Issue 4: Self-care is a necessity not just a nicety

Welcome to your leadership newsletter! Each month, we’ll explore a different area of leadership together. I’ll share some of my own experiences, the experience and learning from others and links to some things you may enjoy.

This month, I’ve been inspired by the quote below. So let’s explore how to prioritise your own self-care and work together towards the leadership improvements you’re after.

Caring for yourself and others when there’s violence around you

We’ve seen racial hatred, islamophobia and far right riots over the past month. We’ve also seen powerful stands of unity and love. When there’s hate and fear surrounding us, how do we care for ourselves whilst caring for those we lead?

As leaders, it’s easy to think I don’t know what to say so I won’t say anything, but it’s during these times when people can feel fear, hurt, anger, worry, that we need to lean in. Check- in on people, how are they feeling? Are they safe? Give people space to consider what they need to feel safe and think about this for yourself.

I’ve seen some incredibly helpful resources from MIND and Research in Practice that are worth checking out and saving for the future.

Self-care isn’t selfish

How often do you choose someone else’s happiness/ comfort/ choice over your own? How often do you prioritise work over plans you had for yourself like a get together with a friend, or an exercise class, or a dog walk, etc?

For everyone, self-care is a necessity, but especially for those in a helping profession. It’s the age old saying ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. We come into a helping profession to do just that…help others, so we end up giving and giving and giving until sometimes there’s nothing left. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to replenish our cups.

Here’s a brief toolkit so you can check in on your self-care habits and find ways to make sure you’re replenishing your cup.

Let’s learn together

Becoming a resilient social worker doesn’t simply mean “putting up” with the stress. Although the training below is aimed at newly qualified social workers, it’s a comprehensive training on emotional regulation, wellbeing, and boundary setting offers social workers practical strategies to navigate the challenges of their profession with confidence and composure that anyone could appreciate. Or maybe you want to share this with any new social workers in your team/ service.

Led by highly experienced practitioners, Vicki Shevlin and Natalie Robertson, this CPD training is designed to foster resilience, enhance professional practice, and support the overall health the workforce.

In just a few days, you’ll have access to a Leadership Masterclass series that covers Leading with Confidence and Authenticity, Leading in times of Uncertainty and Change, Leading for Psychological Safety and finally, Leading with the Mind-Body Connection and Self-Care.

This is your last chance to grab a ticket for Tuesday, 10th September! There are only a handful left, so grab yours today!

If you’re unable to make it but don’t want to miss out, email me at [email protected] and I’ll let you know when the next one is available.

Anxiety, Calm and Over/ Under Functioning

I recently listened to this podcast for about the 5th time. Brené has a way of storytelling that makes me feel like I’m sitting down with a friend. She shares her own story of being an over-functioner and what that means for her. As leaders, it’s helpful to recognise our typical functioning style when we’re under pressure and also recognise this in others so we can together find a space of calm. I’d strongly recommend this episode for anyone who wants to check in on how they function under pressure and think about ways to find calm. Check it out on Spotify here.

7 minutes to start your day

I fall in and out of love with meditation. I’ve spent time trying to force myself to breathe deep and quiet my overactive mind only to get fed up, tell myself this isn’t for me and get up and go. But I’ve also spent time letting go and just enjoying the moments of calm in an incredibly busy world.

So, here’s a short meditation that I sometimes use in the mornings, give it a try.

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Thanks for subscribing! If you ever want to chat or have an idea you want me to explore in an upcoming newsletter, drop me a message at [email protected]