How to Practice Self-Care Through Nutrition
The Myth of Self-Care Reducing Productivity
Right about now you might be saying that this is easier said than done. There are so many expectations and tasks that we must complete in a day and the only way to do this is to just keep chugging forward. This is especially true in American society in which sleeping less, working more hours, and taking fewer vacation days is the norm and even encouraged.
In an article published by The Nation, research has found that “while [Americans aren’t] at the top of the list of developed countries with excessive work hours — Mexico, Greece, South Korea, and nine others are higher — Americans work about 20 more hours each year than the average.” In fact, about 10 million Americans clock in at 60 hours a week!
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the norms that our society places on our day-to-day life. We forget to take a breath of fresh air, look around, and question whether this really is the best way to go about it or if there is another way to live a full, successful, and happy life.
Here’s a quick opportunity for you! Right this moment. As you’re reading this article. How do you ask? We’re going to take a quick look at another culture that does it differently and yet more efficiently. Take a deep breath and take in a different way of living that involves immense self-care and enjoyment of life!
Let’s take a look at Norway.
Based off of the second annual Global Productivity report conducted by Exper Market, it was found that “people of Norway are expected to work for only 27 hours every week–one of the shortest in the world–and still they have ranked as the second most productive country in the world by a survey.” They came in second, beaten by Luxembourg. On top of the fact that they work the least amount of hours and are one of the most productive countries, “Norwegians form the happiest workforce in Europe.”
Part of this is due to decreased work hours and increased vacation hours, but it also has a lot to do with the fact that the Danish people put a huge emphasis on self-care. They even have a word to describe the act: hygge.
Hygge — generally pronounced hue-guh — “is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cozy, charming or special.” Yet, hygge is much more than that. Hygge encompasses the practice of slowness “and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present.”
You don’t have to be Danish in order to practice hygge — or any form of self-care — but it does take some adjustment and it will require you to reprioritize time and tasks differently.
Where do you start? One of the most effective and productive self-care routines to begin is healthy eating!
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