It\u2019s the middle of February.\u00a0 The days are getting a bit longer, but not long enough.\u00a0 Unfortunately, it\u2019s too early for spring fever.\u00a0 It\u2019s at this time of year, we try even harder to maintain healthy habits and relationships to stay productive and keep from finding ourselves in a slump.<\/p>\n
As we think about our self-care, let\u2019s flip the script and make the workplace the first place you think about taking care of you.\u00a0 Rather than self-care being something that happens outside of work in the evenings and on the weekends, self-care can become a natural part of your workday.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s always more that can be done and, even if you\u2019re the CEO, work brings pressure and demands.\u00a0 I\u2019m here to help you remember that YOU COUNT and sometimes you need to put yourself first.<\/p>\n
Setting boundaries at the office will help you avoid doing your colleague\u2019s work.\u00a0 Even if you have to practice saying the word \u201cno\u201d out loud, then practice and apply the skill at work.\u00a0 Do not worry about whether you\u2019re being nice or not.\u00a0 You do not have to be a friend to everyone.<\/p>\n
If you say \u201cyes\u201d to everything, the workload adds more stress.\u00a0 This slippery slope could cause you to take work home at night.\u00a0 For example, one client is so susceptible to not setting boundaries and taking work home, which then cuts into time with her daughter at home.\u00a0 Her solution is to have a photo of her daughter right by her computer as a constant reminder.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a clear line between wanting to be valuable and having positive work relationships vs. allowing others to take advantage of your good nature.\u00a0 Think about where the line is and set parameters for yourself and your relationships with co-workers.<\/p>\n
Always remember your own priorities.\u00a0 If you allow others to derail you with their issues, you will allow someone else\u2019s negative perspective to throw off your own game.\u00a0 Even worse, if you allow other people\u2019s priorities to take over, you will relinquish your own work goals and priorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.\u201d
\n\u2013 Anne Lamott<\/p>\n
As with so many issues and opportunities in life, you need to be your own advocate in the workplace.\u00a0 If you need to put a post-it on your computer, do it.\u00a0 Always be asking yourself what you want and need in the workplace.<\/p>\n
As an example, conferences, continuing education and leadership training are vital to your growth and advancement on the job.\u00a0 You don\u2019t get to go, if you don\u2019t ask.\u00a0 Even if there have been budget cuts, ask and make the case for why you, why now.\u00a0 Another example, I have a client who has back issues.\u00a0 She has not yet asked for a better ergonomic chair, because she thinks it will \u201cseem selfish.\u201d<\/p>\n
The problem with not speaking up for yourself is that you could be reducing your own productivity.\u00a0 The last thing you need or want is for something so simple to keep you from being a good or even a great member of the work team.\u00a0 There\u2019s no skirting around this one \u2013 you have to be your own self advocate at work.<\/p>\n