How to survive an intense time at work

Even if you love your job, sometimes a week or two can be a stressful and endless barrage of tasks, deadlines and meetings. There are periods when this is especially true, such as the end of the year, when we try to close as many things as possible. The exhaustion present at the time can still stay with us for a long time, and can even lead to burnout. That is why it is so important to take proper care of yourself during this time. Here are some ideas on how to do it.

How to take care of yourself during a busy week at work?

Hydrate yourself

Water is a must! We need it for proper functioning and proper brain function. In the flurry of business, it’s easy to forget about thirst. Adult should provide yourself optimally with 3-4 liters of water per day – including water contained in tea, juices or food. Hydrated, we are more aware and calmer, and we will also avoid headaches, tiring dry mouth or drowsiness.

If you tend to sweat excessively in stressful situations, hydration is even more important. Try a homemade isotonic to replenish electrolytes: mix water with lemon juice, a little honey and a pinch of salt.

Do you think water is boring? Throw in some lemon slices, fresh mint, cucumbers or ginger. Also think about installing an app that reminds you to drink water, or set yourself reminders.

Less caffeine

Enjoy your coffee? Not necessarily. Coffee can indeed stimulate for a while, but the energy quickly disappears, and we need another dose of it. What’s more, coffee is dehydrating – it’s a diuretic, and in some people it can also have a laxative effect. When we are dehydrated, we become drowsy, we get a headache, we can’t focus.

If you need a dose of caffeine to get through the day, try limiting yourself to 1-2 coffees a day or reach for good quality matcha tea.

Get enough sleep

Sleep – next to water – is the second basis for well-being and proper functioning. Stress can make it difficult to fall asleep, even if we fall asleep, as well as to recover properly while sleeping. Take care of your sleep hygiene and try to sleep 7-8 hours a day. Fall asleep and wake up at roughly the same times each day. This will help regulate your circadian rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up.

If you suspect in yourself
insomnia
or sleep problems persist, contact a specialist.

Remember to take breaks

Even in the craziest moments at work, find a moment to breathe. During stressful situations, tension builds up in us, which is unhealthy for us in the long run and needs to be released. Instead of answering your next email or immediately running to your next meeting, stop, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and try to relax your shoulders and neck. Just a few minutes squeezed in here and there. Before bed, try to find a moment to breathe and stretch again.

Be kind to yourself*.

For many of us, this may be the most difficult to implement. The world teaches us that our value depends on our productivity and performance. And if we can’t handle the workload, how can we deserve kindness and rest?

Remember: each of us has an innate value that is not dependent on anything.

Therefore, calmly, take a deep breath and try to let off some steam. You have the right to make mistakes and set limits. Take care of yourself, and do something nice for yourself at the end of the week.

If you want to talk about how to take care of your employees’ calm heads during this difficult time,

write to us: kontakt@edu.emplomind.co.uk