When was the last time you sat still and read a good book? Or stayed up late laughing with friends and family? Or slept in instead of getting up when the alarm clock went off?
Well, I hope you carve out self-care time regularly to relax, rest, and rejuvenate. However, if you are like me, you rarely take the time to slow down and rest. Why? Because leaders are prone to action.
Recently, I had a conversation with a team member where they asked me a fascinating question. What question? When do I take time to relax? My team member said, “You are always reminding us to relax and rest; when do you take time to relax?”
Well, of course, my response was your typical answer. I said, “I relax.” They said, “when?” They then rattled off my weekly activities, which included working a full-time c-level position, writing a weekly blog post, publishing a weekly podcast, teaching a college-level course, and mentoring and coaching. After they finished, I felt tired.
As I reflected on the conversation, I had to agree with my team member. While I take time to relax, rest, and rejuvenate when I am on vacation, I need to do a better job of carving out time in my daily schedule to refresh. I need to do more practicing than preaching!
So, why is it essential for leaders to relax, rest, and rejuvenate? George Courus said, “Your work is a reflection of you. If you’re not getting the results you’re looking for, stop looking for better strategies. Instead, look inside.”
Therefore, leaders need to find time to invest in themselves. How? Well. Let me share three strategies I use.
First, start with your calendar. Do you set time aside for yourself? Yes, schedule time to exercise, think, read, and rest. In addition, you should also schedule a time to do nothing. One of my favorite activities is watching television. I am a huge science fiction fan, so I enjoy watching programs that don’t require me to do anything. I also use reminders on my phone to help me stay on track.
The next way I relax is to have a technology-free day. So what is a technology-free day? I take one day, typically Saturday or Sunday, and I don’t touch my electronic devices. My family and friends will contact my husband because they know I am unplugged.
The last strategy I would offer is to spend time laughing. Yes, spend time engaged in activities that make you smile and laugh. Laughter is good for the soul. So whether hanging out with your family or lunch with friends, take time to enjoy yourself.
“Work hard at your job, and you can make a living. Work hard on yourself, and you can make a fortune.”
-Jim Rohn
Leaders must model what we expect because everyone takes their cue from the leader. If your tank is empty, then you can’t help your team. Therefore, self-care is vital for leaders and their teams. So take time to relax, rest and rejuvenate!
Are you resting, relaxing, and rejuvenating?
#YourLeadershipGuide,
Kim
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