VA Self-Care Tips: How to Combat Stress

The word ‘stress’ gets thrown out loosely these days, and it’s not hard to understand why. Technology’s advancements have greatly affected how this generation does business. Be a slow contender and you are out of the game. As virtual assistants who work from home, you’re not spared from these expectations. Clients want quality work done in a timely manner. Online assistants know the daily grind, but it still gets stressful.

Responsibilities at work paired with the other obligations both cause a virtual assistant to experience burnout. So how can you stay sane? How can you set boundaries on yourself to avoid unhealthy stress? Here are some self-care tips to combat stress:

1. Organize your daily tasks.

   Stop the cause of stress before it even begins. Usually, stress happens due to lack of foresight to do proper planning. When you start the day without a clear vision of the things you are supposed to do, you waste time figuring out your daily goals. Essentially, this easily robs you of the time to actually execute the tasks. Next thing you know, you’ll be cramming and feeling even more stressed than ever. To avoid this, have a work diary and jot down daily tasks in order of importance and urgency before you start your day.

2. Have breaks.

   Work smart by injecting small breaks into your work session. It could be a simple 10-minute break where you can meditate, do sit-ups, make a new cup of tea or anything that floats your boat. The key is to give your mind a quick break and to gain fresh eyes from excessive staring at the screen. Just make sure that the activities you do during your break are aligned with your productivity goals. The last thing you need is a distraction to steal you away from the work that has to be done.

3. Eat healthy.

   Food has a direct effect on the mood. While working, lessen your carb and fat intake and because this will make you feel lazy and lethargic. Instead, eat lean meat as well as complex carbs like whole grains, peas, and sweet potato. Make it a habit to choose fresh, leafy greens and fresh fruits for optimal health. These healthy food items will keep you full and alert. While coffee is a beverage of choice for most virtual assistants, do not take more than 2 cups because too much caffeine will cause you to crash after. Moderation is key.

4. Exercise.

   Any form of exercise can be a great stress buster because it enables you to release negative feelings. Everyone has bad days, and when you find yourself crankier than usual, add another set into your usual workout so you burn fat while altering your awful mood.

5. Have a creative outlet.

   This could be in the form of arts, crafts or music. Get creative and have a drawing or painting session after work. Make a playlist of your favorite songs or enroll in a new hobby like pottery or calligraphy.

6. Socialize.

   Having a healthy social life is an excellent way to release bad vibes brought about by stress. Call your confidant or meet up with your friends for coffee. Make time to reconnect and share each other’s life experiences with each other. Bottling up emotions is a sure way to feel overwhelmed. Vent if you have to. That’s what friends are for.

7. Have some downtime.

   Reward yourself after every work week to a nice treat. It doesn’t have to be an expensive activity or material object. It could be a spa at home party with friends, a new book to curl up with in bed with or a fun night out. Relax and give yourself a pat on the back once in awhile.

If you want to be able to consistently deliver excellent quality work, then a few self-care activities must be part of your daily routine. Remember that your overall wellness must be your top priority. The first step is to take care of yourself so you can take care of the rest.

Next: 3 Benefits of Humor in the Workplace

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