Embracing the Transformative Power of Self-Care: An Invitation to Reconnect With Our Humanity
Sometimes, the relentless demands of hustle culture seem ever-present. We get tied up in the drive to be productive! To be faster, smarter… just plain better. And, even within this storm of busyness, we can create a sanctuary—a space where we can reconnect with our truest selves and rediscover our humanity. This is the heart-centered approach to product leadership. A oasis of feeling safe in our bodies filled with micro moments of self-care. In this space, we provide solace, rejuvenation, and a profound well-being that outshines the rush of our busy work days.
Working outside in nature can reset our nervous systems into ease. We can have fun and play - enjoying ourselves while we work.
As product leaders, our mission goes beyond just innovation and metrics. We have the power to create nurturing environments where our teams feel safe, valued, and empowered to take risks, share ideas, and be vulnerable. When team members experience this felt sense of safety in their bodies and enhance it by practicing self-care, they can truly thrive, unleashing their creativity and potential.
A felt sense of safety is the deep, bodily sensation of being secure and at ease. It's an internal state where we feel protected and comfortable, allowing us to engage more openly and authentically. This sense of safety is crucial for fostering a positive team environment.
Self-care is the practice of taking actions to preserve or improve our health, well-being, and happiness. It includes activities and habits that reduce stress, promote emotional balance, and support overall mental health. Grounding, breathwork, and other somatic practices harmonize the body and mind, helping individuals manage stress and regulate emotions.
Safety and Self-Care: A Virtuous Cycle of Thriving
Research shows that psychological safety in the workplace is crucial for team performance, creativity, and innovation. A study by Google found that psychological safety was the most important factor in high-performing teams [1]. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 83 studies found that psychological safety was positively related to team performance, learning behavior, and innovation [2].
A culture that prioritizes safety and self-care lays the foundation for continuous growth and success. It is fertile ground where innovation blossoms, collaboration deepens, and inspiration flows freely. This virtuous cycle of safety and self-care ensures that team members are not only productive but also fulfilled and motivated.
Creating such an environment involves cultivating both individual and collective practices that support well-being. When team members feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to engage in self-care practices. These practices, in turn, enhance their sense of safety and well-being, creating a reinforcing cycle that benefits both individuals and the team as a whole.
Grounding and Centering Practice
Grounding and centering practices are super helpful for feeling safe and taking care of ourselves. These simple activities help us reconnect with our bodies and stay present, making us feel more stable even when life gets chaotic. Research shows that these practices can really reduce stress, boost self-awareness, and even enhance our leadership skills.
For example, a big review of 209 studies found that mindfulness-based practices are great for lowering stress, anxiety, and depression [3]. Another study discovered that even short mindfulness sessions can improve our focus and emotional balance [4].
By adding grounding and centering practices to our routine, we can better manage stress and stay connected with ourselves.
See if you can take a step outside to try this Grounding Practice…
Grounding Practice Steps:
Grounding is an easy yet impactful way to cultivate safety and self-care. By grounding ourselves in the present moment, we can find a sense of calm even when life gets hectic. When we focus on safety and self-care, it sparks a virtuous cycle where we feel better and build stronger, more cohesive teams.
Find a comfortable seated position with your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
Feel the gentle support of the chair or floor beneath you, cradling you with unwavering stability.
Take three deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth.
With each exhale, release any tension. Let go of the day's worries and allow yourself to be fully present.
Bring attention to the points of contact between your body and the chair or floor. Notice the sensations of support.
Imagine roots growing from the base of your spine, anchoring you firmly to the earth. Feel a sense of stability and groundedness.
Visualize a protective bubble of light surrounding your body, creating a safe space around you.
Silently repeat: "I am safe. I am supported. I am grounded."
Stay in this state for 2-3 minutes, breathing deeply and reinforcing your sense of safety.
Slowly open your eyes and notice how you feel.
This grounding practice is just the beginning. It equips us with an inner stability that extends to our teams, enabling us to lead with greater empathy and compassion.
International Self-Care Day: A Global Call to Wellness
International Self-Care Day, celebrated annually on July 24, underscores the importance of self-care as the cornerstone of wellness. This day encourages individuals to prioritize self-care in their daily routines and emphasizes its significance in maintaining overall health[5].
The date, July 24, is symbolic, highlighting that self-care can be practiced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7). Since its initiation in 2011, the event has grown to inspire action towards self-care globally, fostering awareness and engagement[5].
Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) also observe Self-Care Month, which runs from June 24 to July 24. This period culminates in International Self-Care Day, serving as a poignant reminder of the crucial role self-care plays in long-term health and well-being[5].
As we navigate our paths as leaders, let this day be a gentle nudge towards integrating self-care into our lives, fostering a ripple effect of wellness and compassion that begins within each of us. By embracing self-care, we elevate our well-being and cultivate a more empathetic and human-centered approach to technology—a force for good in the world.
Call to Action
Today, commit to prioritizing your well-being. Start by incorporating the grounding practice into your daily routine. Share this practice with your colleagues and encourage them to take moments for self-care throughout their day.
Remember, a psychologically safe and nurturing work environment starts with you. By embracing self-care, you're not just improving your life, but creating a ripple effect that can transform your entire organization. Let's make every day a celebration of self-care and human-centered leadership.
References:
[1] Rozovsky, J. (2015). The five keys to a successful Google team. re:Work.
[2] Frazier, M. L., et al. (2017). Psychological safety: A meta-analytic review and extension. Personnel Psychology.
[3] Khoury, B., et al. (2015). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for healthy individuals: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
[4] Zeidan, F., et al. (2010). Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: Evidence of brief mental training. Consciousness and Cognition.
[5] International Self-Care Foundation. (n.d.). About ISCD. International Self-Care Day. Retrieved from https://isfglobal.org/international-self-care-day/
Citations:
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliekratz/2024/03/08/how-psychologically-safe-is-your-workplace/
[2] https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-psychological-safety-at-work/
[3] https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/psychological-safety-workplace
[4] https://hbr.org/2023/02/what-is-psychological-safety
[5] https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-psychological-safety