Why Self-Care Is Not Selfish?

Summary: Intentionally taking care of yourself is essential to survive in the business world. When you love yourself and look after yourself, you will be a better leader and can serve others efficiently.

When an airplane loses its usual air pressure inside, the passengers are instructed to first take care of their own safety and apply the oxygen mask to themselves first and then help those who need it. It is vital in a crisis that you look after yourself too before trying to provide for anyone. A good business leader will help those in need, but a better business leader will take care of themself first so that they can help those in need efficiently.Â

One of the most crucial leadership traits is the ability to strike a balance between the demands of the job and the value of self-care. So, let’s explore the significance of self-care for managers and leaders along with a few recommendations for creating a wholesome, thoughtful self-care system for yourself.

The concept of self-love has recently entered the leadership and employee engagement field. As a means to create more meaning in their work life, many psychologists and entrepreneurs introduced the concept to themselves and to the corporate world.

So what are those 3 self-love habits which you should incorporate into your life?

Forgive yourself

Have you often caught yourself wondering, âI should have done better in the meeting, I could have given better explanations, I could have improved my teamâs productivity if I was engaging them moreâ? These are classic examples, but this involves being hard on yourself as you reflect on your own performance. As a leader, you need to talk to yourself with love and patience. When you love yourself, you understand what went wrong, what could have gone better, and what your limits and strengths are. You must be forgiving to yourself in the same way, you are to your loved ones, with kindness, care and no judgements.

Be kind to self

When you begin to see yourself in a much kinder way, you would understand where you did good and where things go south. When you do something for your team with the best intentions, do not question yourself twice if it didn’t go according to your plan. Employees love and respect leaders who are aware of their shortcomings and treat themselves with kindness and love. You can treat yourself on difficult days when you think nothing is going right. When nothing seems under control, be kind to yourself, and buy yourself an additional 10-20 minutes on that tea break.

Maintain a journal

Journaling is the best way to take care of yourself and show love. Journal involves writing your thoughts, emotions, feelings, judgements and many more in a safe and private space. You must remember that you must treat yourself with kindness and not judge your thoughts. As a Leader, you are allowed to get frustrated, and irritated and process the emotions you are facing, and a really good way to channel those emotions is journaling. You are allowing yourself to make mistakes, and allowing others to make mistakes as well.

Leadership Impact

Self-care and self-love radiate positive vibes from you. In your office, when you are in a much lighter mood, you will be perceived as much more empathetic and a warm leader. A research study found that leaders find self-love is fundamental to leadership and improves decision making, the ability to inspire huge levels of commitment and productivity from employees. It speaks volumes about your own personality and makes people see you in a better light.

Leadership Mindset

You need to remember your criticisms are valid but they have to be kinder, and you need to treat yourself like you would treat others, with respect, dignity and a non-judgemental stance.

3 Immediately Applicable Action Steps

Daily, begin the day with an activity that makes you feel good because a positive start to the day brings more cheer to your life.
Get a hobby. Maintain your sanity, keep yourself engaged in something you like and find interesting, and it has to be non-work related.
Experiment. Try out new things, and explore more. Do things which you haven’t done before. Do things that make you feel pampered.

References

5 Strategies For Leaders To Cultivate More Self-love In Life and Business. (2017). Akua Nyame-Mensah | Helping Leaders Connect and Focus to Scale. https://www.akuanm.com/blog/59025-strategies-to-cultivate-self-love-in-life-businessÂ
Larter, I. (2017, January 11). The Importance of Self-Love in Leadership. Business Essentials. https://www.businessessentials.co.za/2016/11/16/self-love-in-leadership/Â
Robinson, B., PhD. (2021, February 5). How Self-Love Boosts Job Performance And Career Success. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2021/02/05/how-self-love-boosts-job-performance-and-career-success/?sh=1bf0dc0030c1Â
Maharaj, N., & April, K. (2017). The power of self-love in the evolution of leadership and employee engagement. Problems and perspectives in management.Â

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