Self-care (part of well-being)

Introduction

Self-care is about looking after yourself, ie
"...refers to how we protect and prioritise our well-being as we manage the challenges that arise when you lead and support change..."
Theresa Moulton, 2024d
In change management, you will spend a lot of time helping others; this can mean neglecting yourself. Helping others can be emotionally, mentally, physiologically, etc draining:
"...listening and processing resistance, fear, and stakeholders' concerns requires high levels of self-awareness and self-management. It can be overwhelming to have a day filled with talking people 'off the ledge'..."
Theresa Moulton, 2024d
Ways to improve your self-care (3)
i) take charge of your mental, physical and emotional well-being (practising self-care activities like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, developing a support network, listening to music, regular exercise, healthy diet, etc; need to plan and execute)
ii) shift from doom and gloom to win and grin (change from a negative to positive outlook on life, ie change your story to a more positive mindset
"...neuroscience reveals the activity patterns in the brain. Listening to a story mirror the pattern we see when we experience the actual event and the brain response of the stories as if they were real..."
Theresa Moulton, 2024d
You are reprogramming your brain.
iii) improve your productivity and performance (one way to increase your productivity and performance, especially when under stress, is by walking. The benefits of walking:
"...- boosts brain power
     - improves concentration
     - enhances creative thinking
     - facilitates communications and collaboration
     - reduces stress
     - reduces distractions
     - improves mental health
     - boosts immunity
     - improves physical health..."
Di Westaway as quoted by Theresa Moulton, 2024d

Summary

Self-care is linked with wellness, ie need to look after yourself

(source: Rethink Change, 2022)

"...human brain drives everything we think and do. Professional self-care makes the brain work better..."
Theresa Moulton, 2024d
This can involve rethinking what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how you are doing it.
Also, it involves recharging your batteries and acknowledging that you need to look after yourself.