5 Self-Care Tips for a More Productive Week 

Did you know that making time for soothing self-care comes with the added benefit of making you even more productive at home or work?  

When’s the last time you did a little something just for you? You probably already know that spending even just one hour without any distractions, crying kids, barking dogs and email notifications is essential for maintaining your sanity. But juggling your own well-being while still maintaining a productive work schedule can get tricky. Between soccer practice, Zoom calls, errands, and whatever else you have on your plate, you might feel like you just don’t have enough hours in the day to take a much-needed break.  

So whether you’re just focusing on the basics or are already a master of Zen, we’ve rounded up five self-care measures for a more productive week.

5 Self-Care Tips for a More Productive Week
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Set Your Phone Down

You might think always being available to respond to every call, text, or email is the secret to becoming a productivity powerhouse. But the truth is, we can all benefit from a little focus-time throughout the day. Putting down your phone and turning on airplane mode is a great way to disconnect yourself from outside influence and step away to really focus on the task at hand. You don’t need to respond to your best friend’s brunch invite or your boss’s budget question right away. Instead, schedule some screen-free time to really get to work and knock some things off your to-do list.

Incorporate Exercise Into Your Day

At its root, self-care is about making sure that your body has the basic elements it needs to function at its best. Consider mindful movement as a way to unplug from your busy day and take a much-needed break when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Schedule a yoga class or take a short walk outdoors to clear your head and refocus before getting back to your next task. If you find that spending an hour or two at the gym doesn’t fit into your schedule, there’s plenty of other ways to make sure you keep your body moving throughout the day. Consider buying a standing desk to upgrade your WFH setup and get your blood flowing throughout the day. 

Self Skincare Routine

Do a Skincare Routine

When you think of self-care, you might already think of fancy face masks and soothing bubble baths. But don’t discount these practices just because they’re cliché! Self-care is all about bringing your attention to the present and listening to your body. When you are applying your silky-smooth creams and serums, your attention is drawn to the feeling on your skin and the calming scent—not your to-do list. By taking a little time away and focusing on what you want to do, rather than what you have to do, you’re working on asserting your boundaries and making sure your mental energy levels are at their highest. 

Take More Breaks

Spending less time at work or on essential tasks may seem counterproductive to getting things done, but self-care isn’t about creating more time to be productive. Instead, it’s all about making sure you’re at your best to be more productive. Don’t be afraid to go on your lunch break or take a fifteen minute trip to the coffee machine to get away from your workspace or to-do list. These short blocks of relaxation can help your body and brain recharge and get you back in the focus mindset. Taking the proper time for you will let you glide through your day with less effort, meaning you’ll be able to work smarter, not harder.

Surround Yourself with Nature

If you can’t or don’t want to go outside, surrounding yourself with some calming greenery can help keep you Zen, too. Interacting with plants or even just looking at them can have an extremely calming and soothing effect. Consider placing a little green friend in your office or decorating your WFH desk with a sturdy indoor plant. If you’re a stay at home mom, there’s still plenty of ways to incorporate greenery in your home. Hang soothing eucalyptus in your shower or place fresh blooms in a vase somewhere that’s just for you and far away from your kids, pets, and stressors. 

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Why Self Care Matters

Most of us live with a ‘do’ mindset. Our sense of self-esteem and self-worth is often defined by what we’re able to do and accomplish. We may even live with the idea that slowing down or taking a second to breath is a sign of weakness or a failure to make the most of our day. While it can take time to unlearn these limiting beliefs, it’s important to remember that self-care is often the key to succeeding and living a happy, productive life and making sure you’re recharged enough to be the best mom, friend, or coworker you can be. 


Author Bio

Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.  Follow her on Instagram @TessLynne.

How to Improve Posture at Work

The importance of having correct posture is often overlooked despite the many benefits of good posture and clear drawbacks of poor posture. Posture plays a critical role in your overall health and wellbeing, so it’s crucial to actively work on improving posture.  

How to Improve Posture at Work
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that I only work with companies and individuals that I trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Many people spend a large part of their week at work, so this is a good place to focus on your posture. Whether your job requires you to be sitting at a desk all day, standing, driving, or lifting heavy items, it’s incredibly important to ensure your posture is correct. In this post, we highlight the benefits of improving your posture and outline how to improve your posture at work.

Main Benefits of Improved Posture

Your posture can impact your physical and mental health. Correcting your posture may provide the following benefits.

Less Headaches and Reduced Risk of Injury

Poor posture puts tension on your upper body, which can lead to headaches and other injuries, such as to the back. The most common injuries due to poor posture are to the back. Back pain is also one of the leading causes for people to have to miss work or see a doctor. By improving your posture you can potentially reduce your risk of headaches and other injuries.

Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence

By sitting up straight, you can actually improve the way you feel about yourself and your ability to make decisions. Studies have shown that improved posture can lead to increased confidence, mood, and self-esteem.

Increased Productivity and Energy

Since incorrect posture can lead to headaches, pain, and decrease confidence, as you might expect it can also impact your energy levels and ability to be productive. Feeling energized, confident, and pain free can help you stay focused on what you need to do at work.

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How to Improve Posture

Below we discuss correct posture and offer diagrams to help you learn how to sit, stand, drive, and lift correctly.

How to Sit Correctly

When sitting at a desk, keep your shoulders back and back flat against the chair. You’ll want to look straight ahead at your screen, which should be at eye level. Your keyboard should be straight in front of you and easy to reach. Keep your feet positioned firmly on the floor and adjust the height of your chair so that your knees are at the same height as your hips.

How to Stand Correctly

When you’re on your feet, keep your head level and shoulders back. Try not to allow your head or shoulders to tip forward. Keep your hands relaxed and by your sides. Always avoid locking your knees when standing still. You’ll also want to wear comfortable, supportive footwear – avoid shoes with high heels!

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How to Drive Correctly

Correct driving position means having your seat angled slightly back and your tailbone against the seat back. If you’d like you can add lumbar support, such as a towel, to provide additional support for your lower back. Make sure that you can reach the pedals comfortably; do not have your seat too far back. Also, utilize the headrest. It’s actually there for a reason!

How to Lift Correctly

Lifting incorrectly can be very dangerous. In fact, lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace. When lifting, have your feet in a wide stance and ensure your footing. Keep your abdominals tight and back straight. Bend at your knees and hips and then lift using your legs. 


With many more people working from home in makeshift offices, it can be difficult to find the proper ergonomic settings for your workspace.  When you consider the effects of poor posture on your body in the long term, it’s worth it to find ways to improve your posture, even in your home office. 

For more tips and advice on how to improve posture, check out the visual below.

improve posture at work
Source: usa.edu

Author bio:

Julia is a content creator who writes on topics ranging from business to lifestyle. She lives in New York City where you can find her running in Central Park, walking her dog, or eating vegan cookies. Check her out on LinkedIn.