In 2018, a CNBC study found that 7,500 full-time employees had 23 percent of employees reporting feeling burned out. Having a loaded schedule can cause an immense amount of stress on anyone and damage a person’s mental, physical and emotional ability. Burn-out is a term used to describe a state of emotion or physical exhaustion. Many people in the workforce may feel this way at one point in their life or another. What can a person do to unwind and have time for themselves?  Each day an individual should set aside time to participate in self-care. Self-care is any action taken to reduce unhealthy habits and create a healthy, balanced lifestyle for the body and mind. Some of these things include but are not limited to, exercise, sleep, mediation and reading and can be done anywhere.

Self-care is not something that is foolish or selfish. Self-care is something that should be rewarded and seem as normal. When a person takes time to enrich their life with positive feelings and attitudes it makes the world around them a better place as well. Not only does self-care improve the life of the person engaging in it but it improves the lives of others around them because relationships can form or become stronger. Self-care can improve confidence and self-esteem as well. There are things to do for self-care that do not cost anything. Things that are totally free is a bonus. There are things to do for inner and outer self-care. For example, inner self-care includes, going for a walk, watching a movie, journal and read a book. Things for outer self-care include, eat something you enjoy, stretch, play with an animal and spend time with people you care about.

Self-care should not only be for people who are busy and/or stressed. Self-care should be for everyone. According to the American Institute of Stress, over one million people miss work daily for poor self-care and stress related factors. There are many ways to find time for self-care. People can start small and gradually grow into a routine. Individuals need to learn how to say no and put themselves first.  People can come up with designated times to participate in self-care and do what they enjoy. Whether it is a five minute self-care session or an hour long self-care session, it is important to include the time in the day to have for yourself. There are places to go to participate in self-care such as the gym, a studio, or even your home. There is no limitation for what can be done with self-care and that is the beauty of it. There is no mandatory time requirement, place or equipment. It is all up to the individual and what works best for them.

People naturally become stressed and worried throughout the week but with a bit of self-care the amount of stress can be reduced. Self-care is anything a person does to improve the mind, body and soul. There is no limits on what can be done and it can also lead to a healthier lifestyle. Self-care eliminates a great amount of worry and stress and has been known to help people in their busy day to day life. Readers, take five to ten minutes out of your day doing something you enjoy to improve your health that can also be related to self-care.

Megan Fritz

UW-W Senior