and education-related content. When she isn't writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[solhwellness]

How to Create a Supportive Environment for Mental Health Professionals | Solh Wellness

It is well known that receiving mental health therapy carries a great deal of stigma. Additionally, those in the mental health field who seek help for their own wellbeing are frequently stigmatised. This stigma frequently feeds the myth that those in the mental health industry need to be specialists and problem-free. 

The Stigma

It is frequently unrealistic to expect mental health practitioners to always be strong and resilient. This bias contends that requesting help or acknowledging one's own difficulties are indicators of weakness. Mental health practitioners also battle with emotional problems and worries. For clients to receive the assistance they require, which is important for providers of mental health services to provide proper treatment for their clients, this stigma creates a barrier that makes it difficult for clients to do so.

Social barriers must be removed in order to get rid of this stigma and provide a work environment where mental health practitioners can prioritise their own needs.

It can be emotionally draining to work in the mental health field. Every day, people's suffering, pain, and challenges are encountered by mental health professionals. The exposure could have a negative impact on the welfare and mental health of the populace. It is crucial to value and affirm the experiences of people who work in the field of mental health in order to support them.

Mental health professionals must practise self-care due to the unique requirements and challenges they face in their field of work. Why mental health professionals should practise self-care are the following:

Keeping one's emotional fortitude. 

Keeping burnout at bay. 

A Good Example of Behaviour. 

Improving one's own effectiveness. 

Increasing empathy and compassion. 

Reducing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. 

Increasing one's degree of contentment and sense of purpose in work

What can be done to eliminate the stigma afflicting seeking professional mental health care?

Promote Normalisation of Seeking Assistance: Encourage the normalisation of seeking help. Mental health professionals should be honest about their personal challenges and experiences. The stigma around requesting help can be reduced by discussing personal experiences with it and demonstrating that doing so is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and a commitment to providing high-quality care.

Creating a Supportive Environment:Mental health organisations and professional associations can foster this culture by encouraging providers of mental health services to get help without being concerned about criticism or suffering repercussions. Give them access to employee assistance programmes, as well as other mental health support services like counselling.

Public Education: It's essential to support projects that draw attention to the challenges faced by those who provide mental health services as well as the importance of self-care. We can reduce the barriers to getting help by spreading knowledge and dispelling myths.

Promote Policy Changes: It's critical to push for legislation that will simplify the process by which mental health professionals can seek assistance. This could entail promoting more fair financial access, improved accessibility to mental health care, and preservation of confidentiality and privacy.

Conclusion

Asking for assistance by people working in the mental health field shouldn't be stigmatised. By resisting the double standard, encouraging self-care, and fighting for welcoming workplaces, we can create a culture that values the wellbeing of mental health professionals and recognises their humanity. Remember that asking for assistance is a courageous act that contributes to one's own growth, resilience, and the provision of the greatest care for those in need rather than a show of weakness. Let's work together to eliminate stigma and make a welcoming space where those who work in the mental health field can get assistance.

Solh Wellness provides easy-to-use solutions to assist providers take care of their well-being. We also offer an easy-to-use SAAS platform for mental health professionals to conduct effective online sessions. The Solh Wellness app can help you better manage your mental health. You should download the Solh Wellness App as a starting point for bettering your life and your mental health.

[tiarasandlipstick]

Why Self-Worth and Self-Love are Essential to Your Success

Why Self-Worth and Self-Love are Essential to Your Success

It took me over 40 years to learn to truly love and accept myself for who I am.  I know… I am sure you are thinking that is a really long time, but I bet many of you are probably experiencing or have experienced the same thing.  Whether you grew up receiving compliments or criticisms (or both), you were probably never taught how to value and love yourself.  But don’t fret… you are not alone. …

[vampireposter]

meeting wyll at the grove, as someone who the tieflings trust enough to train their children, says so much about him. it's so sad that he doesn't get explored in acts 2-3 as deeply as the other companions, when his problems are equally intense. the average player probably long rests once before coming across the grove, but even if not, in that time wyll has already proven to the tieflings that they can rely on the Blade of Frontiers.

this is the immediate first thing he chooses to do after being condemned to slow death via ceremorphosis. his priority list in the first conversations with tav is: 1) hunt down a dangerous devil, 2) help zevlor with the goblins, 3) once nothing threatens the tieflings he will gladly search for a tadpole cure. wyll is perpetually his own last priority, and i wonder if it has to do with the lore about souls.

if he believes mind flayers' souls have been destroyed, and fiend warlocks will all have their souls sent to the hells after death, then becoming a mind flayer isn't the worst possible way for him to die. he would never become a mindless monster to save his own soul, but he's not gripped by horror the way that some of the other origin characters are. lae'zel has been made revoltingly impure to her people, astarion is terrified of losing the scrap of bodily autonomy he just regained, gale is guilt-ridden over the orb detonation if he dies, shadowheart has to survive to prove herself to her cult leader, and karlach has also just regained bodily autonomy and is desparate to live.

this is just another quest for the Blade, whose persona guards wyll ravengard against the vice of self-concern when he ought to be concerned for those in need.

