Leaders Make Time for Self-Care – Part II
Last week I wrote about the need for leaders to make time – not find time – for self-care. True quality self-care makes it possible for leaders to be effective in many parts of their jobs, their jobs at home and at work.
I am gratified by the positive and reflective responses I received from many newsletter subscribers. Some of you asked me what the best proven strategies are for engaging in real self-care on a consistent basis.
So this week I thought I would list those strategies that empirical studies have shown produce the most impactful results in each of the four dimensions of our lives.
See how many of these strategies you implement for yourself:
Physical
-Get the right amount of sleep you know is best for you
-Set health and fitness goals for yourself
-Eat a fully balanced diet and drink lots of water
-Implement a regular exercise routine that includes flexibility, strength training and cardiovascular work
Mental
-Keep a journal for personal reflection and to document lessons
-Read or listen to books on tape or podcasts
-Develop and cultivate a rewarding hobby
-Pursue personal and professional continuing education
-Work on puzzles and quizzes online
-Play games with friends and colleagues that challenge you
Social/Emotional
-Keep your relationships in constant repair by paying attention to them – at work and at home
-Identify which relationships you want to cultivate each week
-Look for opportunities to collaborate with others
-Practice attentive and empathic listening with those people who are most important to you
-Expand your circle of friends at work and through volunteer work
-Practice the art of forgiveness and stop carrying grudges
-Strengthen your family and “framily” relationships by engaging in activities that you know others enjoy, writing old-fashioned letters or using your phone to actually call people and check on them
-Release the competitive feelings you feel toward others
-Assess your own problem-solving skills and think about how you can enhance them
-Don’t assume people know how much you care about them – tell them
Spiritual
-Focus on your purpose – at home and at work
-Realize you will leave a legacy at any job you ever have – what do you want it to be?
-Watch, listen to and get out in the world of nature
-Read inspirational literature
-Listen to inspiring podcasts
-Listen to uplifting music
-Make a commitment to serve your community and/or your profession through meaningful volunteer work
-Practice spiritual worship that appeals to you
These are just some examples of efforts you can make to implement a regular self-care regimen. Engaging in these kinds of activities will improve your health, strengthen your feelings of well-being, and literally help you live a longer life.
The hard part is not deciding what to do for self-care. The hard part is making the commitment to yourself and doing it.
We all know intellectually that these kinds of initiatives are good for us. Sometimes we may need assistance from a friend, such as a workout or book club partner. Sometimes we may need help from a professional counselor or consultant.
I invite you to look in the mirror.
What do you need to do in order to engage in a regular and balanced program of self-care?
You deserve it.
If you believe this content would resonate with a friend or colleague, please feel free to forward it along!
-Larry