It's Friday, HR Tribe! How will you care for yourself this weekend?
HR is a stressful job. I've seen it in my former clients, and heard it said by members of my professional community. I know helping people and organizations be successful can be rewarding. And, I personally know how much energy is exhausted on facilitating a training, meeting a report deadline, dealing with a difficult employee, AND dealing with one's own grief and loss (while upholding the image of a credible leader in the workplace). I can't imagine the stress associated with investigating a sexual harassment complaint, addressing an on-the-job injury or dealing with hostile labor unions representatives.
"Self care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." Eleanor Brownn
Stop everything right now. Make a self-care date with yourself this weekend even if it's for only an hour. The date is for you and you only. Cancel an event that you don't really want to attend and/or get a baby sitter. The idea is to refuel yourself. You are so important. It's important to love yourself, be silent with yourself and to discover something new and fresh about the world and yourself. Life is an adventure. It's difficult to see that when there is a consistent voice in your ear (even your own) telling you to try harder or a goal you must achieve or a regret that you cannot forgive.
So what are you going to do on your self date? Here is a list of things that may give you some ideas. Whatever you do, enjoy it. Feel love. Feel joy. Feel humor. Feel beauty. Let these feeling surround you. I promise, you'll resume your responsibilities on Monday with a pep in your step.
- Get a massage.
- Go for a walk on the beach.
- Take yourself to lunch at your favorite restaurant.
- Write a poem or short story about something that means a lot to you.
- Visit a bookstore and start reading a book that captures your interest.
- Take a warm bubble bath.
- Do a yoga class.
- Listen to a guided meditation.
- Bicycle ride or skate down a boardwalk.
- Watch the sunset.
