Taking Care of Yourself Right Now

 Everyone is trying to take care of themselves these days. Rightfully so.

At any moment you can turn on the news and hear how you might protect yourself in our environment through such things as face coverings, washing or hands, etc. This news is everywhere. There are signs on store windows, end caps are filled with supplies of this same nature. It is hard to not hear about taking care of yourself.

Let’s dig a little deeper into this. 

The focus of today’s media is on the outer view of minimizing the spread of COVID-19. All of these things are important. As a leader, you will help people keep social distance, remind them to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, wear disposable masks and gloves, and sanitize areas/things. This first line of protection is important but I believe there is more than that. 

Let’s teach ourselves and our tribes how to protect ourselves with immune support. 

Today’s leader will typically educate their team on things of this nature that maybe have been left out of their communication before this time. 

A strong immune system translates into resilience - the capacity to restore balance, bounce back and maintain wellbeing whether you are faced with an infection or not.  The immune system can be strengthened so it functions optimally and helps you deal with everyday stress responses. 

The strategies to strengthen the immune system may seem simple but simple is not always easy to do in our busy lives. For a while in Corporate America, there was an emphasis on wellness programs. I don’t know this for sure but it seems like this may be the new thing we see happening in Leadership. Today’s leaders must care for the whole person - their work capacity/quality, their emotional state as well as their physical health and wellbeing.

Leaders should encourage their teams to take pause, take notice of their environments, and often most challenging, take care of themselves.  Teaching valuable skills helps minimize one of the greatest insults to any infection: fear. This is where open, honest and ongoing communication amongst teams, families and individuals can play a vital role in inner and outer wellbeing. 

Be well is the new leadership motto. 

Best,

Manal