I have to admit, writing this month’s blog was a struggle. I’ve enjoyed sharing my thoughts over the past months, but this time, I hit a wall. Reflecting on why I felt stuck, the word “overwhelmed” kept coming up, and it seemed to paralyze my ability to write.
So, how did I move past this writer’s block? I explored a few topics, and what resonated was the importance of self-care, especially for leaders. While self-care isn't new to me, I realized I had drifted away from it. I began reading more on the subject and, in the process, asked for some grace from my colleagues, as a deadline was approaching. Through this experience, I rediscovered some key takeaways about the significance of self-care that I’d like to share.
Before diving in, I’d like to thank Emily Moses for offering her support and Cathie Patin for sharing a valuable article that helped shape this post. I’m not claiming to be an expert here; these are just some thoughts that struck a chord with me, and I wanted to share them with you. I know many of you in the procurement field are balancing hectic schedules—hopefully, this can offer a bit of support.
We often say the best leaders are those who look out for their teams, and that's certainly a weighty responsibility on top of daily tasks and goals. But to truly succeed, you need to prioritize taking care of yourself, too, to avoid burnout and maintain your energy.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care means advocating for your well-being and intentionally engaging in activities that support your health. It’s about “having your own back.” This involves deliberately choosing practices that keep you in top form on a regular basis. Consistency is crucial. It’s not a one-time effort; the more you incorporate self-care into your routine, the happier, healthier, and more resilient you’ll become.
The article, from the Calm Team, I read provided a great analogy: professional athletes view training and recovery as two sides of the same coin, putting as much effort into rest as they do into hard work. The same principle applies to leaders. If you’re constantly in “go” mode, your effectiveness will diminish over time. But if you invest in recovery, you’ll show up stronger and more present for your team, ultimately becoming a better leader.
The Benefits of a Regular Self-Care Routine
A consistent approach to self-care can help you:
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Regulate your energy levels and build resilience, making it easier to manage stress.
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Stay positive and compassionate, helping you be present and available for others.
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Maintain steady leadership, reducing the impact of mood swings on your work with others.
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Set a strong example for your team.
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Boost productivity by accomplishing more with less friction and inefficiency.
Practical Self-Care Tips
Here are some practical suggestions from the articles I found helpful and worth incorporating into your routine:
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Take care of your physical needs:
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Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, and consider short, 20-minute breaks during the day to recharge.
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Move throughout the day, especially if you’re often at your desk. Take short walks and stretch.
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Eat well.
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Address your emotional needs:
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Management can be an emotionally taxing role, and it’s easy to feel the need to uphold impossibly high standards for your team. In reality, showing vulnerability and emotional openness can be a strength.
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Manage stress by discussing workload concerns with your manager, setting realistic goals, and recognizing the signs of burnout.
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Show yourself compassion and allow room for grace.
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Protect your mental bandwidth:
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Make time for activities you genuinely enjoy, even amid a packed schedule.
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Learn something new or explore a hobby.
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Take time to check in with yourself and decompress.
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Engage in social activities:
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Maintain boundaries and make time for family and friends.
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Identify your support network and reach out when needed.
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Foster a personal connection with yourself:
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Practice mindfulness, whether through meditation, journaling, or yoga.
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Connect with nature and set aside time to be alone.
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Pursue what inspires you.
Writing on this topic has been a bit outside my usual comfort zone, but I hope it offers a starting point for you to explore and practice self-care. As I continue this journey myself, I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
References
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Calm Team. The Self-Care Guide for Managers. https://calm.com/self-care-guide
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Neale, Palena. "A Self-Care Checklist for Leaders." Harvard Business Review, September 27, 2024. https://hbr.org/2024/09/a-self-care-checklist-for-leaders
What’s on Your Bookshelf?
Here is an interesting read:
The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson offers a blueprint for creating a culture of psychological safety, which is critical in today’s modern economy.
Consistency is crucial. It’s not a one-time effort; the more you incorporate self-care into your routine, the happier, healthier, and more resilient you’ll become.