A common issue that affects many of the leaders and business owners that I coach is that they tend to put others needs before their own. I therefore spend some of the coaching time discussing the importance of self-care in order to avoid burn out and sustain results.

Many of them have very high standards, a real drive to produce outstanding results and have lots of people that want a bit of them. This can make it challenging to balance business demands with home life and parental responsibilities.

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of putting other people’s needs before our own. Many of us were brought up to believe that focusing on our needs was somehow selfish. A desire to please people can also mean that we prioritise other people’s demands and needs before our own. Therefore it can lead to feelings of guilt when we put ourselves first.

This uses valuable energy and head space and can act as a mental obstacle which clouds our thinking. It’s a necessity for us to regularly take time to focus on our own needs, recharge our batteries and increase our energy levels without feeling bad for doing so.

When I start discussing the importance of self-care with clients I frequently mention the metaphor that I learned from boarding a plane. Have you noticed that when they make the safety announcement the crew always give a specific instruction? They tell you that in the event of an emergency (when the oxygen mask appears) to apply your mask first. They say that you must do this before you attempt to help others with their mask. The reason for this is that if you don’t have oxygen/energy you won’t be in a position to help others!

It’s imperative, if we wish to avoid burn out and keep delivering first class results that we balance the amount that we care for others and our own needs. Being well rested and looking after our health means that we will have the requisite energy to help those around us.

If you’re regularly tired because you have irregular sleep patterns, skip meals or fail to get exercise, then start making this a priority.

The phrase self-care has gained in popularity over recent years and reminds of the importance of taking care of our needs, so we can be the best we can be. It prompts us to take care of our physical needs (getting enough sleep, right diet, regular exercise etc.); emotional needs (asking for help when needed); mental needs (stimulating job, interests, personal development etc.); spiritual needs (time for prayer, meditation etc.).

Having good self-care also helps us to maintain good health and this should be a good incentive to look after ourselves. In life having good health is the real wealth.

Here are a few self-care tips:-

  • Keep hydrated – Drink plenty of water – recommended daily intake is 1.5-2 litres a day
  • Eat 5 pieces of fruit or vegetables every day
  • Exercise – it is recommended that you undertake 30 minutes of physical exercise every day. This doesn’t have to be a visit to a gym, walking is good for you.
  • Ensure that you get enough sleep, so your body has time to relax and recover. Keep your sleep patterns regular; go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
  • Minimise the amount of caffeine that you have on a daily basis and keep alcohol intake within the recommended weekly limits
  • Put some time aside to watch some funny movies or comedy shows and have a good laugh. Humour helps you feel good, more relaxed and energised.
  • Avoid negative people and environments that drag you down. Ensure that you spend time with people who radiate energy and help you increase your energy levels and not deplete them!
  • Give up being a people pleaser. Be kind to yourself and ensure that your self-talk is encouraging and positive.
  • Be comfortable saying no when you have numerous demands on your time and let go of things that you can’t control.
  • Unplug from technology on at least one day a week. Give your brain a rest and be in the moment.

This week, why not pause for a few moments and reflect on the following questions:-

  • What action do you need to take to put your needs first more often?
  • What do you need to do to create more energy and balance in your life?

This week’s quotation:

“To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” Mother Theresa


To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk