Key Takeaways
|
When the end-of-shift ice cream stops fixing the day, you know it’s already too much.
When Stress Becomes the Job
Truth be told, there is no kind of work that doesn’t come with stress.
Your “dream job” could have tight deadlines. A “laid-back office” might not be exempted from workplace drama. Even the “flexible role” could prove itself by stretching past work hours.
Stress is part of the deal. But when it stops being a spark and starts being the air you breathe, that’s when it becomes a huge problem.
How Constant Stress Sneaks into Your Everyday Life
Workplace stress doesn’t just stay at work. It follows you everywhere.
In the beginning, it feels like something you can handle.
But stress has a way of multiplying. What starts inside you doesn’t stay contained. It slowly affects you, from the way you interact with others to how you handle everyday tasks. The things that used to help you relax might not work anymore, which is why that ice cream you ate didn’t comfort you like it used to.
When stress keeps leaking into every corner of your life, “coping” starts to feel like putting a Band-Aid on something much deeper.
The Physical Fallout
Stress isn’t just “in your head.” It shows up in your body:
- Sleep problems that make you feel restless
- Fatigue that even coffee can’t fix
- Headaches, digestive issues, and even chronic illness all linked to prolonged stress
Ignoring self-care isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous.
The Things You Think Are “Not Okay” Are Actually Okay
In a culture that praises constant hustle, taking care of yourself can feel…wrong. It could make you feel like you’re slacking, being selfish, or falling behind.
But sometimes, the things that feel “off-limits” are exactly what your mind and body are screaming for.
That’s what radical self-care is all about: prioritizing your well-being, even if it means saying no, setting boundaries, or doing things differently than everyone else expects.
“Radical self-care entails going against popular opinion, fear of being judged or refusing to appease others, even if they call you selfish or weak,” Forbes explained.
In addition, radical self-care builds your own psychological safety. By prioritizing yourself and speaking your truth, you create an inner space where you feel secure and valued, which makes it easier to engage with others without fear or stress.
How to Start Practicing Radical Self-Care
Radical self-care begins with action. Here are three key ways to start.
Recognize your stress.
Notice the tasks, people, or situations that drain your energy and how stress shows up in your body and mind. Awareness is the first step to change.
According to theHRDirector, here are the top 10 causes of unhealthy stress in the workplace:
- Lack of organizational support for building resilience
- Lack of control
- Insufficient recognition
- Poor workplace relationships
- Unclear job expectations
- Unfair treatment
- Unsustainable workload
- Job insecurity
- Unrealistic expectations
Once you’ve recognized the cause of your stress, you can take practical steps to address it, whether that’s setting boundaries, asking for support, or changing how you approach your work.
Start small.
Make one intentional change at a time—like taking a five-minute break, journaling, or prioritizing one task. Small steps build momentum and make self-care sustainable.
Take ownership of your well-being.
Commit to protecting your mental, emotional, and physical health. Advocate for yourself, enforce boundaries, and make choices that keep your energy and focus intact.
When you begin to truly care for yourself, you’ll notice the changes. Stress feels lighter, focus sharpens, and balance returns. And when things are balanced, you’re not just surviving the day; you’re setting yourself up for success.
We Encourage Self-Care at iSupport Worldwide
Trying to prioritize self-care while your workplace drains you is exhausting. The truth is, you shouldn’t have to choose between doing your best work and taking care of yourself.
While radical self-care is essential, it’s much easier to practice in a supportive environment. That’s why at iSupport Worldwide we’ve created a culture that supports both. Our core values guide everything we do:
People Proud: We celebrate and support employees and teams who make our company successful.
Be Better: We constantly look for ways to grow, learn, and improve.
Make It Easy: We handle friction so our teams can focus on what matters.
Deliver Delight: We create experiences that make people feel valued every day.
Create Real Impact: We focus on actions that genuinely improve lives, both inside and outside the company.
We back this up with real resources to support your well-being and performance:
- Competitive salary package and benefits
- A fully equipped gym with professional coaches to keep you active and energized
- Free meals, snacks, and drinks to fuel your day
- Top-tier office amenities that make your workspace comfortable and productive
- HMO coverage starting on day one, so you’re protected from your very first day at work
- Training and development certifications for your career growth
- A dedicated engagement team that plans activities to make work enjoyable
- And many more!
Does this sound like the kind of workplace you’ve been looking for?
Explore opportunities with us and see how we put people first every single day.
About the Author Shekina P. Malonzo is a Licensed Professional Teacher and Content Developer at iSupport Worldwide, specializing in creating tailored content for the offshoring industry. |
| Founded in 2006, iSupport Worldwide is a US-owned offshoring leader based in the Philippines, delivering tailored solutions to enhance operational efficiency and exceed client expectations. Recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for three consecutive years, honored in Inc. Magazine’s Power Partner Awards, and a recipient of the ACES Award for Inspiring Workplaces in Asia, iSupport Worldwide embodies a commitment to excellence. |