Between dealing with terminations, conducting workplace investigations and putting out fires, HR pros have their hands full … every single day.
And when you’re constantly busy tending to the needs of everyone else, from the top down, it can be easy to forget about your own needs.
A natural part of your day
Workplace burnout is rampant, so HR self-care isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s crucial to staying inspired and successful.
Since you spend far more time at work than you might like, self-care can’t be squeezed in during your free time. To be effective, experts say, self-care practices need to be woven naturally into the routines of your workday.
Here’s how author Amy Jen Su, of leadership development firm Paravis Partners, helps managers maintain their sanity:
1. Go easy on yourself
Often, we’re our own harshest critic. Every HR pro feels that intense need for perfection and accountability, but this can be quite harmful.
When you feel that you’re in danger of being too hard on yourself, ask what advice you’d give a friend or colleague in your situation. Odds are, you’d be much more understanding of their shortcomings.
If you stop your inner critic from getting in your head, you’ll be able to overcome periods of self-doubt much more easily.
2. List your priorities
As requests come in throughout the day, it’s very easy to get distracted and not get certain tasks accomplished. To combat this, take fifteen minutes each morning and list three things you’d like to achieve that day.
Then, as your day inevitably gets interrupted by those needing your assistance, consult the list before saying yes. This will help you get in the habit of valuing your own time as much as others’.
3. Celebrate all your wins
When you overcome a big hurdle at work, it can be easy to forget to appreciate it since you’ve likely moved on to the next important task.
But celebrating victories is important. Take the time to hit pause and congratulate yourself for your accomplishments. Otherwise, you’ll forget why you’re working so hard in the first place.
Not to mention, taking the time to review successes will let you and your team know what strategies worked.
4. Keep good people around
Those you surround yourself with have a major impact on your mental health, which is why it’s important to have kind, supportive people on your team.
Take the time to evaluate who supports you and your goals and who drains your energy. Set boundaries with the people who bring you down, and invest in those who inspire and support you.
The same goes for your relationships outside of the office. Don’t let work interfere with family and friends — use your break time to keep in touch, and carve out plenty of time after work for them.
5. Reorganize your workspace
Your physical environment has a big impact on your mental state. Start by straightening up your desk and throwing away excess clutter.
Hang photos and artwork that’ll remind you of what matters. Your workspace should be a reflection of your best self.
6. Rest and recharge.
Getting a full eight hours of sleep a night is nearly impossible for busy HR pros, but it’s important to try. Designate a night or two each week to go to bed early.
You can build restorative breaks into your workday, as well. Try going on walks to get some fresh air, or make it a point to eat lunch away from your desk.
Another important aspect to HR self-care is realizing when you’ve slipped out of your best practices. In hectic or stressful times, it’s just as essential to make time for yourself.