Are you investing in recovery for yourself? We don’t hesitate to spend money on the growth of our business. We give of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally without question. But how much do we invest in our recovery and self-care?
Recovery includes self-care. Self-care is not instant gratification or avoidance. Self-care is a continuous practice that includes reflecting, resting, and recharging. Activities we rarely schedule because we view them as non-productive. Anything non-productive is viewed as lazy. But what if our perception of productivity needs to be adjusted? What if recovery is just as if not important than the work?
Work without planned recovery is not sustainable.
When we don’t invest in recovery our energy and enthusiasm suffer. A lack of energy contributes to poor communication with everyone around us. We make assumptions and we’re short with our responses. This negatively impacts our relationships. Low enthusiasm generates poor performance.
To effectively lead your team and manage the business you must take care of your well-being.
- Schedule time for recovery. It gives you the energy and stamina to serve your teams and solve challenges better.
- Be mindful of your words and actions. Everyone is watching your example. Peers and team members repeat what we do more often than what we say.
- When you’re frustrated, pause before responding and if possible sleep on it. A rash response does more damage to the relationship than an intentional one. If you do lose your patience, own it and apologize.
As a small business owner for the past 6 years has pulled a lot out of me. I overworked myself. I didn’t eat well. I didn’t exercise regularly. I wasn’t present with family when I should have been. I was short with people. I burned out several times. It sucks, and it doesn’t have to be this way.
Recovery Team
Did you know Russell Wilson, quarterback for Seattle Seahawks, spends over $1,000,000 on recovery a year? (Source) His personal recovery team includes:
- Full-time trainer (~$125k/year)
- Full-time physical therapist (~$150K/year)
- Full-time massage therapist (~ $73K/year)
- Two full-time chefs (~$62k/year each)
His investment in recovery is relative to the demands of his work and income. Because he is an athlete he invests a lot in physical recovery. Russell’s dedication to his recovery is what enables him to not miss starting a game in 9 years.
Your Recovery Team
Keeping all things relative, what does investing in your own recovery look like? Who is on your recovery team? They don’t have to be full-time. They can be hired at frequencies to fit your needs and budget.
- Business coach
- Counselor for Marriage & Family
- Fitness trainer
- Housekeeper
- Nanny
- Therapist
Recovery of One
Recovery should part of your regular routine. You can invest in yourself with time and minimal expenses.
Emotional
- Date nights with significant other.
- Phone dates with family.
- Playdates with your little ones, nieces, or nephews.
- Coffee dates with friends.
- Unfollow people and brands on social.
- Journaling
Mental
- Create something
- Reading a book
- Listening to music
- Spending time with a coach or mentor
- Taking 15 minutes to reflect and think
- Therapy
- Turn off screens
- Unsubscribe from newsletters and brands
Physical
- Annual physical exams
- Cleaning the space around you.
- Making sleep a priority
- Organizing your desk, office, workspace.
- Stretching for 20 minutes
- Walking for 30 minutes
- Weekly meal prep
- Weekly beauty routine
Spiritual
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Spending 30 minutes outside
Recovery Action
Make a list of the areas of your life that demand your attention. Describe how you want to show up in these areas. This may include what you feel and how you look. What steps can you take to recharge and recover?
I limit social media when I’m not at my best. This is because I realize my replies are more likely to be contrary and short.
Schedule recovery as part of your regular routine. Make time for it during your working hours and personal time. Taking care of all the areas of your life is important.
Recover so you can be the best version of yourself for you and those you love.
BONUS TIP: Schedule time for your team to recover during the week too. Their performance and well-being depends on it.
Your Turn
Who would be on your recovery team? What recovery activities would you add?
[…] Schedule in your personal well-being. I’m the first one who can work through lunch and/or eat at my desk. However, our body needs us to take care of it. This allows us to be at our best and brightest so we can better serve others, create, and problem solve. I purposely schedule my workouts in the middle of the day because it is a forced break. […]