Well-Being Made Simple: Sweat, Silence, and Family Hugs
Letting your eyes embrace the daylight signals to your brain that it’s time to begin, planning with your body at rest. On the flip side, during the day, it’s when your body is in motion that your mind clears itself of any clutter.
Recently, I attended a workshop on well-being that ended up being more eye-opening than I anticipated. I originally went for networking purposes, but the discussions hit a bit too close to home. We spent a lot of time talking about how, as HR professionals, we're really good at recognizing when others are stressed, overworked, or burning out. But the irony is, we often don't apply those same skills to ourselves. We're quick to advise others to take breaks, prioritize mental health, and find balance—but when it comes to us, it's a different story.
This workshop was a much-needed reminder that, above all, we are human. We get tired, we get stressed, and we need time to look after ourselves too. As someone who's spent years supporting the well-being of others, it's easy to lose sight of your own needs. You think, 'Well, I can handle this,' or, 'I'll get to my own self-care later.' But that 'later' rarely comes, and the effects can be really damaging in the long run.
What struck me is that this isn't just a problem for HR folks. It’s something anyone can relate to. Whether you're managing a team, running a household, or just navigating the day-to-day grind, we all tend to put others first and ourselves last.I had to laugh at a colleague's comment during the workshop about 'high-achiever pleasers.' I totally get it, because I see it everywhere—including in myself, more often than I’d like to admit.
We all know we should take care of our mental and physical health, but how often do we actually follow through? The truth is, life’s pressures can make it hard for anyone to prioritize their own well-being, and that's a universal struggle. This article isn’t just for HR professionals—it’s for everyone who’s found themselves running on empty while taking care of everyone else.
