From my desk to yours: Take Charge to Recharge

The first quarter of the year has passed, and it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From work deadlines to family commitments, amidst my conversations with friends and work colleagues, there's a prevailing sense that there's never enough time to pause and take care of ourselves. However, in the midst of the rush, it's crucial to recognize the importance of taking charge of our own well-being in order to recharge and enjoy the beauty of life.

?Self-care isn't merely a trendy buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect of maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. When we neglect our own needs in pursuit of constant productivity, we run the risk of experiencing burnout, heightened stress levels, and a decline in overall well-being. Taking charge of our self-care enables us to replenish our energy reserves, enhance our resilience to stress, and foster a deeper sense of fulfillment in our lives.

One of the crucial aspects of taking charge to recharge is establishing boundaries. This involves learning to decline commitments that deplete our energy and prioritizing activities that replenish and invigorate us. Whether it's dedicating time to hobbies, my favorite for instance is to cook for my friends and family, enjoying quality moments with loved ones, or simply appreciating solitude to read a good book, setting boundaries empowers us to honor our needs and safeguard our mental and emotional security.

Furthermore, integrating self-care practices into our daily schedules can yield profound benefits. These practices may encompass exercises like physical activity, mindfulness techniques such as meditation, expressive writing through journaling, or simply engaging in activities that ignite joy within us. By prioritizing self-care, we communicate to ourselves and those around us that our well-being holds significance and warrants deliberate attention.

By prioritizing self-care and taking charge of it, we can cultivate greater resilience, fulfillment, and overall happiness in our lives. I have tried many different things until I found the three ones that work best for me. I hope you can make the most out of them and share your favorites by commenting on this article, so we can benefit other people in our network. As, I firmly believe that sharing is caring.

1. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate small techniques into your daily routine to stay present and manage stress effectively. Take short breaks throughout the day to recenter and refocus your energy, enhancing productivity and well-being. You can even practice mindfulness during meetings by being fully present, avoiding multitasking, ensuring you ask questions, and noticing who the small voices in the room are. This way, you can support creating a safe environment for all, fostering inclusivity, and providing psychological safety.In my network, there was a time when I set an 'Out of the Office' message informing my colleagues that I was taking time to 'recharge my batteries.' I kindly asked for their patience regarding my response times, as I would return with renewed energy to support them with fresh ideas. It takes courage for me to admit the need for rest, but even more so to uphold what I preach. Upon self-reflection, why are we so afraid to communicate our needs to others?
2. ?Incorporate Physical Activity: While I'm not naturally inclined towards sports, I've discovered in Pilates my preferred energy booster. It has become my go-to for alleviating tension, enhancing my mood, increasing flexibility, and cultivating a growth mindset, all of which contribute to heightened productivity and overall satisfaction. Going for a walk with a mentee or a coach is a great practice I also enjoy doing and I call “Walk and Talk”. By discussing a specific situation for an hour, we often manage to cover 5 kilometers, and I can't even begin able to tell you how much progress we make in unlocking the potential of the conversation's focal point. I invite you to try this option as well.
3. ?Powering my network involves focusing on building connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. I invest time in getting to know them beyond professional contexts, showing genuine interest in their experiences and aspirations. By nurturing authentic relationships built on trust and mutual respect, I create a supportive network that provides valuable insights, opportunities, and encouragement throughout my career journey. I cannot avoid mentioning the amazing connections I have with my former Unilever friends, Bayer friends, current Honeywell colleagues, HWEN (Honeywell Women Employee Network), Women in Connection, Women on Board of Directors Community, and many more.

Sharing our experiences and favorite practices with others allows us to support and benefit from each other's well-being journeys. Let us remember that in caring for ourselves, we create a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment throughout our networks and communities.

Keep embracing self-care, setting boundaries, and fostering meaningful connections as we navigate the journey of life together.