Finding the Balance Between Productivity and Self-Care

As a professional, it's easy to think that boosting your productivity holds the key to doing more in less time. For this reason, you may try different productivity hacks in an attempt to maximize your strengths, minimize distractions, and get the most out of every minute you spend at work. Without a doubt, these tactics prove useful in such a competitive space as SEO. But sometimes, it seems that these same hacks fail you.

Now, this doesn't mean that they're all just gimmicks. What you may be neglecting is taking genuine care of yourself. Everyone likes to talk about work-life balance, but more and more people think that it's just a myth. It's high time that you shift your focus to balancing productivity and self-care. How do you do just that? Here are a few things you can try right now and see how it translates to better performance at work without compromising other areas of your life.

1) Automate where possible

As a marketer, you should know the many benefits of automation. It's not uncommon for digital marketing agencies like My Image Concept to use automation tools for speeding up mundane tasks, thereby freeing up resources and manpower for other revenue-generating activities. But did you know that automation also has a place in your self-care routine?

For instance, you can use an e-commerce subscription service that buys household items like toiletries and groceries automatically according to your specifications. An online booking service also helps you avoid forgetting about doctor's appointments. Instead of stressing over these things, use automation to your advantage and let your mind and body focus on the more important stuff.

2) Schedule appointments with yourself

If you've been a digital marketer for many years now, then you probably have plenty of recurring events on your calendar. You have to set aside time for the weekly department meetings, prepare the monthly analytics report, and meet all the other strict deadlines. With a myriad of things to tick off your checklist, you tend to forget how the calendar can be used for self-care as well.

When was the last time you put something in your calendar that doesn't have something to do with work? Remember that your calendar has space for things that have to do with you, your passions, and your family. Instead of always blocking off time for work activities, prioritize self-care habits as well. For instance, you can set appointments for meal prepping, reflecting on your goals, writing in a journal, reading your favorite books , and seeing friends and family .

3) Prepare a self-care checklist

It's always nice to put a checkmark beside all the tasks you have to finish by the end of the day. Some people aren't big about checklists, but for others, they prove to be a lifesaver. Even medical professionals use checklists during complicated surgical procedures to ensure that everything is done right. Just like calendars, to-do lists can be used to take better care of yourself.

Try creating to-dos for the things you want to do regularly or habits you want to develop. For example, your list could include eating a healthy breakfast , taking medications on time, meditating before you get started with work. You might be surprised that such a simple change can usher in massive changes in your daily routine.