At work, you can get dragged in multiple directions. Your manager needs an additional task done by the end of the day, you need to be present at two back-to-back meetings, and your newly hired co-worker could use some assistance in learning the ropes. IYKYK…
It has been proven time and time again that burnout doesn’t show up all at once. Instead, it is sneaky, often showing up as feelings of exhaustion, stress, and anxiety. It can also manifest itself through mood swings, irritability, and lack of drive.
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Trina Aguirre knows all too well about burnout. The high achiever described her former high-level occupation as stressful, even sharing that it led to hair loss. Her experience ultimately inspired her to create Corporate Exit Plan (CEP), a company that supports high-achieving professionals who are burnt out, ready for change, or want to leave their jobs, strategically exit with their peace and pay intact.
Aguirre explained she eventually learned “the hard way that self-care isn’t extra. It’s necessary. Especially at work.”
You get caught up in all your responsibilities, and next thing you know, the day is over, but you’re still going. It can start to feel overwhelming as your mind continues to pace. But according to Aguirre, burnout can be prevented by taking a few minutes for self-care at the workplace.
Self-Care At Work Starts With Intention
Taking care of yourself is essential, and that includes taking care of yourself at work. Aguirre is an advocate for “non-negotiable minutes”— describing them as 3-5 minute blocks dedicated to taking a breath, taking a step outside, standing up and doing a stretch, or just journaling for a little. These simple actions help you stay grounded.
Grabbing a cup of coffee shouldn’t be your sole way of catering to yourself while at work. Give yourself the energy you need for the day by grabbing these flavorsome ingredients and creating a bubbly mocktail that emphasizes self-care at the workplace!
✨ The Sweetness – ½ Cup Of Pineapple Juice
Looking for a fun way to sweeten up your day? Consider making this mocktail that encourages you to slow down and pour into yourself with intention.
Start with ½ cup of pineapple juice.
While pouring it into your cup, think about finding those tiny moments of peace that will sweeten and enhance your workday.
✨ The Bubbly – 1 ½ oz of Sparkling Cider
Next up, pour 1 ½ oz of sparkling cider.
Similar to the impact of sparkling cider, our boundaries should be just as clear. You may be physically able to do an extra task, but that does not mean you are emotionally or mentally capable at that moment.
This is why it is important to create boundaries. Aguirre explains, “boundaries protected my health and helped my team see that it’s okay to put yourself first.”
Although she admits work boundaries took time to establish, and not everyone (especially leadership) loved them, they are essential.
Remember, keep your workload to something you can handle; do not let the bubbles overflow.
✨ The Extra Kick – 1 ½ oz of Ginger Ale
Let’s add a little kick to your mocktail with 1 ½ oz of ginger ale.
Ginger ale is a combination of sweetness with the mild, earthy taste of ginger, and it serves as an important reminder to stay grounded.
“How you live outside of work shows up inside of work – good or bad,” Aguirre reminds us, encouraging us to focus on using the weekend to recharge instead of recover.
This can look like therapy, getting real rest, spending time around people who refill your cup, and making space for silence and reflection. Think about how you show up outside of work; it matters and impacts how you enter the new work week.
✨ Bringing It All Together – A Sugared Rim & Fresh Pineapples
Combine all the ingredients. And serve!
Your splash of pineapple juice reminds you to take a few minutes during the workday to stay grounded. Sparkling cider emphasizes the power of boundaries. And the sweet and spicy carbonated beverage, known as ginger ale, encourages you to be intentional outside of work. Mix it all and start prioritizing self-care at work.
Grab your brightly illuminated mocktail and take care of yourself! And if you are anything like me, add a little sugar on the rim and fresh fruit as a garnish. Don’t be afraid to be a little extra; you are doing it for you!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
