Too focused on what’s ahead and what you need to achieve and forgotten about yourself? We need to stop thinking of self-care as a luxury when it is actually a necessity. Remember that you are your greatest asset and if you want success in your career, then you need to make caring for yourself a priority.
Greater self awareness and attention to your body will translate into awareness into the work that you do. People will gravitate towards you because you will feel great each day and the success will soon follow. Find five reasons why self-care matters when it comes to your professional success below.
This post was contributed by Amy P, travel writer and digital guru with a passion for health and personal development.
1. You will build self-trust
Self-care will help you have more faith in yourself and what you are doing. This is because taking control of your personal care means taking responsibility for your life. You aren’t waiting for another person to do it for you and you’re giving yourself what you require to feel the best you can. Start by addressing what it is you need to feel good.
The best part about establishing self-trust is that this will benefit everyone around you and create a positive work environment. Yes, the one you always dreamed of having while you were in your previous, toxic workplace.
2. You will avoid burnout
Stress related disorders, heart attacks and hair falling out. If you’re working 60 hours a week, going to back to back meetings and answering tons of emails then you’re going to burnout.
When you are so motivated about work and what you are doing, it can often feel difficult to take time away from projects. Failing to take time out for yourself will put you at risk of burning out. This can take you months to recover from and ultimately set you back in what you are trying to achieve.
3. You will adopt an abundance mindset
If you are thinking mentally outward, then there is always the feeling that you don’t have enough. Some people feel that success is in the future and in this moment you never have enough.
The truth is that you have more than enough because you are following your dreams and taking brave risks. Self-care will give you the downtime you deserve to think about your goals and also celebrate your wins along the way. Taking the time to do things you love will make you feel abundance. It will also inspire you with new ideas that will propel the next phases of your business and career.
4. You will learn that self-care is free (and save money)
Going to bed early is free. Giving yourself 10 minutes of meditation in the morning is also free. Self care doesn’t have to be getting an expensive massage. Even making yourself a nutritious meal or walking to work in the morning will help save you money.
Just a little bit of self care can save you a lot financially. For example, if you exercise or meditate then you will be more mentally focused. This will then help you avoid costly mistakes and also awkward situations with clients. Also, modelling self-care behaviour to your employees will become cost-savings for long-term medical expenses for you and your staff.
5. You will give off positive energy
When you’re at your best and really thriving you become an amazing salesperson. If you take good care of yourself then you will give off positive energy that is attractive to potential clients and partners.
People will want to work with you because you are thriving and calm. People don’t like working with those who are overly stressed or organised and hesitant to associate with negative energy. If you’re radiating success, then your employees, potential clients and vendors will also feel the same.
Start taking better care of yourself today with new habits
Here are a few tips to help you start incorporating self-care into your daily routine. Self-care begins with forming tiny habits. You need to find a trigger which is the right time in your schedule. For example, if you want to practice deep breathing then your trigger might be moments in the day when you are feeling anxious (before an important meeting or while you are stuck in traffic).
Start by incorporating the following into your day to day routine:
Remember you are your most important resource.
Create healthy goals and boundaries.
Start practicing yoga.
Drink plenty of water.
Eat often.
Stretch throughout the day.
Get a good night’s sleep. Try to get eight hours a night.
Pamper yourself. Get a pedicure, massage or take yourself to a spa.
Practice regular meditation or journaling to organise your mind.
Have healthy boundaries and know when to say no.