Self-Care

​This month I have been really unwell and despite being barely conscious, with a head full of cotton wool, I feel guilty if I am not at my desk doing useful work. I have been lucky that I have no pressing targets or events, yet still I cannot seem to take a day off. I know that I am not alone in this. I know many professionals who look after others far better than they do themselves.
Yet my research on resilience in leadership highlighted very clearly how important physical well-being is. Many tools and techniques are useful in building our personal resilience but if the body is physically exhausted, it is very hard to be resilient. It is not simply a question of powering through, because if the mind and the body disagree, the body will win! I know of one very senior executive who insisted he was fine despite everyone telling him the contrary. That was until he woke on the office floor surrounded by paramedics. The body had decided the only way to stop the depletion, was to shut down completely.
You do not need me to tell you how to keep your body healthy, the web is awash with advice on exercise, balanced diet, the value of sleep and the need for down time. But you will know what suits you and what your body needs. Look after your body, it is the only one you have!
 
When do you need to listen to your body more?
What does your body need in order to perform at its best?
How can you be kinder to yourself?