Filling up your own tank is important! 

Whether you acknowledge it or not, being a leader is draining.  Your team takes and takes, and you give and give. Not begrudgingly, but wholeheartedly, and you are okay with that knowing that you are making a difference, helping someone grow and learn.

However, you can’t ignore the need for fuel.  Fuel for your body, mind and spirit.

Self-care is VITAL to sustaining your enthusiasm and energy level. More often than not, we as leaders ignore our needs (at the worst) or know we need to take care of ourselves but just suck at it.  

We claim we have no time!! 

There is ALWAYS time, it comes down to how we choose to spend it.

Here’s a little checklist to see how you’re doing with Self-care.

SLEEP             
6-8 Hours a night

FOOD             
Consistent consumption, small amounts, whole foods and healthy choices

WATER           
at least 64oz a day.  Stay hydrated your body needs it

EXERCISE        
Have a structured routine it helps reduce stress. Take a walk on your breaks

READ              
Fill your mind with helpful, inspiring and educational literature.

LISTEN           
Educational/Inspirational Podcasts or audible content is great for a commute

So often the self-aware is used in the context of how we interact with others (outward). 

I’m talking about inwardly knowing your body/mind/spirit and what they are telling you about how they feel. 

Is it tired? Get more rest.  Is it hungry? Feed it healthy and nutritious food.

Is it thirsty? Give it water. Is the mind drained? Fill it with inspirational content.

Check in with yourself regularly and take stock of where you are. Don’t be so focused on cultivating, nurturing and supporting your team that you ignore or miss caring for yourself.

If the gardener is unable to tend the garden, it becomes over grown, full of weeds and chaos is the result. 

The garden NEEDS the gardener in order to thrive!

Your team NEEDS you, a healthy you, in order to grow and thrive.

Take care of yourself.  Be kind to yourself. Self-love and Self-care is important.