Caring for ourselves
In June, we had a discussion on the importance of balancing our professional roles with our personal lives. We acknowledged that we are multifaceted individuals, not defined solely by our work.
Leading with vulnerability, empathy, and compassion, we shared our unique challenges and came away with concrete action steps to help us take care of ourselves during our non-work hours. Here are some key takeaways:
Disconnect to Reconnect: Turn off app notifications and hide apps for a few days
Are you on vacation, taking PTO, or simply winding down after 5 pm on Friday? Take a few minutes to truly disconnect from your work persona. Silence any work-related app notifications on your phone (yes, Outlook and Teams, we mean you). Better yet, hide those apps altogether so you’re not tempted to check them!
Invest Time in You: Pursue what fills you with joy and curiosity
Whether it’s training for a road race, making a dent in your to-be-read pile, or trying out that new recipe, make time for activities that bring you joy and spark your curiosity. Remember, you are a multifaceted person—honor all aspects of yourself. These passions and hobbies are integral to who you are!
Rest and Recharge: Prioritize your mental health
Our work can often be emotionally heavy and mentally taxing. It's essential to take time to rest and recharge. Consider journaling or establishing a relaxing bedtime routine to help ease your mind. Prioritize your mental health and well-being—you deserve it.
By taking these steps, we can better manage our work-life balance and ensure we are caring for ourselves in meaningful ways. Remember, you are more than your job—embrace your full self!