It's been a huge year, and people are exhausted wherever I turn.
I'm noticing that many people emerging from the post-pandemic haze fit in more personally and professionally.
Maybe it's because we feel we need to catch up on life.
Maybe we fear missing out on what we have missed over the last few years (FOMO).
Every crack of time is being filled, many people telling me they feel the need to be uber productive and make the most of every minute. The downside is that many people feel depleted, exhausted and a bit out of control.
Only last week, a senior leader I've started working with told me he hadn't had a break all year and felt sick even thinking about his upcoming 2023 strategy day. He is feeling so overwhelmed, tired, and out of control. I can resonate with this and will be very open in saying I could empathise with how he was feeling. I've booked in to attend a 4-day Silent Meditation Retreat in October to reset and refocus. The retreat will be challenging and unfamiliar, and I believe it could be life-changing.
I look forward to sharing my experience with you soon.
As much as a break is a good circuit breaker, it is the ongoing habits and disciplines we put in place that can make re-energising a sustainable part of our lives, not just an obtainable one.
We need disciplined pauses and strategies we can access ongoing.
The fact is people are working longer hours, juggling life, and working in a hybrid environment leading to stress, exhaustion and burnout.
The World Health Organization recently deemed burnout as a classifiable workplace phenomenon.
In any role and as a leader of our life, we need to unwrap the Gift of Re-energising; we need to deepen our awareness of our energy and know what feeling energetic is like, compared to feeling depleted. We need to accept then what is going on to be able to re-energise.
Re-energising as a leader
You need to exude the kind of energy you want to see in others. When I led corporate teams and now, as a leader in my business, staying true to my purpose has been key to keeping my energy and that of others inflow.
Whether in a leadership role or not, you are responsible for leading yourself. Get clear on your purpose and your expectations of yourself and others. Be open about your concerns with your peers, manager, or co-workers in other business areas. Think about what energises you and start there.
4 questions to ask:
- What is the expectation of my role? Be specific and get clear on this.
- What is the expectation of my team?
- What is the teams' expectation of me?
- What is the expectation and purpose of the organisation?
If you need to re-energise, get support from those around you – in or outside the workplace. Reach out to co-workers, loved ones, external mentors, and friends. We all need a strong support network; remember that connection is an innate human need.
The 7 Keys to Re-energise
- Live with purpose
Knowing the bigger picture of why you do what you do can energise you deeply. Finding passion in what you do and knowing your ‘why' is the key.
- Do what lights you up
Tapping into what brings you joy, in and outside work, raises your energy – even when you feel depleted. Know and satisfy what drives you.
- Think positive self-thoughts and practise gratitude
What we tell ourselves creates how we feel and then what we do or don't action. Where our thoughts go, our energy flows.
- Exercise and sleep well
Regular physical activity can help you to deal with stress. Jealously plan and protect your time to exercise. A good night's sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health.
- Fuel up with food
What we put into our bodies directly impacts our health and energy. The best energising foods are rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals, plus small amounts of healthy fats.
- Get outside and get grounded
Getting out in nature for a beach walk, bike ride, swim, gardening, or even eating lunch outside can do wonders for your energy reserves. Grounding, also known as earthing, has been proven to help reduce stress and even pain.
- Practise mindfulness
For some, mindfulness may occur through breath and meditation; for others, it may be through writing or cooking a meal for loved ones. Mindfulness re-energises us; I liken it to that feeling after daydreaming.
Take the time to on reflect on who and what gives you energy.
What fills your cup?
For me, it's cooking, connecting with the soul purpose that I am continually exploring, writing, and connecting with people around me.
I'd love to hear what re-energises you and how you bring this into your life and leadership.
Lead to be limitless