What Exactly is Self-Care, and How Do We Practice It?
Defining Self-Care More Broadly
At its core, self-care revolves around your connection with yourself. In a work context, this means understanding and responding to what you need to be your most productive, authentic self. Self-care extends beyond physical health—it encompasses mental, emotional, relational, environmental, time, and resource management.
Remove the Word “Should”
Self-care should not feel overwhelming or guilt-inducing. Its goal is not to burden you with more tasks or expectations. Instead, it’s about staying connected to yourself and your mission: Who and what will support you in making a positive impact? Self-care stems from intention, not judgment.
Incorporate Self-Care into Daily Work
Self-care isn’t something separate from work; it should be integrated into your workday. Here are six ways to operationalize self-care:
Cut Yourself a Break
Silence your inner critic and treat yourself with kindness. Just as you would support a colleague in difficult times, extend that same compassion to yourself.
Value Time and Resources
Begin each day by identifying your top three priorities. Honor your time and don’t say “yes” to every request that detracts from those priorities.
Take a Victory Lap
Reflect on recent successes rather than rushing to the next task. This builds motivation and connection with your goals.
Surround Yourself with Support
Nurture relationships that uplift you. Set boundaries with those who drain your energy and invest in people who encourage growth.
Update Your Workspace
Personalize your work environment to foster inspiration and productivity. Clean and organize your space, making it reflective of your best self.
Recharge and Reboot
Monitor your energy levels and schedule regular breaks. Balance sleep, exercise, and moments of relaxation to keep yourself restored throughout the week.
Recognize When You Slip Out of Self-Care Mode
In stressful times, self-care often falls by the wayside. Watch out for these patterns:
- Self-Neglect: Feeling constantly overwhelmed or burnt out signals a need to prioritize self-care.
- Self-Management: Over-managing yourself to maintain a professional façade can leave you feeling drained and inauthentic.
- Self-Sabotage: Avoidance behaviors, like procrastination, stem from anxiety and prevent you from achieving your goals.
- Self-Preservation: A scarcity mindset fosters competition and hinders collaboration.
Acknowledging when you’ve slipped from self-care helps you return to a more balanced, effective version of yourself.
