Be Good to Yourself

Be good to yourself—remember that even Superman sleeps. Even superheroes must take time to sleep. The Bible states that the Lord rested on the seventh day. Taking care of yourself and practicing good self-care, seems like common sense and an easy thing to do. However, it is usually the first thing that is sacrificed in times of crisis, stress, intensity, or when we are extremely busy. Yet, self-care is vital for our health and performance. We cannot pour from an empty cup. You must have the energy to give energy, you must have the wisdom to share wisdom, and you must have the strength to give your team strength.

A recent Project Management Times article states that project management is one of the most stressful jobs out there. The pressure is constant to finish on time and under budget while keeping all stakeholders happy. The success or failure of a project depends on the abilities of the project manager. The hours are long and difficult. Our fun, hobbies, free time, and fun are the first activities that we let go of and sacrifice when things get too busy.

The project manager must be in a good place mentally and physically if they are to lead others properly. Stress can impact your cognitive abilities and behavioral functioning. It can even impact your personal health and the happiness of your family. Stress can hurt the ability to be creative. These are all areas of the self that are necessary for appropriate performance as a project manager.

Therefore, it is vital that self-care be a priority. Self-care improves productivity and problem-solving abilities. It improves our ability to form and maintain strong relationships. Project managers may need to advocate for themselves or stand up for themselves to ensure that they are given the time necessary for self-care.

Recommendations for self-care:

1. Make self-care a priority.
2. Schedule time to take care of yourself- Set up daily “me” time
3. Connect with loved ones regularly – Reach out; we are all in this together.
4. Take a deep breath – This sounds simple but breathing and breathwork can have wonderful and powerful results.
5. Create a healthy sleep routine – Sleep is the body’s reboot. 
6. Stay clean- Never underestimate the power of the shower.
7. Stay hydrated and eat regularly- Dehydration is the quickest way to illness. 
8. Move your body and exercise - Walking helps relieve stress and improves your overall health. 
9. Go out in the sunshine – The sunshine helps your body combat depression and stabilizes your mood. It also allows your body to use vitamins properly. 
10. Listen to your favorite songs – Music is good for the soul. 
11. Go ahead and self-soothe - Self-soothing is okay and encouraged.
12. Set boundaries and learn to say "no" – Do not take on too much.

Remember to protect your greatest project. You need to take time and mental space away from your work projects to be successful and give your best effort and performance. Your success hinges on your ability to take care of yourself.

Remember, be good to yourself, even Superman sleeps.

Even the strongest person can find themselves in the middle of a situation or an event that their mind, heart, or body is not equipped to deal with. If you throw on some stress, a breakup, a demanding boss or client, and some financial issues, you can quickly end up in the middle of the perfect storm.  Events can feel like they were lined up in a path aimed directly at you and sent to break you and tear you apart inch by inch. Eventually, you do not even recognize yourself, and you cannot even remember, much less concentrate on the people around you or the people that love you. We do not always make the best decisions with a mind this hurt, lonely, and clouded. We end up making decisions that, at that moment, we believe might end the pain.

I have heard it said that people that take their life are selfish, and I’m afraid I have to disagree. It reminds me of the saying that if you know, you know, and you don’t, you don’t. You cannot imagine what someone is thinking at that moment that their soul hurts so badly that they want it to stop existing or at the moment that they had finally gotten so lonely that no life seemed better than this one. 

I am not glorifying the act or the event. I am merely trying to bring light and understanding into the events that may lead someone to this hell. It is almost as if you have gone blind and can no longer see anyone, and they definitely cannot see themselves.

Just a short time ago, a beautiful young man found himself at this very point. No one saw it coming, and no one heard the cries. It was not that they were not listening; it was just that this sweet boy had not yet cried out loud enough for them to hear him. His pain was as deep and real as the scars that it has left on his mother, father, and siblings. This young man would be 18 years old today, yet the birthday celebration for a beloved son will happen without their beloved son.

For this kind-hearted, funny, and spirited young man, I would like to challenge everyone to listen closely, watch intently, and reach out to anyone that may not have found the voice that will allow them to cry loud enough to be heard.

-te amo mi dulce bebe

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

#BeThe1Who

We work almost constantly and struggle to disconnect. We want all of our projects to be great, successful, and our best work. But have you ever considered that your greatest project is you? Take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Never stop learning, reading, exploring, and trying to improve your greatest work. 

We are all told, “live your life to the fullest”; I am here to do just that. My blog serves as a vessel to project my passions, and clue in my loyal readers as to what inspires me in this crazy world. To spread knowledge, love, kindness, compassion, support, and care as far as it can go.

I love to tell others to be good to themselves, that even Superman sleeps. This means taking care of yourself and practicing good self-care. Self-care is vital to your health and performance. You cannot pour from an empty cup. As we travel from day to day and week to week, we work on so many projects and give them our full attention, but what is your greatest project. Your greatest project is you. Your success hinges on your ability to take care of yourself. Now consider this, are you giving yourself your full attention and best effort?

Remember to spread knowledge, love, kindness, compassion, support, and care as far as it can go.

Dr. A