How to Self-Care in Tough Times

At a time when the world’s problems seem overwhelming, self-care may seem like a selfish concern—the last thing that should be on your mind. But the changes brought on by the pandemic take a toll on a personal level as well as globally. Isolation is stressful, especially for extroverts and those who rely on others for help and motivation—and even more so in a time of anxiety and uncertainty.

When we fly, we’re always told to put on our own oxygen mask before we try to help anyone else, because you can’t help others if you’re not OK yourself. So here are some ways to practice good self-care along with social distancing:

Identify your feelings and thinking. Working from home can be a big transition, especially for those who thrive on face-to-face interaction and gain energy from others. For them, working remotely may conjure up feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression and frustration. Others may be struggling to keep up with new technology and processes. Whatever you’re feeling, identify it and name it so you can deal with it.

Protect your boundaries. Put yourself first and manage your boundaries. That means being clear about where you stop and other people start. Take some time every day to disconnect from work obligations—and family, too, if you’re able. Boundaries help conserve your emotional energy and give you the space to care for yourself.

Manage other people’s expectations. When you work from home you tend to work harder and longer, but that can be a drain on your energy. Learn how to be protective of your time. Let people know when you will be available and when you will not. Manage others’ expectations—and your own—to stay focused and effective.

Take scheduled breaks. When you’re sitting at home, glued to your computer and phone without the usual breaks of office life, time can turn into a blur. Schedule breaks for yourself so you get up a few times a day and move around. Take a lunchtime walk or sit outside if you can. A routine that includes regular breaks will help you refresh and increase your productivity and focus.

Limit the time you spend with toxic people. We all have colleagues and peers who are consistently negative. Instead of being supportive or reliable they’re critical, judgmental or demanding. If there’s anything good about working remotely, it’s that you can more easily avoid those people—and you should, as much as possible.

Embrace something new. Most of us are so busy that we don’t take enough time to reflect and observe. As awful as it is, the pandemic has given many of us a slower pace and more time, so make good use of it. Develop a new interest, try seeing things from a different perspective or look for a new approach to an old problem.

Lead from within: Prioritize your self-care, because it’s your first and most essential need in a time of crisis.

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After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

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