Don’t Think Self-Care Is for You? Think Again
While the benefits of self-care are well known, some leaders still question whether it’s for them. You might feel like you don’t have the time, or think that you don’t need it, or maybe you consider the whole idea to be a bunch of hippy-dippy nonsense. Well, it’s time to reconsider. Self-care is important, and it can look different for everyone. So, set aside your resistance, and find a way to make it your own. You might like a long, cross-legged meditation, or something much more simple, like a routine journaling session, a brief afternoon nature walk, or a 15-minute break during the day to listen to music. The key is to start small, because even short diversions can provide stress relief and an energy boost. Whatever form of self-care you settle on, be diligent about making time for it everyday. Schedule it on your calendar and set alarms so that you don’t forget to actually follow through on your commitment to yourself. And once you start feeling the benefits, share your experience with others, especially if you’re a leader. The more you encourage others to take care of themselves, the more your team and organization will benefit.
“‘Serious’ Leaders Need Self-Care, Too,” by Palena Neale