Self-care is becoming a buzzword in business, but have you ever wondered about the specific steps you need to take?
When thinking about productivity, most people think the key to making progress is doing more. When you’re stuck in the mindset of doing more, it can look impossible to find time for yourself, but making time for yourself and creating a consistent self-care routine will help you boost productivity and help avoid burnout.
So, what are the self-care practices that can affect your productivity? “Self-care” is usually considered spa days and baths—but, it’s much more. Self-care can be any action you take to support your physical, mental, and emotional health. So, while face masks and spa days can definitely be a form of self-care, so can taking a walk, talking to a supportive friend, or skipping a boring networking event.
Basically, self-care is about nurturing your connection with yourself. It’s about giving your body, mind, and spirit what you need to function optimally —which, in turn, makes you productive at work.
How to Practice Self-Care
The desire to work well and the desire to practice self-care are often found to be mutually exclusive, but really it’s just the opposite. Self-care is not only something you do; it’s more about something you are. It’s a mindset that affects every decision we make.
When we have a self-care mindset, it doesn’t matter if we have a whole vacation, two free minutes of silence, or no time at all. It is the presence with ourselves and positive thought that counts, and the illusion of what “self-care” is supposed to be will often stop people from practicing it. Self-care is about small steps. It doesn’t have to involve eight hours of sleep every night, two hours in the gym every day, and a massage therapist.
Self-care is simply about taking care of yourself and being kind to yourself. It can happen when you’ve had a hard day and, instead of repressing your feelings, you admit it and give yourself a break.
It happens when you give up a toxic relationship or conversation. I can also mean that instead of beating yourself up for that last “mistake,” you acknowledge yourself for being brave. It can happen when you openly ask for what you need, or simply give yourself a moment to connect with your intention and be present.
There are two ways to build immunity and resiliency: proactively and reactively. When we’re exposed to negative circumstances and respond positively (by taking care and being able to learn from it), the more we can build our resiliency reactively. On the other hand, we can build it proactively with intention, self-care, and other strategies discussed here. Choosing your thoughts, similar to taking your vitamins, builds your resilience and immunity.
Discover the best way to help your employees build immunity, consistently connect with your leadership team, and predictably turn them into highly engaged employees. Call me for some complimentary advice. Book an appointment at https://go.oncehub.com/GregNichvalodoff or call me at +1 (604) 943-0800.
