Successful leaders understand the importance of self-care as the foundation of their effectiveness and well-being.
There is a plethora of literature and articles on this topic that often focus on aspects such as a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and regular physical activity, all of which are good habits to maintain.
However, little attention is paid to “in-office” practices that positively contribute to self-care, which compound over time and can make a huge difference in an individual’s quality of life, success and professional fulfillment. no one, says a leadership expert.
“As the end of the year approaches, most people are tired and the holidays can’t come soon enough. But 2024 and a new work year aren’t far behind the break, so now’s the time to think about implementing office practices that will keep you energized and can give your best to your work and personal life in the new year. said Peter Kriel, chief executive of the Independent Institute of Education.
He says that while it is important to develop habits that promote mental and physical well-being outside of work, the eight-plus hours of our working day should also be harnessed to ensure optimal and ongoing well-being, to avoid professional burnout.
“While specific office self-care habits may vary from person to person, there are some core habits that successful people employ to improve both their personal well-being and their performance as a as leaders and managers. This is useful advice whatever your status, whether you are a student, employee, manager or independent,” he explains.
The most important habit to develop is effective time management, says Kriel.
“Effective time management is an essential habit of self-care. Successful leaders often use time management techniques, such as prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and delegating, to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Procrastination is the main enemy of good time management practices and ultimately increases stress levels. So if you know you’re a bit of a procrastinator, decide to understand what’s behind your tendency to put things off and treat it as a gift to yourself in 2024,” he continued.
In addition to ensuring your time is used efficiently, the following habits can help you maintain agency at work and feel empowered and in control of your life, says Kriel:
READ ALSO : Public braves rain to support Walk for Mental Health
CONTINUING TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Learning and personal growth are essential to success.
Successful leaders often engage in lifelong learning by reading, attending seminars, taking classes, or seeking mentoring to stay current and adapt to changing environments.
Not being up to date with developments, the latest technologies, and other changing aspects of the business world may not seem like it has an impact on self-care, but it does, because you’re less likely to feel stuck in a rut and your skills will. staying relevant in a highly competitive work environment that reduces stress and concerns about job security.
REGULAR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BREAKS
Taking short breaks during the workday can help recharge the mind and prevent burnout. Take advantage of these downtime periods to reflect and refocus.
Failure to deliberately plan and execute such breaks will increase stress levels and loss of productivity, ultimately negatively impacting self-care.
EFFECTIVE STRESS MANAGEMENT
“We all face stress, but managing it is crucial. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or journaling, are helpful. However, there are many less obvious techniques that will contribute to effective stress management at work. Creating a to-do list and prioritizing tasks is the priority, but breaking tasks into manageable chunks can reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress,” he said.
SET LIMITS
While maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential, setting boundaries is not enough.
In addition to setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, intra-company boundaries are also crucial.
Learn to be assertive by respectfully communicating your needs and boundaries to reduce workplace stressors and say no when necessary to avoid overcommitment.
THINKING AND GOAL SETTING
Regular self-reflection and personal goal setting help us stay focused on long-term goals and ensure we are aligned with our values and priorities.
The opposite is being swept up in everyday affairs, which quickly leads to a feeling of loss of control over your life and work.
Being able to measure your performance against the goals you set will not only identify gaps, helping you focus, but also create a sense of accomplishment when goals are achieved. These two aspects will greatly support your desire to take care of yourself.
“Remember that self-care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Successful and high-capacity people tailor their self-care routines to their unique needs and circumstances. The key is to consistently prioritize self-care practices that improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which contributes to success and effectiveness at work, as well as well-being and fulfillment outside of work,” he concluded.