[amielot]

Uno Reverse

Bonus:

@arialerendeair keeps giving me ideas to springboard off of XD

final image was referenced from Calvin and Hobbes :3

[theereina]

🦋 THAT GIRL CHALLENGE 🦋

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Start a daily gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset.

Practice mindfulness meditation for at least 10 minutes each day.

Set specific, achievable goals for yourself in all areas of your life.

Read a self-improvement book or listen to a motivational podcast each week.

Create a budget and track your expenses to improve your financial literacy.

Take a new fitness class or try a different workout routine to stay active and healthy.

Volunteer your time to a cause you're passionate about.

Practice self-care regularly, whether it's through skincare, baths, or relaxation techniques.

Develop a morning routine that sets a positive tone for your day.

Learn a new skill or hobby that interests you, such as painting, cooking, or coding.

Practice forgiveness and let go of grudges or resentments from the past.

Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who uplift and inspire you.

Start a savings account or investment portfolio to secure your financial future.

Practice assertiveness and boundary-setting in your relationships.

Spend time in nature to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

Take a solo trip to explore new places and gain independence.

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare providers for preventive care.

Practice saying "no" to obligations or activities that drain your energy.

Explore different forms of spirituality or connect with your spiritual beliefs.

Declutter your living space to create a more organized and peaceful environment.

Practice random acts of kindness to spread positivity in your community.

Learn to manage stress through techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

Attend workshops or seminars to continue learning and growing personally and professionally.

Set aside time for creative expression, whether it's through writing, drawing, or crafting.

Practice self-reflection to identify areas for growth and improvement.

Cultivate a mindset of abundance and gratitude rather than scarcity and fear.

Set boundaries around technology use to prioritize real-life connections.

Experiment with different styles and fashion choices to express your unique personality.

Create a vision board to visualize your goals and aspirations.

Practice self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness and understanding.

Explore your passions and interests to find what truly lights you up.

Develop a morning or evening skincare routine to care for your skin.

Take up a regular exercise routine, whether it's yoga, running, or weightlifting.

Practice effective communication skills to express yourself clearly and assertively.

Set aside time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Invest in experiences rather than material possessions for long-lasting happiness.

Foster gratitude by expressing appreciation for the people and things in your life.

Practice forgiveness, both towards others and yourself, to release negative emotions.

Engage in acts of self-love, such as positive affirmations and pampering sessions.

Cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder by exploring new ideas and perspectives.

Invest in your education and personal development through courses or workshops.

Practice empathy and compassion towards others, seeking to understand their perspectives.

Practice mindfulness in everyday activities, such as eating and walking.

Set realistic expectations for yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.

Surround yourself with supportive friends and mentors who encourage your growth.

Create a financial plan to save for future goals, such as buying a home or traveling.

Practice gratitude by keeping a daily journal of things you're thankful for.

Take time to relax and recharge by engaging in activities you enjoy.

Reflect on your values and priorities to ensure your actions align with your true self.

[mourningliliesmorningglories]

no one told me adulthood would be eating risotto alone in one of the best italian restaurants in porto, reading drarry fan fiction

[phoenixcatch7]

In love with the idea of captain marvel being Billy's imaginary friend. Like, it'd be so easy. Early depictions had them as almost fully separate people sometimes, like one soul with two minds, rather than just two filters like we mostly see now.

But imagine a Billy down on his luck, hurt and hiding from police and criminals alike, daydreaming the hours away as children do, taking inspiration from all the superheroes rising to fame, making little stories to play out his dreams of saving the world with a generic action doll he found while dumpster diving once. Most of the paint's rubbed off.

Red's his favourite colour, his comfiest jumper is a bright ruby even after all the grime and washes. Gold, too, it's shiny and warmer than silver! A hero cape is a must, big and eye catching! And he can fly, of course, like superman, and in his daydreams, when he's sore and frustrated after a long day's grind, his superhero is smart enough and knows all the right words to get the bullies to stop without resorting to fighting.

His superhero fantasy is one he spends a lot of time on, the first one he goes for when struggling to sleep at night, and he can picture it so clearly. Captain marvel is big and bright and kind, strong enough to lift the boxes for the old lady up the road who's moving all by himself, fast enough to catch Jamie who fell out of the tree on Saturday and broke his leg and couldn't come to class for weeks. He appears at the entrance to alleys when Billy is cornered, he steps up behind to cover for him when he gets caught shoplifting, he sits at the bus stop with him when it's pouring rain and the right bus doesn't seem to be coming.

And then the wizard comes, or rather whisks him away, and like a magician from a fairytale breathes life into his imaginary friend until Billy feels thrice his size and a million times more invincible.

