Here's how you can integrate self-care practices into your daily routine for better work-life balance.

There are some great books on this topic. For myself I keep it simple and not too complicated. Here is a quick list: 1) I say "THANK YOU" 2) I pray and meditate 3) I gratitude journal 4) I make up my bed 5) I do some sort of physical activity and drink water Have there been times I got to the gym at 6am before work? Sure but is that realistic for me on a daily basis - not really.Research shows if you take a brisk walk for just 7 minutes a day, it lowers your risk of heart disease!

You can integrate self-care practices into your daily routine for better work-life balance by establishing a morning ritual. Begin by waking up at a consistent time each day & dedicating the first moments to activities that nourish your mind, body & spirit. For example, you might start with mindfulness meditation or yoga to center yourself & reduce stress. Then, engage in activities that energize you, such as a healthy breakfast, exercise, or reading uplifting literature. Finally, set clear intentions for the day ahead, prioritizing tasks & commitments while also allowing time for relaxation & leisure activities. By prioritizing self-care in the morning, you establish a positive tone & resilience to navigate work and personal life demands.

Speaking professionally and on a consistent basis can be stressful and taxing on the body and mind. I find it helpful to address both areas each morning. Spending thirty minutes to an hour working out allows me to destress physically. Then journaling for 15-20 minutes helps clear the mind and focus on the message at hand.

Incorporating self-care practices into a daily routine can significantly enhance a public speaker's work-life balance. Start your day with a consistent morning routine that includes activites to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Begin with some form of movement/exercise, followed by visualisation or meditation to center your mind. A nourishing breakfast is important. Dedicate time to inward reflection or journaling to set positive intentions. Limit digital device usage early in the day to avoid unnecessary stress. Also as a speaker you could think of doing vocal exercises like humming, lip trills or reading aloud to always stay on top of things.

Ah, the morning dance of balance—a vital rhythm for the public speaker's soul. Begin with a mindful ritual, setting the stage for serenity amidst the chaos. Embrace meditation or journaling to anchor yourself before the day unfolds. Even a fleeting moment of deep breaths can be a sanctuary in the storm. As a speaker, clarity is your ally, refining your message with finesse. So, step into your day with purpose, knowing that amidst rehearsals and rendezvous, you hold the key to equilibrium.

Feed your fire with the right fuel! Nutrition is the backbone of energy and mood, especially for the public speaker. Prioritize meals that nourish both body and mind, providing sustained vitality. Think brain-boosting delights like nuts, berries, and vibrant greens. And don't forget the elixir of life—water! Stay hydrated to keep those cognitive gears whirring smoothly. With each nutrient-packed bite and sip, you fortify your readiness to captivate any audience that comes your way.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration. Not only does this impact speakers from a brain and focus point but also the effectiveness of delivery. In addition to amble amounts of water, solid meals the night before and morning of a speech are important. This supports mind clarity, energy and mood functions. All of which can be perceived by an audience.

Speaking or presenting publicly can bring a number of stressors along with it. It is physically demanding to hold an audiences attention for any length of time. It requires mental preparedness before, thoughtful enhancement during, and self reflection post presentation. Emotionally it can also be exhausting depending on the type of talk being given. Physical exercise is a great way to decompress and relieve all three areas.

Move to groove, speaker extraordinaire! Exercise isn't just about flexing muscles; it's about nurturing your mental sanctuary. Sneak in quick bursts of activity—a brisk walk, a downward dog—to refresh your spirit amidst the hustle. These moments of motion serve as your personal reset switch, vital after intense bouts of preparation or performance. Let those endorphins flow, banishing stress and anxiety from your stage presence. With regular exercise, you cultivate a tranquil aura and a sharp mind, ready to command any platform with grace and gusto.

Most important is to get enough sleep before your talk or speech or panel. I cannot emphasize this enough and I’ve learned the hard way from my personal experience.

From my experience many great public speakers are go getters and can operate on adrenaline if not careful. This can lead to burn out or crashing. To avoid being mindful and learning to rest is essential. It’s been a very hard lesson over the years. But proper balance between rest and work aid in creativity and overall better communication.

Pause, breathe, and rejuvenate—mindful breaks are your shield against burnout's relentless advance. Step away from the desk or podium, seeking solace in solitude or a change of scenery. Embrace breathing exercises or simply bask in the present moment's embrace. For the public speaker, these interludes are precious pearls in the sea of performance. They offer sanctuary from mental fatigue, a chance to replenish your spirit and refocus your gaze. So, honor these breaks—they're not just moments of respite, but essential rites of renewal in your journey to mastery.

As a speaker, I have navigated various stages, but real growth bloomed outside the limelight. Over brunch with students and coffee dates with fellow women speakers, I found solace, camaraderie, and fresh perspectives, grounding my purpose beyond the podium. Authentic relationships and connections open doors you may not know exist.

Wrap up your day with a gentle embrace, signaling to body and mind that it's time to unwind. Sink into a soothing routine—perhaps a chapter of a book, the dulcet tones of calming music, or the gentle stretch of limbs. For the public speaker, rest is the cornerstone of resilience, a vital phase where body rejuvenates and mind recharges. By weaving a consistent evening ritual, you pave the way for restful slumber, ensuring you awaken refreshed and revitalized, ready to conquer the challenges of the morrow.

End your day with a wind-down routine to signal to your body and mind that it's time to rest. This might include light reading, listening to calming music, or practicing gentle stretches. As a public speaker, rest is non-negotiable; it's when your body recuperates and your mind processes the day's events. A consistent evening routine aids in quality sleep, ensuring you're refreshed for the next day's challenges.

After a day of empowering talks, I unwind with a ritual: soft jazz, journaling, cooking a good meal, and gentle stretches. Amidst the tranquility, my mind untangles thoughts, rejuvenating for the next day.