Performance Benefits of Self Care 💪🏻 and Well-Being
In the fast-paced rhythm of our professional and daily lives, the idea of “Me Time” often gets overlooked.
Especially for those managing the responsibilities of parenthood. Embracing the practice of granting oneself a break or pause, this is Me Time ⏲️ These regular breaks are critically important. They play a vital role in our well-being, resilience and even performance at work. Taking a step back or setting boundaries for a break that contributes to well-being, may seem at first counterintuitive - but is quite the opposite.
Permission to Pause: Why is this important?
When we pause, we allow our minds to recuperate from the constant barrage of stimuli and stressors. We give ourselves time to recalibrate to choose and make better decisions. Acknowledging and granting ourselves permission to stop, reflect and be present, is not merely a whim to pass the time but essential to keep our human brains healthy. 🧑🏻⚕️ Each pause is unique, tailored to address specific circumstances or situations, and serves as an opportunity to strengthen our core. 🙏🏻💪🏻
The Mind-Body Connection
In the high-stakes world of business, stress is ubiquitous. The mind and body, intricately connected, respond to stress in ways that can impact performance, aggravate our emotional response, and fog thinking. Consciously breathing and focusing on different parts of the body during a break can help reset your stress response.
“Breaks can improve our moods, overall well-being and performance capacity”, says Charlotte Fritz, PhD, an associate professor in industrial/organizational psychology at Portland State University in Oregon.*
Strategic Breaks for Enhanced Productivity
Somewhere buried deep in the corporate world is the “fixed” idea in many that constant hustle leads to success (or is this changing?). The busier we feel we are, the more we demonstrate our importance and success. This is only one side of the picture. Studies show that strategic breaks and self-care can significantly boost productivity. Taking short breaks during the workday acts as a stress buffer which allows your mind to recalibrate and regulate the unexpected better. Today it is not about working harder; it’s about working smarter 😉
Building a Culture of Well-Being
Forward-thinking businesses and legal firms recognize the importance of employee mental well-being. Encouraging Me Time is not just an individual responsibility; it’s a cultural shift that organizations must promote to deal better with rampant exhaustion. By fostering an environment that values “the break” and self-care, businesses can enhance employee engagement, creativity, and long-term performance which helps prevent burn-out. We can’t allow ourselves to exhaust our mental fuel.
Practical Integration into the Workday
Here’s the good thing; incorporating Me Time doesn’t require a drastic overhaul of your schedule. Even short breaks can help us perform at our best. It can be as simple as taking short walks, breathing fresh air or allowing yourself to enjoy the present moment with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s also about looking forward to this time just for yourself** These short or long mental pauses cushion unexpected stress responses. They help us feel more at ease and foster a more balanced approach to our work and life.
Check out this father’s story about the benefits of a me-time break:
I listened to my wife on this one. For two hours, I didn’t have to watch my language or answer the same question 10 times. My biggest responsibility was hitting a ball back over a net and breaking a sweat. It was great. I felt unburdened. I felt more energized and positive, and, at some point on the drive back, I remembered that I had two children.***
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of business, success is not solely defined by the number of hours worked. It’s all about working efficiently. Establishing priorities is crucial. Instead of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, see Pitfalls of Mulitasking, focus on one task at a time. Identify what needs immediate attention and dedicate your energy to it. This energy is the fuel, revitalized by MeTime. Taking intentional breaks to recharge is a 💫 game-changer.
Me Time is not a luxury—it’s a strategic imperative. This means, for a workforce that thrives; businesses must recognize and celebrate the value of taking moments for oneself.
Professional coaching emerges as a pivotal tool, offering clarity on personalized well-being strategies that contribute to a resilient mindset. After all, a well-rested, strong mind, is an invaluable asset in the competitive arena of modern business and life.
So, what are you waiting for? 🤷🏻♀️ Me Time is an investment in your most valuable asset—YOU ☺️ Incorporate Me Time into your routine, and both your mind and body will 💕 thank you for it.
Karla Schlaepfer
Serious extras
*) https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/01/break
**) Anticipation and looking forward to something typically involve the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. When we anticipate a positive or rewarding experience, such as an upcoming event or enjoyable activity, the brain releases dopamine.
Fun extras
***) There is a 2022 Netflix film called “MeTime”