Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel
– Eleanor Brown
Up to this point, I’ve talked a lot about teams, organizations, and family. Don’t forget that you are also human and have needs, desires, and vulnerabilities. Respect yourself, trust yourself, and be authentic to yourself.
Caregivers know that you can’t effectively take care of others if you don’t first take care of yourself. The principle is the same one that applies to the oxygen masks on planes. You put yours on first, then help others with theirs. Aid workers in disaster zones are told to go into the tent and eat, even if others around them are starving. It can be tough for leaders focused on enabling their teams through human-centered leadership to do this, but sometimes you have to put yourself first.
Feeling run down, either mentally or physically? Perhaps you need a vacation or some time away to rejuvenate. Take the time to exercise and focus on your health. Embrace some solitude to allow your thoughts to settle. Whatever it takes, recognize and accept that you are human too. Your team will notice your authenticity and support you.