You're facing team conflicts. How can you ensure self-care stays a priority?

I make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care by first acknowledging the stress I’m experiencing. I pay attention to signs like disrupted sleep or heightened irritability, understanding that these are natural responses. Instead of pushing through, I give myself permission to take breaks and reset. Techniques like mindfulness and journaling help me stay aware of my emotions and embrace the need for self-care without guilt. For instance, I might schedule a quick walk or quiet moment during a hectic day. Books like “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle remind me to stay present and tuned into my own needs, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness and balance.

When people are arguing, it’s important to look after yourself. Tell someone if you’re feeling upset. Make sure you take breaks and do things you enjoy. Ask for help if you need it. Being strong helps you handle problems better.

One thing I have found helpful when the team Is stressed is finding common ground. For me that looks like asking myself “why are we here” “what are we all working towards” “what is everyone’s role here”. By pausing and shifting your focus to big picture you can quickly create space to observe, shift focus and de-escalate tension in a room. This reduces personal angst and frustration for everyone on the team. Becoming the person who can quickly regulate their nervous system while making other feels seen & heard and helping the whole team move to the finish line is a skill that just needs to be practiced. Once mastered it becomes one of your superpowers and work feels a little less like a daily dumpster fire.

? Recognize early signs of conflict-related stress, such as sleep, mood, or productivity changes. ? Accept stress as a natural response to conflict without self-criticism. ? Create Mental Space—Acknowledging stress allows you to prioritize your well-being. ? Prevent Stress Accumulation—Manage stress before it overwhelms you. ? Prioritize Self-Care—Self-care is vital for preserving balance and effectiveness throughout disputes, rather than a luxury.

Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. For example, define specific hours when you’ll disconnect from work, like turning off notifications after 6 PM or dedicating weekends to non-work activities. Use techniques like time-blocking to ensure your schedule includes downtime, or try mindfulness practices, like a quick meditation or walk, to reset your mind after a tough day. I’ve found that having a “shutdown” routine, such as closing my laptop and listing tomorrow’s tasks, helps create a clear end to the workday, keeping work stress from spilling into personal time.

? Establish boundaries between work and personal time to protect your well-being. ? Disengage After Hours: Turn off work alerts after an hour to prevent disputes from affecting personal time. ? Prioritize everyday activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies. ? Communicate needs: Inform your colleagues about your availability and personal boundaries to ensure they understand when you are off-duty. ? Maintain consistent boundaries to emphasize the need for self-care during stressful situations.

It's crucial to communicate your needs clearly and effectively. If ongoing issues are impacting your well-being, consider setting up a meeting with your supervisor to discuss possible adjustments, like redistributing tasks or setting clearer boundaries. Use "I" statements, such as "I feel overwhelmed when..." to focus on your experience without assigning blame. For instance, I’ve found that requesting regular check-ins helps me feel more supported and understood. Open communication can create clarity around expectations and foster a healthier work environment, allowing you to maintain balance and perform at your best.

? Be Clear: When conflict affects your well-being, communicate your needs to your team or supervisor. ? Focus on Solutions: Discuss how support can enhance your productivity. ? Prioritize Balance: Strive for a balance between work and self-care, rather than avoiding responsibilities. ? Foster Support: Open communication promotes a supportive workplace and improves conflict resolution.

Integrate regular, restorative activities into your daily routine. Drawing inspiration from the book "Atomic Habits", focus on small, consistent actions like a 10-minute morning stretch or a quick meditation session to boost emotional resilience. For me, a daily walk in nature serves as a reset button, helping to clear my mind and reduce stress. Another technique is journaling; it’s been invaluable for processing emotions and staying grounded. Whatever you choose, make these self-care habits non-negotiable, ensuring they become a regular part of your day, regardless of workplace challenges.

? Prioritize exercise: It lowers stress hormones and improves happiness. Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine to stay resilient throughout disagreements. ? Practice mindfulness, such as meditation, to enhance emotional resilience. Regular mindfulness practice helps you stay calm and centered during?team issues. ? Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable: Select and stick to self-care activities that work for you. Consistency is essential to maintaining your well-being. ? Consider the Long-Term: Self-care should focus on the present moment and on developing habits that will support you in future disputes.

? Seek Professional Support: Seek help from a counselor or therapist to manage stress and conflict. ? Lean on Personal Network: When things get hard, turn to your friends and family for emotional support. ? Join Support Groups: Participate in communities or groups that provide a secure setting for experience sharing. ? Express Needs: Let your network know how they can help you resolve the problem most effectively. ? Prioritize Resilience: Social support improves resilience and aids in effective team conflict resolution.

Take time to identify what specifically triggers your stress and think about how you could handle similar scenarios differently. For instance, keeping a journal has helped me recognize patterns in my reactions, allowing me to approach future conflicts with a calmer mindset. Adopting a growth mindset, as suggested by Carol Dweck, turns conflicts into learning moments that can strengthen your emotional intelligence and communication skills. Embrace these reflections as opportunities to improve, not just for yourself but also in how you relate to others.