Self - Care: a gentle reminder...

There isn’t a day watching the news or engaging with social media that I don’t start to feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the negativity and lack of progress on building a healthier/ more human world. As we face challenging times, I worry about how each of us are navigating our mental health – staying motivated and positive. I love my company purpose – Making Work, Work Better for People – as it reminds me and reinforces the human centric approach we have at ServiceNow and how important that approach is, especially in challenging times.

So what is Human Centric? Urban dictionary definition:

(noun): a social construct that is deliberate in design and development to equitably address human need without prejudice or harm to any person or the world.

(adjective): to hear, understand, move and acknowledge our nature with calm, empathy and nurturing thought that releases intelligent compassion in the world

That sounds really good to me!

With that said – and the studies say exhaustion is spilling into the workplace – especially underrepresented talent, how do we recharge? How do we help ourselves and each other?

Here are some great tips to care for Self (and in turn perhaps inspire others!):

· Eat healthy food/ stay hydrated/ exercise/ get good rest - 4-5 hours isn't enough! :)

· Spend time in nature and/or in spiritual settings

· Look at/create pieces of art or listen to music

· Scrub your social feeds of harassers, negative minds

· Spend time with people you love or be alone and recharge! As an introvert - spending even 30 mins alone helps me get re-centered during stressful times

· Seek help if you need it. Most companies have mental health benefits or support networks in your local community is also a viable option.

· Connect with other employees /communities for support, including your ERG community @ work

· Avoid known “triggers,” or disconnect from the news and social media for a bit

· Identify ways in which you can affect positive change - in giving we receive, as it feeds our soul

· Reminder - It’s ok to have differing points of view so long as we can respect those views and each other. Diversity of thought can help us get smarter, accelerate innovation and improve quality of outcomes.

Managers have an even bigger impact: If you are a manager/ leader of others, its incumbent upon all of us to check in with the team. Just ask "How are you?” Then listen. Really listen. Echo back for understanding, ensuring they feel heard. Being heard/ understood is key to well being. When stress levels feel high, encourage them to take a break, a walk or schedule a vacation. Having a future moment where you know you can unwind is also up-lifting.

Bottom line, for all of us, it’s noticing and supporting your co-workers and teams that build trust and psychological safety. Being empathetic, showing compassion can only make all of us stronger/healthier allowing all of us to be our best version.

So what is your self help plan? For me – I will create more art this year. It gives me joy, balance and is a way that I meditate. (and yes I painted that picture :) )