The changing seasons can be bit of a shock to the system, especially as the days grow shorter and it gets colder outside. You may find your energy levels dropping and want to curl up inside and hibernate.
While it's natural to have times in the year where we have more energy and times when we have less, the changing seasons, particularly moving to colder, darker days can take its toll on stress and energy levels even more so than during the warmer, brighter months, as the sunshine is a natural mood enhancer and energy boost.
Taking care of yourself on a daily basis is so important for keeping your energy levels up, stress levels down and helping you feel on top of your game - so that you can handle all that comes with both the changing seasons and demands in the workplace.
Here are seven simple self-care actions that if done regularly will help to keep you feeling well and more energised. Sometimes we just need a little reminder to do the right things.
1. Drink enough water - this is so important for keeping you feeling alert, after all our bodies are mostly water. Aim for a glass of water every hour throughout the day if you can.
2. Get some 'me-time' every week - doing something that you love or that relaxes you. This could be simply doing a facial at home or joining a book club - but something you enjoy and that is for you, as it will make you feel good about yourself and thus happier and more energised overall.
3. Ditch the processed sugar and limit caffeine as you will get an instant high and then crash even more afterwards leading to low energy slumps.
4. Eating small amounts, regularly throughout the day and including some good protein and fats such as nuts, avocado, plus vegetables and fruits can help you feel energised.
5. Taking a few long deep breaths away from your computer screen and in fresh air (ideally), will reinvigorate you and relax you. If you can do this throughout the day you will notice the effects.
6. Getting enough sleep is really important, if you find it hard to sleep try turning your devices and phone off (or on to airplane mode) at least an hour before you go to bed. Also try dropping a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow which can help you sleep.
7. Move your body every day, ideally through some form of exercise which you enjoy. If you can't manage this, start with some simple stretches each morning and then a couple of times throughout the day to get your blood circulating.
I hope these small tips are helpful in keeping you feeling well at work, and on top of your game as you care for yourself on a daily basis. Rather than drastic all or nothing approaches, it really is the small things that make a big difference!
Tara Jackson is a holistic self-care coach, who is on a mission to help busy people who put everything else above themselves discover how important self-care is, (within a healthy lifestyle) so that they can live a life that they love. She runs a free, seasonal 30-day self-care challenge, you can sign up here.