You are of more value that your mobile phone: The Importance of Care, Rest, Recuperation, Recharge, and Refocus

I was going to ask a hypothetical question along the lines of "Do you ever get to the end of the week and feel tired / exhausted / empty / insert your own description here...?" But I know that the majority of us do from time to time do get to the end of the week feeling some and all of these things!

One of my favourite speakers and writers on Leadership is Drew Dudley and he wrote in a recent social media post about asking yourself a very simple (but achingly powerful question) when you get towards the end of a working week he suggests that "...you ask yourself if you’ve treated yourself with the same level of respect as your phone: you charge it, you wrap it in a protective case, you don’t judge yourself when it hits the ground. Did you extend the same treatment to yourself?..."

This got me thinking; in an era where smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, it's worth pausing to consider the parallels between how we treat our devices and how we should treat ourselves.

Just as our phones require care, rest, recuperation, recharge, and refocus to function optimally, so do we. In this article, I'll touch upon these five principles and open up some thinking about how they can be applied to human well-being.

1. Care: Cleaning Out the Clutter

Our phones accumulate digital clutter over time - unused apps, old messages, and unnecessary files. To ensure their smooth operation, we regularly clean them up. Similarly, we should declutter our lives by removing toxic relationships, negative thoughts, and unproductive habits. Self-care involves recognising what's dragging us down and making room for positivity. What are the unnecessary aspects of life that you're holding onto?

You may want to start by taking some time to reflect on your life, relationships, and habits. Ask yourself what's truly important to you and what's been inhibiting your progress or slowing you down. You may want to evaluate your relationships. Are there people who consistently bring negativity, drama, or stress into your life? Identify these toxic relationships, and establish clear boundaries with these individuals. Let them know what behaviours are unacceptable and be prepared to distance yourself if necessary.

Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or a coach for guidance and emotional support during this process, remembering to Practice Self-Compassion, I know from my own experience that negative thoughts and self-criticism can be toxic and I am actively working on replacing self-criticism with self-compassion, working on focussing on self-improvement rather than self-judgment.

2. Rest: The Importance of Downtime

Phones need downtime to update, reboot, and refresh. Likewise, our bodies and minds require rest. Quality sleep, meditation, and relaxation are essential for mental and physical health. Just as we wouldn't expect our phones to run 24/7 without consequences, we shouldn't expect the same from ourselves.

You may want to work on Establishing a Consistent Sleep Schedule, looking to maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and improves the overall quality of your sleep.

Likewise, you may want to explore Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation can help calm the mind and reduce stress, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Consider incorporating mindfulness or relaxation exercises into your bedtime routine to help you unwind.

3. Recuperation: Healing and Self-Care

When our phones are damaged or malfunctioning, we seek repairs and replacements. Similarly, when we're physically or emotionally hurt, we need healing and self-care. Prioritising our well-being, seeking support or medical assistance when necessary, is crucial. Ignoring issues can lead to long-term damage.

Be Patient with Yourself: Changing relationships, thoughts, and habits takes time. Be patient and forgiving with yourself as you work toward a more positive and fulfilling life.

4. Recharge: Nourishment for Body and Mind

Phones can't function without a power source. Similarly, we need nourishment, not just in terms of food, but also mentally. Healthy eating, exercise, and engaging in activities that bring joy can recharge our bodies and souls, enabling us to function at our best.

There's lots of things here such as exercise, healthier (more mindful?) eating and mindfulness as above but one I always benefit from is Connecting with Nature: Spending time in nature to nourish both my body and mind. Nature has a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind and body. Take hikes, go for walks in the park, or simply sit outside and soak in the natural surroundings.

Remember that nourishment for both body and mind is an ongoing process that requires conscious effort and self-care.

5. Refocus: Setting Goals and Priorities

Our phones have limited battery life, so we prioritize tasks and apps to make the most of that time. Similarly, we should prioritise our goals and focus on what truly matters. Setting clear objectives and managing our time effectively can lead to a more fulfilling life.

I've touched on it above but Self-Reflection can be key here, take time to reflect on your values, passions, and long-term aspirations. What truly matters to you? What do you want to achieve in different aspects of your life, such as career, relationships, health, and personal development?

Prioritise Goals as not all goals are equally important. Prioritise your goals by considering which ones align most with your values and long-term vision. Create a list of your top priorities, both short-term and long-term. This will help you focus on what truly matters.

Learn to Say "No" (some would say I say this a little too much!) Don't overcommit yourself. Saying "no" to non-essential tasks or commitments allows you to focus more on your top priorities.

Finally, Adapt and Adjust, be flexible with your goals. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances change. If a goal is no longer relevant or attainable, don't be afraid to adjust it!

Just as our devices require care, rest, recuperation, recharge, and refocus to operate optimally, we need the same elements for our well-being.

In today's hyper-connected world, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs in favour of always "being on". However, by drawing parallels between the care we provide to our phones and ourselves, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Prioritise self-care, embrace rest, seek healing when necessary, nourish your body and soul, and refocus on your goals.

Have a great weekend ahead!