It’s December (in case you’re still in denial), and we all know what that means! While it’s often the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also easily the busiest. Holiday gatherings, gift shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking—you name it, and it’s on the endless ‘To-Do’ list. Adding to the frenzy, it’s also Q4, the last stretch for companies to hit their goals, complete projects, close out sales, and prepare for the coming year. You’re in overdrive, scrambling to wrap up both work and personal tasks before year-end. Work is hectic; life is hectic. And so it goes, year after year.
How do we juggle all the demands? It may be cliche, but self-care is the best way (not a mic-dropping revelation). There are thousands of articles on the importance of self-care and the benefits that come with it (reduced stress and anxiety, lower risk of illness or disease, and increased satisfaction in daily life). However, we live in a society where productivity is rewarded, and thus, many people view self-care as a form of selfish indulgence that no productive person has time for.
In a national survey, Americans cited benefits of self-care as: enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), and happiness (71%). This statistic underscores how important self-care is for each of us personally, but it also shows the positive effects it can have on our professional life as well. It stands to reason that business leaders can play a crucial role in promoting self-care among their team members, directly impacting the organization’s overall productivity, morale, and sustainability.
When leaders actively encourage self-care, they foster a culture where well-being is prioritized, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction. By endorsing healthy work-life balance, providing mental health resources, and modeling self-care practices themselves, leaders show that employee health is as important as performance outcomes. This approach not only helps in retaining talent, but also boosts creativity, focus, and resilience. Ultimately, a self-care-friendly work environment leads to more engaged employees, which in turn drives long-term success for the company.
Self-care looks different for everyone, and there’s no single way to practice it. At its core, self-care means setting aside time to engage in activities that bring joy, reduce stress, and boost your physical and mental well-being. Why not give it a try this month? And if you're a business leader, consider encouraging your team to prioritize self-care, too. During the busy holiday season, there’s no better time to focus on personal well-being. It just might set you up for a successful start to 2025!
To help you get started, below are ways that Reverie Team Members practice self-care:
Digital detoxing - unplug from news, social media, and mindless scrolling, especially right before bed and upon waking
Connecting with others - call or text a friend to check in and say hi
Going to bed early! Turns out, 8:30 pm is a totally acceptable adult bedtime :)
Stop phone scrolling. Read a book, play a game, do a puzzle
Learning to say no. It’s okay to decline social events or any other activity that adds stress to your life
Walking outside - even in cold weather. Dress for the weather, and get out in nature
Blasting a favorite music/album and deep cleaning the house
Turning on Elf and baking some festive treats
Going to a workout class with some upbeat music
Organizing a walking date with a friend (and maybe even check out some fun holiday lights)
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