From then on, captain marvel is a real hero, just like Billy is a real boy, and as one they save the whole city, and then the whole world, and get cats down from trees and help Mrs Victoria move the last of her boxes and she gives them a pinch in the cheek and cookies for the road and sometimes it hurts but it's so much better than he imagined.

[canisalbus]

Is that canon!?! Was Machete just really naive/didn't really understand the implications of his relationship to Vasco? Did his mentor ever find out about them or discuss such things with him? I assume bc he didn't have parents, he kinda didn't get educated on sex or anything. Was it a big shock to realize he was "sinning"?

.

[vebokki]

demon lord

[rampantram]

I know you mentioned your Lamb (still wonder what their name is) tends to miss their partners when out crusading but I'm curious, do they let Narinder go out and about? I imagine combat would be rather cathartic for him when he's annoyed or stressed.

Oh, yeah, Narinder goes out on missions pretty regularly. They don’t last as long as the lamb’s crusades (maxing at a few days, typically), but he does get stir crazy staying in the cult grounds for too long and will go out to gather supplies and weed out a few heretics to stretch his legs.

Also I can definitely see that as a way for him to de-stress, demented as it is. 😂

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Embracing Autistic Challenges

The Autistic Teacher

[nibbelraz]

He's a bit overwhelmed

[theereina]

Thee girl's guide to self care...

Have a great self care Sunday!😘

[sincerely-sofie]

I like to imagine that legendary Pokémon, once they’ve met in person, unlock a sort of magical mental phone number for each other. It’s probably intended to be a way for the embodiments of universal functions to communicate and act in harmony so the world keeps turning. But it makes for an absolutely amazing means of informing your roommate’s family they should badger her about taking better care of herself.

[holycatsandrabbits]

Three Ways to Practice Writing Without Writing

Writers need two things to produce a work: motivation and time. There are sweet blessed moments when we have both, and then those times we’ve only got one. What to do then? Write without writing. 

Case #1: Time and no motivation

Writers need to take breaks. Writers hate to take breaks. It’s like we think taking time off means moving backwards, rather than practicing necessary self-care. If you’re having trouble resting, you might try this writing-adjacent activity: murder. Well, the fictional kind.

A murder mystery party is where you have all your friends over for dinner (or video chat), and along with the pizza, you serve up a whodunit. Writing a game is a great way to practice your creative skills and entertain an audience, without staring at a blank page, muttering incantations to make a short story appear. There are lots of free resources online to help you craft a case, from characters to clues, and anyway, who hasn’t wanted to blame a friend for murder? Right?

Case #2: Motivation and no time

Whether it’s deadlines at work, final exams, kids’ soccer games, or spring cleaning, real life can eat up your time off. In that case, you can play a mental game called What If?

Stephen King was inspired to write his novella The Mist after visiting a grocery store during a storm and imagining an attack by monsters. Because of course he did. But next time you’re in the checkout line, ask yourself this: What is the weirdest thing that could happen right now? Bananas bursting into flames? 100 strangers throwing you a surprise birthday party? Everyone suddenly speaking different languages? Now, what could cause such a strange thing to happen?

Or say you’re on your commute to work or school. Ask yourself, How would this be different if we were on another planet? Would public transit be seats on the back of a giant highway-going serpent? Might there be sentient stop lights who attack if you turn left on red? What if you could hire a quintet of tiny aliens to sit in the backseat and provide live music for your drive?

Playing What If  is a great way to practice creative skills when you can’t be decomposing at your computer. Just remember not to jot down ideas while you’re driving.

Bonus Case: You want to practice

Writing exercises are a fun way to sharpen your skills when you’re not writing anything in particular. You can find lists of these online, and here are a few of mine that use a photograph of scenery.

For practicing tone: Look at the photograph and think of 10 descriptive words, like cloudy, swampy, wintery, etc. Now imagine the photo is the first shot of a horror movie. Think of 10 creepy descriptive words. Now imagine it’s part of a rom-com and think of 10 sweet and upbeat descriptive words. And so on.

For practicing character development: Imagine a character of whatever description you like. This scenery is their workplace. What do they do? How do they feel about it? How did they end up with this job? Now imagine a character who has a recurring dream about this scenery. What does the dream mean? How will they find out? Then imagine a character who makes this place their home. Where do they live? Is it a hidden home or easily found? What do they eat? And so on.

For practicing action writing: Imagine two characters at one edge of your photograph. They’re in a race to get to the other edge, across whatever landscape you’ve got. Describe who wins and how. Now imagine they’re fighting from one edge to another. Then have them dancing, sneaking, or whatever you like.

Thanks for reading! Remember, you’re a writer if you write, even if it’s just in your head, even if it’s just sometimes. You are not your production. You are your creative spark.

This article was first published on my writing blog

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