~ A "Letters from Silicon Valley" Series ~

When working with stressed people in Silicon Valley, and elsewhere, I get a lot of comments along the following lines:

 

• “I’m so tired.”
• “I don’t know how I’m going to get through everything that I have to do.”
• “I just blew up at my partner (or my boss, or my co-worker).”
• “I don’t feel so good.”
• “I have to work through this cold.”
• “I’m in a low (or bad) mood.”
• “I’m such a failure.”
• “I’m letting people down.”
  
   

They ask me if I might have any suggestions to help them get back to a place where they feel energized, healthy, creative, and at their best. Well, it turns out that I do have a suggestion and that is: take care of yourself. It’s ok to make your personal self-care a priority. You’re not going to do anyone much good if you’re sick, down, grumpy, and overwhelmingly stressed.

What do I mean by self-care? I mean doing things that personally benefit your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

You might be thinking, “Great, but how do I take care of myself with all of the demands in my life?” You can start with a few basics:

 

• Say, “No.” Sometimes we equate being busy with success. We say, “Yes,” to more work, going out with friends, helping a community group, etc. However, sometimes the word that will help us the most to avoid burnout is “No.”
• Exercise. Start small. Some activity is better than no activity. Choose something you enjoy. You know moving more will increase your metabolism, improve your energy and creativity levels, and reduce stress. Exercise will also release endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that promote happiness. Studies show that exercise, and happiness, boost our immune system.
• Eat Well. Experts suggest eating every 3-5 hours (this will keep your blood sugar levels steady) and eating in moderation. Don’t skip meals. Eat nutritious foods, such as fiber (brown rice, barley, pears, peas, etc.) and protein (eggs, poultry, seafood, tofu, low-fat yogurt, etc.). I have one friend who is a health consultant and he has seen significant positive changes in people who adhered to just the following five words: “More exercise, fruits, and vegetables.”
• Sleep, Rest, and Take Time for Yourself. Researchers have found that getting enough sleep and rest improves memory, increases creativity, helps our mood and relationships, and strengthens our immune system. It is okay (actually healthy) to take a nap and to take time for yourself. Studies show that for many people getting more sleep dramatically enhances performance.
• Practice Self-Compassion. You don’t have to be self-critical. You are not Superwoman or Superman. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to get everything done. Practice a little self-kindness and self-acceptance. It will go a long way toward helping you feel better and reducing the amount of time wasted dwelling on things that were not accomplished or didn’t go well. That way you can focus on your strengths, what is going 
  well, and on taking care of yourself.
  
   

May you have much success taking care of a very important person – you. 

Go Ducks!

Contact:
Humberto Chacon
humberto@chacon.us