5 Reasons Prioritizing Self-Care is Crucial for Managers & Execs

Self-care is any deliberate activity or practice that supports your physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing. It can include things like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Self-care is neither selfish nor self-indulgent.

It’s a necessary part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.

Manager Prioritizing Self-Care for Success

As a busy manager or executive working in a high-stress environment, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of work and put self-care on the backburner. However, prioritizing self-care is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance and perform well in your career in both the short and long term.

To make a lasting commitment to self-care, you need to adopt a mindset of prioritizing your own needs and recognizing the importance of it in your life. This means acknowledging that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity and making it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. It also means setting boundaries around work and other commitments and recognizing that taking care of yourself is not only good for you but also benefits your work and your relationships with others.

Here are five reasons why you should prioritize taking care of yourself and some actionable steps to help you get started.

1. Improved Physical and Mental Health

When you prioritize self-care, you're taking proactive steps to improve your physical and mental health. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking care of yourself in this way can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, and improve your mood and overall sense of wellbeing.

Action step: Schedule time for physical activity each week, even if it's just a 30-minute walk during your lunch break. Also, make an effort to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and limit your intake of processed foods.

2. Increased Productivity

Improve Problem Solving & Productivity with Self Care

When you take care of yourself, you're better equipped to handle the demands of your job. Self-care can help you recharge your batteries, reduce stress, and increase your focus and concentration. This can translate into increased productivity and better job performance.

Action step: Set boundaries around work hours and prioritize time for self-care activities. This might mean leaving work at a reasonable time, taking regular breaks throughout the day, or scheduling a vacation or staycation to recharge.

3. Better Relationships

When you prioritize self-care, you're also taking care of your relationships with others. When you're stressed and overworked, it's easy to become irritable and short-tempered with your colleagues and loved ones. Taking care of yourself can help you manage stress and be more patient and compassionate with others.

Action step: Make time for social activities outside of work, such as joining a book club, volunteering, or taking a class. Also, practice active listening and empathy with your colleagues and loved ones.

4. Improved Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

When you're constantly working and stressed, it can be challenging to think creatively and come up with new ideas. Self-care can help you clear your mind and tap into your creativity and problem-solving skills. Taking breaks and engaging in activities you enjoy can also help you approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

Action step: Incorporate activities that stimulate your creativity into your routine, such as writing, painting, or playing music. Also, try taking regular breaks throughout the day to clear your mind and refocus your energy.

Manager having long term success because of self care

5. Reduced Burnout

Finally, prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can result from chronic stress and overwork. It can lead to decreased job satisfaction, reduced productivity, and even physical health problems.

Action step: Regularly assess your workload and schedule and make adjustments as needed. Consider delegating tasks, saying no to non-essential responsibilities, and taking time off when you need it.

Taking care of yourself is essential for long-term success in your career.

By prioritizing self-care, you can improve your physical and mental health, increase productivity, build better relationships, tap into your creativity and problem-solving skills, and reduce the risk of burnout. Start by incorporating small changes into your routine, and make time for social activities outside of work. Over time, these small changes can have a big impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

For other ways to practice Self Care, check out how to avoid the Time Stealers here!

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I’m Nadine Seaga and I’m a Mindset & Leadership Coach, Founder & Chief Energy Officer (CEO) of People Development Consultants. I can help you to harness your full potential and the full potential of those you lead! Schedule Your Clarity Call here