Why You Should Prioritise Selfcare in 2021
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Image by Silviarita on Pixabay
According to the Chinese Zodiac calendar 2020 was the year of the rat. It will end in February 2021.
In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. That’s not what we saw in 2020.
The fact that the year of the rat won’t end on the 31st December feels eerily prophetic. Even though we’re saying goodbye to 2020, we’re carrying its effects into the new year. The pressure won’t ease soon.
In the United Kingdom a new strain of the virus has been detected. The Minister of Finance Rishi Sunak recently announced that the furlough scheme was being extended until April 2021, confirming fears that we’re not out of the woods yet.
The nation is not only dealing with a worldwide pandemic, but is also entering uncharted waters with Brexit. There are still so many unanswered questions causing anxiety to many.
Workplace pressure is adding stress to workers globally. The American Psychological Association estimates that more than 500 billion dollars is siphoned off from the US economy because of workplace stress and 550 million work days are lost each year due to stress on the job. Approximately 60% to 80% of workplace accidents are attributed to stress and it’s estimated that more than 80% of doctor visits are due to stress.
So why should you prioritise self-care in 2021?
Your Body Is the Only Place You Have to Live
No one can take care of your health except you. If you don’t prioritise self-care, your spirit will make a quick exit from its earthly abode.
Improved Performance
You can’t perform at your peak when you are stressed, worried, or physically unwell. This impacts on your productivity both in the workplace and at home.
Enhanced Coping Skills
When you are healthy — physically, mentally and spiritually, you are better able to handle crises.
If selfcare has never been part of your routine these are some of the things you can do starting now.
Meditate
Exercise
Eat a balanced diet
Get adequate sleep
Build a support network
Trust yourself
Keep learning
Forgive yourself
If you don’t, there’s a price to pay.