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Cubicle to Sanctuary: Makeover of a Corporate Workspace

Published by Editor's Desk
Category : self-care

There’s a silent revolution unfurling in the corporate corridors. The cubicle, once a boxed embodiment of mechanical efficiency, is undergoing a transformation, morphing into a sanctuary where creativity, wellness, and productivity coalesce into a harmonious dance. Gone are the days where workspaces were sterile environments, echoing the monotonous rhythm of tasks and deadlines. In this new dawn, every cubicle is a canvas, where the strokes of creativity, the hues of wellness, and the outlines of productivity create a masterpiece of holistic professional existence.

 

 A Canvas of Colors:

 

The first stroke was painted with colors. The grey monotony yielded to a spectrum of colors, each echoing a silent symphony of energy, calm, and creativity. Walls adorned with soothing blues, energizing yellows, and harmonious greens transformed the cubicle from a boxed enclosure to a vibrant, living entity pulsating with energy and inspiration.

 

 The Elemental Touch:

 

The elemental made a grand entry. Desk plants, succulents, and the refreshing touch of green turned each desk into a space that breathes, lives, and emanates a silent yet potent vitality. Every glance at the green is a visual retreat, a step from the mechanical into the elemental, infusing each task with a breath of freshness.

 

 Ergonomic Elegance:

 

Ergonomics emerged as the unsung hero. Chairs that support, desks that accommodate, and screens that adjust transformed physical discomfort into a saga of the past. Every hour spent is an embodiment of comfort, every task performed echoes the grace of ergonomic elegance, turning productivity into a dance of comfort and efficiency.

 

 Light – The Silent Muse:

 

Lighting donned the artist’s hat. Adjustable, ambient lighting turned the harsh glare into a soothing illumination. The strategic dance of natural and artificial light conjures a workspace where eyes are not strained but caressed, where every document read and every screen viewed is a visually enriching experience.

 

 Artistry at Play:

 

Art found its niche. Wall arts, personalized desk accessories, and creative installations turned each cubicle into a personalized narrative. The sterility gave way to a creative expression where each accessory is not just functional but a silent muse inspiring creativity, innovation, and a personalized touch.

 

 Technology as a Wellness Conduit:

 

In this cubicle transformation, technology is not an invader but a wellness conduit. Applications that remind to stretch, platforms that promote virtual wellness engagements, and digital tools that foster mental well-being transform screens into windows of holistic engagement. Every ping is not a distraction but a nudge towards wellness, turning technology from a potential adversary to a potent ally.

 

 Spatial Alchemy:

 

Space underwent an alchemy. The clutter gave way to minimalism, where every item is not just placed but thoughtfully arranged. The spaciousness is not just physical but mental, where creativity, focus, and clarity are not aspirations but natural outcomes of a space that breathes, expands, and accommodates.

 

In this metamorphosis, the cubicle is not just a workspace but a sanctuary where professional tasks are not mechanical obligations but creative expressions, where the physical environment is not a passive backdrop but an active participant, fostering, nurturing, and enhancing every professional endeavor.

 

In this silent revolution, we, the custodians of the corporate ethos, are not just employees navigating tasks but artists painting a canvas where productivity, wellness, and creativity are not segregated silos but harmonious strokes creating a masterpiece of balanced, enriched, and holistic professional life.

 

As you step into your cubicle tomorrow, envision it not as a boxed enclosure but a sanctuary in making. Every plant placed, ergonomic adjustment made, and creative expression adorned is a step towards a workspace that is not just about meeting deadlines but about weaving wellness, creativity, and holistic balance into the very fabric of professional life.

 

Join me, in turning every cubicle from a boxed space of efficiency to a sanctuary of creativity, wellness, and holistic productivity, where every work hour is not just about tasks completed but about a holistic experience lived, every deadline met is not a mechanical accomplishment but a creative, comfortable, and wellness-infused journey celebrated. In this sanctuary, we are not just working; we are thriving, living, and weaving a tapestry of professional existence where every thread is imbued with the colors of creativity, the rhythms of wellness, and the grace of holistic balance.

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How can I go from burnout to self care

What People are talking about burnout?

I feel like my body is running on adrenaline. It’s as if I am trying to run a marathon at a sprint pace - every single day at work.

I have been consistently experiencing high levels of stress and I didn’t take steps to manage or reduce it. Eventually this led to exhaustion, physical and emotional burn out!

I just can’t say “no” and felt that I would let someone down by refusing an assignment. So I took on too much work leading up to stress and burnout. 


So what happened?

Your decision to begin your journey from burnout to self care is itself a sign of how far you’ve come. From a professional wanting to work hard and succeed to someone being overwhelmed and overworked for so long and then finally experiencing burnout is a long and arduous process. You’ve already crossed the first step of recognizing burnout and now you must slowly but steadily rid yourself of all of its symptoms. Since burnout happened to you gradually, affecting your ability to function across all aspects of life, you must prepare yourself for an incremental approach to the burnout recovery process. 

What can we do about it?

