A recent study by Deloitte revealed that 77% of professionals experience burnout at their current job, with 91% stating that unmanageable stress impacts their performance. To prioritize well-being amidst overwhelming work demands, consider adopting time-blocking techniques. Allocate specific slots for personal care activities like physical exercise, healthy meals, or even short breaks. Treat these self-care commitments with the same respect as work meetings. Moreover, redefine productivity by setting realistic goals and learning to delegate tasks. By building boundaries and committing to self-care as a non-negotiable practice, you can sustain energy and maintain focus without compromising health.

When work overwhelms your self-care, it’s a signal, not a badge of honor. Start small: schedule short breaks as non-negotiable appointments, even if it’s just 10 minutes to step away and breathe. Identify one activity—whether it’s a walk, a hobby, or a quiet meal—that truly rejuvenates you and make it sacred. Communicate your boundaries at work; a polite but firm “I’ll handle this tomorrow” goes a long way. Remember, burnout benefits no one—your well-being isn’t optional, it’s the foundation of your productivity and creativity.

I have made sure that mornings are for me. I give myself enough time every morning so I can exercise or just sip and enjoy my coffee before I start working.

Prioritizing self-care is a non-negotiable, even during the busiest times! Setting clear boundaries and treating self-care like a commitment has been a game-changer for many I work with. It's about understanding that taking care of yourself ultimately enhances your productivity and happiness.

Certain non-negotiables have to be the first priority. I learned this late in my career and realised this at my expense: 1. Self-care activities must have the same degree of priority as work activities. For example, gym or yoga classes started to be scheduled appointments and were non-negotiable. I also made them first thing in the morning before the stress began. 2. Energy management is as important as time management: recognise when you need breaks and don't push your limits. Recovery periods build work performance. 3. Shift away from the mindset that self-care is selfish or superficial. It directly impacts your work quality and sustainability. You must understand this to thrive and grow.

First, and foremost: Uncoupling the autonomic nervous system permanently from past and present traumatic and stressful experiences. A great asset, especially when confronted with high-load work demands. The ANS keeps its calm and no longer triggers the stress response, with all the benefits that come with that: 1) No more cortical inhibition 2) Full cognitive capacity to solve problems 3) No suppression of the immune system A real one-size-fits-all (well, most at least ;) solution.