You Matter Too: Why Self-Care Isn’t Optional
The cost of neglecting our wellbeing is wide-reaching. When we keep giving without replenishing, our patience wears thin, our clarity fades, and our emotional reserves run dry. It shows up in the quality of our work, the way we connect with colleagues and others we collaborate with, and how present we are in our personal lives.
When we actively manage our energy and wellbeing, we can experience:
A greater capacity for compassion and connection
More patience and presence with colleagues
Sharper critical thinking and renewed creativity
The ability to mentally switch off and rest after work
A sense of purpose and ease heading into the workday
Stronger, more fulfilling personal relationships
We often tell ourselves we're being strong by coping. But real strength is found in being proactive. In recognising our limits and responding with care, not pressure. I often say the goal isn’t to bounce back endlessly from exhaustion - it is to stay well enough not to fall apart in the first place.
Strategies to support sustainable self-care
Take a values-based approach
Let your self-care reflect what truly matters to you. When we connect our choices to our values, we are more likely to prioritise them consistently.
Set emotional boundaries
Caring doesn’t mean carrying everything. Learn to notice when you’ve shifted from being empathic to becoming emotionally overextended. Boundaries protect your capacity to care long-term.
Build frustration tolerance
Sustainable wellbeing requires accepting that some workplace stressors are ongoing. Strengthening your tolerance allows you to function even when circumstances aren’t ideal.
Create micro-moments of restoration
Self-care doesn’t have to be grand. Small actions—like three slow breaths between appointments or stepping outside between meetings—can make a real difference.
This is your reminder that caring for yourself is not a luxury. It’s a critical part of your job, too.
Contact me if you are interested in discussing how I can develop a customised training program for your workplace to help you and your team thrive sustainably.
Join me
1. for my next Thriving Sustainably workshop on 8 December where we will explore practical ways to protect your emotional energy and stay well while continuing to domeaningful work.
2. at my free webinar on Monday 6 October, 4pm - Why do we need Self-Leadership now - Navigating change with clarity and confidence