Focus on sustainability

The key to transitioning from this state of exhaustion to one of rejuvenation lies in embracing sustainability in your self-care practices. The next time an assignment is presented to you, ask yourself “Can I do this with the same intensity for the next few weeks?” If there’s a task that you don’t enjoy, ask yourself “for how long can I continue doing this task without feeling bored and unmotivated?” Instead of tolerating a stressful situation for long periods of time, address it at the beginning with the idea of sustainability at the back of your mind.

Secondly, sustainability in self-care means recognizing and respecting our limits. It involves setting healthy boundaries, saying no when necessary, and understanding that rest is not a luxury, but a fundamental need. It's about listening to our body and mind, and responding with kindness and patience.

Lastly, sustainable self-care is about finding balance. It’s not just about relaxation and downtime, but also about finding joy and engagement in activities you love, fostering relationships that nourish you, and pursuing goals that give you a sense of purpose.

Can I read more about it somewhere?

"The Thriving Therapist: Sustainable Self-Care to Prevent Burnout and Enhance Well-Being" by Matthew A. Hersh, Ph.D., is a holistic and comprehensive guide aimed at psychotherapists and mental health professionals. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable self-care practices, particularly for those dedicated to caring for others. The book, born from Dr. Hersh's personal experiences, including a life-threatening illness, offers a nuanced view on self-care, integrating wisdom from various sources with the author's own insights as a psychologist, therapist, and cancer survivor​​.

Here are three main takeaways from the book:

  • Integrative Approach to Self-Care: The book provides an integrative view of self-care, combining research, self-reflection exercises, personal anecdotes, and practical techniques. It encourages readers to actively engage in self-care rather than passively reading about it​​.
  •  
  • Evidence-Based Guidance: Dr. Hersh offers a well-researched, evidence-based guide to restoring health, mental well-being, and idealism for mental health professionals. This is particularly relevant in our increasingly stressed society, where mental health professionals often experience burnout​​.
  •  
  • Tools for Mindful Coping: The book is a reflective guide that provides tools, guides, and wisdom for mindful coping. It supports helping professionals and others in developing skills to care for themselves while they care for others, emphasizing the balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities​​.

Dr. Hersh's background as a clinical psychologist, mindfulness teacher, and energy psychology practitioner, along with his personal journey and professional experience, enriches the content of the book, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the mental health field​​.

I don't get it.. Tell me more 

When transitioning from a state of burnout to embracing self-care, it's crucial to engage in self-reflection. This process allows you to understand your needs, set boundaries, and develop a sustainable self-care routine. By asking yourself the right questions, you can uncover the root causes of your burnout and create a tailored approach to your well-being. Here are five important questions to guide this introspective journey:

What are my primary stressors? Identifying the specific sources of your stress can help you address them more effectively.

How do I typically respond to stress, and is it effective? Understanding your current coping mechanisms can reveal if they're helping you or potentially contributing to your burnout.

What activities genuinely rejuvenate me? It's essential to distinguish between activities that truly refresh you and those that might be escapism or short-term fixes.

What boundaries do I need to set for my health and well-being? Recognizing where you need to set limits can help you conserve energy and prioritize your well-being.

How can I integrate self-care into my daily routine? Consider practical ways to incorporate self-care into your everyday life, ensuring it's sustainable and not just a temporary fix.

By pondering these questions, you can begin to develop a deeper understanding of your needs and how best to meet them on your path to recovery and well-being.

Here’s what an ideal burnout to self care journey looks like:

Imagine yourself as an employee on a journey from burnout to embracing self-care:

Morning Ritual: Your day starts with a new ritual. Instead of immediately checking emails, you take a few minutes for meditation or deep breathing. This helps set a calm tone for the day.

Commute with Mindfulness: On your commute, you listen to relaxing music or a motivational podcast. This time becomes a transition period, mentally preparing you for the day ahead.

Structured Work Hours: At work, you diligently adhere to structured hours. You've learned to prioritize tasks, focusing on what's important and letting go of perfectionism in less critical tasks.

Regular Breaks: Every hour, you take a short break. It might be a walk around the office, some stretching, or a moment of mindfulness. These breaks help reduce mental fatigue and maintain focus.

Healthy Lunch Breaks: You commit to taking a full lunch break away from your desk. This time is for unwinding, enjoying a healthy meal, and perhaps a brief walk outside.

Effective Communication: You communicate more openly with your team and supervisor about your workload. When feeling overwhelmed, you ask for help or delegation, creating a supportive work environment.

After-Work Unwind: After work, you engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax - it could be a hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

Evening Routine: You have an evening routine that signals to your brain that the workday is over. This might include journaling, reading, or a relaxing bath.

Quality Sleep: You prioritize getting enough sleep, understanding its vital role in recovery and health.

Reflect and Adjust: Each day, you reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. You adjust your self-care practices accordingly, understanding that recovery is a dynamic process.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you gradually recover from burnout, transforming your work life into a more balanced and fulfilling experience.

In case you are wondering, there are some more problem and their alternatives

10 Signs That You Are Overworked

7 Tips to Manage Your Time and Energy

Ways to Prioritize SelfCare and WellBeing