You’re working in practice management. How can you prioritize self-care?

Boundaries are your own personal guidelines for how you will relate to the world around you. They matter! And they are hard to keep until you've practiced using them. Planning and intentionality are the best way to keep yourself on the right path. Put everything you need to do during the week on one calendar. Block time for tasks like email, checking in with the team, and desk work. Also block some "buffer time"... some activities will absolutely take longer than you think. You will need places to shift your work around. Having space reserved for these shifts will give you room to do so!

In 2024 we understand so much more about the physical and mental need for breaks from work during the day. It is vital for your physical and mental health to take short breaks, move your body and rest your mind. We weren't designed as humans to remain sedentary and stagnant in one spot for 8-10 hours/day. I highly recommend scheduling reminders in your phone to remind you to take a break. Get up and stretch those tight muscles, walk your hallway, do a flight of stairs, get the blood flowing. Your body will thank you for it! If you are too busy to get away from your desk during the day, at very least, get some walking in during your lunch time. Make your health a priority!

Self-care doesn't necessarily mean a trip to the spa. Self-care includes all the mundane ways that we literally care for ourselves. We brush our teeth ... we wash our face. We're taking care of ourselves. We also need to remember to feed our bodies with healthy food. And move our bodies. Between meetings... walk. Around your house. Around your office. Stretch tall. Reverse the curve of your shoulders at a keyboard. And refocus your eyes. No less than every hour, spend several seconds intentionally focusing on something far away and not a screen. Take care of yourself!

Your work setup can literally make or break your day. Ensuring that you have the proper, ergonomic setup is vital for your health. If you use a laptop, PLEASE use additional equipment to avoid the discomfort that comes from spending 8-10 hours/day with sub-optimal posture. Also, avoid overhead lighting, sit perpendicular to windows and make sure you have a chair that supports your body. There is much more to ergonomics but this is a good start.

What brings a smile to your face or peace to your heart when you're engaging in it? Do more of that! Find activities that pique your curiosity. That get you excited to learn more. Even if you aren't good at them. Activities that make you laugh. Or bring you joy!

During a demanding project at a Big 4 consulting firm, I found myself juggling multiple tasks and facing tight deadlines. Recognizing the importance of self-care amidst the chaos, I made a conscious effort to take short breaks to recharge and prioritize my well-being. Whether it was stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, practicing mindfulness techniques, or simply enjoying a quick moment of relaxation, these small acts of self-love helped me stay grounded and focused during stressful times. By honoring my own needs and maintaining a healthy balance, I was better equipped to support my team and navigate through challenges with resilience and clarity.

Every week, take 10 minutes to look back on the last 7 days and write down 2, 3, 17 things you accomplished. Keep track of them. Put them in a word/google document or in a spreadsheet or in a list in the calendar invitation you put on your calendar to remind you to do this in the first place. Having a list that you can keep reading... 1. reminds you what you'll likely forget. our brains forget the good stuff fast! 2. boosts your motivation and engagement. 3. is a great repository when it's time for an annual performance review or to update your resume!

If you have the opportunity, be the wellness advocate in your office. We spend at least a 1/3 of our day at work. This should be a space that promotes and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Wellness initiatives like hydration and step challenges can not only improve the health of your staff but also promote teamwork and camaraderie. Bring in an expert, like me, to get you started on the right path. Not only will your staff feel supported and appreciated but there is potential savings in health insurance premiums for the company. Workplace wellness is an important concept that will make your company more attractive to potential employees as well.