You can’t drive a car WOT – Wide Open Throttle – across the country before things start breaking, seizing, losing water, fuel and oil. The first or second problem, doesn’t bother you too much. It may not require repairs, rather only a short delay to assess, a quick tweak and then you can climb back in and head out WOT.
Now imagine, treating your body this way. You may not be sleeping well; no problem, you can make up for it later. Because you’re so busy, you reach for foods that are less nutritious and high in calories, and anyway, it’s only a few extra pounds. Your attention span wanes. Your memory gets foggy. You get cranky. Time with friends and family falls to the wayside because the workload is high. Your team needs you more than your gym. And still, you’re not picking up on the signs. Or, maybe you can’t quite put your finger on why you don’t feel “right”.
Poor eating habits may lead to lethargy because of digestive inflammation or lack of balanced nutrition may impact your blood sugar levels. Your lack of energy demotivates you and as such, you’re moving and exercising less.
Sleeping helps you maintain a positive outlook and store memories and information. It allows your immune system to work and recover. Without it, optimism and positivity cannot surface and you get sick more often. As a leader, you’re not mentally sharp and your negative behavior is quickly spreading to others around you.
It’s time for a mind and body scan. How are you feeling – really feeling? What did it feel like when you were energetic, confident and had a sense of presence? Think about your body from your feet to your head. Do you feel alert or sluggish, strong or achy?
Because a WOT lifestyle will eventually come back and bite you, instead become the role model of well-being and work-life balance.
- Have some fun. Put the phone down. Do something nice for others. Be mindful of what you’re grateful for. Laugh.
- Slowly start moving more, get to bed earlier, and have more fruits and veggies within your grasp.
- Reach out and reconnect with friends and family. Initiate a few new friendships with folks with whom you share some common interests.
- Make small adjustments in your behavior and actions over time. Fine tune as you move forward. Breathe and acknowledge your progress.
“Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.” Christopher Germer