One song which all soca and carnival enthusiasts will remember for the year 2023 is the runaway hit Mental Day by Kes The Band. He skilfully created one of soca’s most contemporary hits whilst addressing serious topics which have become front and centre in just about everyone’s personal lives – that is self-care.
As the physical (and virtual) workplace changes, so have the workplace demands, culture and expectations. In responding to the new face of employment in these changing times, will the glorification of the “hustle culture” and its glamorisation of overwork continue to be traded for 100-hour work weeks and an addiction to caffeine all in the name of success? What happens when our mental and physical limitations catch up to us and our work teams, leaving our productivity, job satisfaction and overall health in shambles?
As you ponder over these self-reflecting questions, we will succinctly explore the definition and importance of self-care in the workplace or your entrepreneurial journey, reveal its associated benefits, and offer some (non-exhaustive) impactful strategies to fostering a spirit of team care in service of supporting self-care.
Defining self-care The concept of self-care is rather self-explanatory. In short, it means treating yourself – mind and body – well daily. It is a conscious and deliberate participation in behaviours that maintain and promote your physical, emotional and psychological well-being and overall quality of life (World Health Organisation, 2023).
Benefits of self-care
Consistent self-care offers invaluable benefits that positively impact both individuals and their teams. Here are three major benefits of prioritising self-care:
• Enhanced well-being: By making self-care a priority, individuals can improve their overall wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction and self-reflection can lead to increased resilience, reduced burnout and improved mental health. When individuals prioritise their well-being, they are better equipped to handle challenges and perform at their best, ultimately benefiting the entire team.
• Increased productivity: Taking time for self-care is not just about personal indulgence; it is a strategic investment in productivity. Engaging in activities that recharge and rejuvenate individuals can lead to increased focus, improved concentration and enhanced creativity. By investing in self-care, individuals can replenish their energy levels, effectively manage their time, and approach tasks with a renewed sense of vigour, resulting in higher productivity and better outcomes for the entire work team.
• Positive work team dynamics: When individuals prioritise self-care, it sets a positive example for others and fosters a supportive team environment. By demonstrating the importance of self-care, individuals encourage their team members to prioritise their well-being as well.
This can lead to increased empathy, better communication and enhanced teamwork within the group, ultimately boosting collaboration, motivation and overall team performance.
Impactful strategies
• Ritualise “me time”: In order to prioritise self-care, it is essential to ritualise “me time” and incorporate it into your daily schedule. Successful individuals who value selfcare understand the importance of allocating time for personal activities that bring them joy and relaxation.
Whether it’s engaging in activities like gardening, meditating, or baking your favourite pie, these individuals consciously plant seeds of self-care in their daily routines.
One way to promote and normalise “me time” within a team is by encouraging team members, including business leaders, to step away from their desks during lunchtime. This allows individuals to disconnect from work-related demands and create a dedicated space for personal reflection and rejuvenation.
By leading by example, business leaders play a crucial role in establishing this ritual and demonstrating the value of self-care to their team members.
• Focus on the whole person: Another important aspect of selfcare is recognising the importance of focusing on the whole person. It involves acknowledging that self-care goes beyond just physical well-being and encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects as well.
Taking care of the whole person means paying attention to your mental and emotional health, nurturing meaningful relationships, pursuing personal interests and hobbies, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment.
This can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced stress levels, improved work-life balance, and enhanced creativity and productivity.
Successful leaders are also empathetic and supportive to their team members who need to care for loved ones who might be ill, or who otherwise need to attend to areas of life outside the workplace such as furthering his/her education.
Many women, especially, spend a lot of time doing much for their families with very little time and resources available to take care of their own personal welfare.
Once health is significantly diminished, very little can be done for one’s family – as we cannot pour out from an empty cup. Take care of yourself – value yourself above all. Know when to say “No!”
Also, remember self-care does not mean you to give up or abdicate your day-to-day responsibilities to take care of your family (or workmates) but allows you to recast those responsibilities to make you a priority as well. We don’t need to pit self-care against the care of others – this is a false long-standing perception.
• A sprinkle of fun and humour:
Creating an overall culture of wellness that incorporates a sprinkle of fun and humour is a valuable aspect of self-care. When individuals are encouraged to prioritise their well-being and experience moments of joy and laughter, it can have a significant positive impact on their overall health and happiness.
Leaders can foster a culture of wellness by promoting activities and initiatives that infuse fun and humour into the work environment. This can include organising teambuilding exercises, celebrating milestones and achievements, and incorporating light-hearted moments into meetings and interactions.
By creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere, individuals are more likely to feel motivated, engaged, and connected with their work and colleagues.
Integrating fun and humour into the workplace not only contributes to individual self-care but also enhances team dynamics.
Laughter and enjoyment can help alleviate stress, improve morale, and strengthen relationships among team members. It creates an environment where people feel comfortable and supported, fostering collaboration, creativity, and productivity. By encouraging a healthy work-life balance and providing opportunities for light-heartedness, leaders contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of their team members.
Making meaningful connections with co-workers and fostering open discussions with empathy and compassion will go a long way towards establishing trust and overall team care. Stepping away from the “grind” and taking the time to connect with people (on a human level) about their lives outside of work – such as having a team lunch or scheduling one-on-one check in meetings – sets the tone that everyone’s health isparamount, and the payoff will likely be quickly seen in the form of improved work performance.
