3 Reasons Why Self-Care Helps Increase Productivity

As reported by the World Health Organization, 300 million people have anxiety disorder globally.

The most common mental illness in the United States is a stress disorder. Affecting more than 40 million adults, stress-related issues are found in 1 out of 5 people in the US.

A survey conducted by Everyday Health showed one-third of the population of the world visits doctors complaining about stress-related problems. The study further revealed that 57% of those people admitted they are paralyzed with stress.

While the reasons for stress differ from person to person, the outcomes remain the same. Insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, muscle tension, upset stomach, social withdrawal, substance abuse, irritability and lack of motivation, are the direct effects of anxiety disorders. The long-term effects include obesity, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.

Source: Lenvica HRMS

Similar to the causes of stress, the coping mechanism can be different as well. However, one way to cope with the stress that has been proven triumphant is, self-care.

The literary definition by WHO states that self-care is “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”.

The apparent resurgence of the concept of self-care seen in today’s tech-driven society reflects how badly its revival was needed. Self-care has manifested itself as a source for improved physical, emotional and mental health.

With stable mental, physical and emotional health, it’s evident that productivity will increase.

Let’s delve deeper into the topic and see how self-care is resourceful to increase productivity in human beings:

 

1. Self-Care Allows a Long-Due Break

Source: Four Seas One Family

 

Even though self-care doesn’t possess the ability to fully eliminate stress and anxiety, it still manages to provide a much-needed break. A break from the workplace and other factors that act as life stressors.

Further, it said that self-care helps in an interlude from technology, which is necessary to cope with stress in a tech-driven society.

Although, if you have work that always keeps you glued to electronic gadgets, then there are other things you can try for mental repose:

In a published article in Psychology Today, the writer believes that when stressed, we should focus on sensations in surroundings. The sounds and sights of the things existing around you help you live the moment.

For instance, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sound of running water, stare up at the sky, etc. These things help in achieving a cut-off from the factors that cause stress.

 

2. Self-Care Lets You Cherish Alone Time

Source: Cbhs

 

A progressive and stress-free mind requires a strong support system. But some days occasional solitude provides tranquility that even support system lacks in rendering.

Studies have shown that being surrounded by people often kills productivity. It has been observed that people tend to perform better when alone. Although corporate sectors are promoting open floor plans for group communication, a recent study on privacy/communication trade-off requires an antiparallel approach as well.

Alone time lets you buy acquaintance with yourself, sort out your thoughts and process ideas. Moreover, it’s easier to motive and practice gratitude in the state of solitude. This method keeps the human mind relaxed and motivated.

 

3. Self-Care Helps in Improving Cognitive Function

Source: The Scientist Magazine

 

Mindfulness helps in improving cognitive functions as it improves reducing mind wandering and allows the brain to focus on important things.

Dr. Russell Thackeray, a licensed clinical psychologist who consults on the topic of productivity, told Trello, that people that practice self-care have a better cognitive ability than those who don’t take time out for themselves.

People that tend to ignore quality time for themselves are often sleep-deprived. In such conditions, a person’s decision-making ability, focus, and concentration is sabotaged, which results in harmed productivity.

Induce Self-Care into Disordered Routine

Source: Shape Magazine

The term self-care gives out an impression of a spa day or relaxing bubble – while these things can be beneficial to earn the missing tranquility in your life, it still isn’t the proper definition of self-care.

Self-care represents a person’s ability to take deliberate action for the sake of their physical, mental and emotional health. Deliberate actions that help to cope with stress, some of which mentioned above, aid to foster relations with yourself as well.

The ability to work at your highest to get the most productivity out of yourself is possible only when your mind is at peace. And for a peaceful mind, it’s important to accept the mental state you are in. If you’re suffering from stress and anxiety, build a stress-coping mechanism and work through it.

Like I said in earlier, the approach to cope with stress can differ from person to person. Some of us would cherish a warm bath, while the other might find happiness in streaming their favorite shows anywhere they want through BuyTvInternetPhone. But no matter what road you decide to take on your stress coping voyage, make sure it succeeds in making you a powerhouse of productivity.