Now that it’s spring, you may be reflecting on the state of your business and your upcoming mid-year goals. When you are feeling work stress and anxiety, then it’s time to pay attention to your own physical resilience. Last week’s blog covered how you can approach adversity through the four resilience domain model (physical, emotional, spiritual and mental) by Rollin McCraty. This week we’ll take a closer look at physical resilience.
What is physical resilience?
Physical resilience refers to the body’s ability to exert its true power then return to a healthy resting state following exertion. As a leader you need tools to enable you to take on challenges and maintain stamina and strength for your day-to-day job demands.
Physical resilience is important for you as a leader because you want to be at your peak state mentally and physically in order to effectively lead others. Maintaining good health through consistent fitness and dietary habits is important.
How to build physical resilience:
Regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management and getting a good night’s sleep are all vital for good physical health. Let’s cover a basic that sets your whole day (and mood) up for success, a good night’s sleep.
- Go for a walk or exercise outside during the day. Time in natural daylight boosts your melatonin levels, making it easier to naturally fall asleep.
- Have a relaxing lavender bath or spray your pillow with lavender.
- Try not to keep TV’s, tablets or phones on in your bedroom in the evening. The unnatural blue light disrupts melatonin production and keeps you awake.
- Practice this routine at bedtime; breathe in for a 4-count, hold your breath for a 4-count and breathe out your stress for a 4-count.
Having balance in the resiliency of your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental states enables you to maintain your effectiveness as a leader. What have YOU done lately to nourish your physical resilience? Submit examples to me and I’ll select a story we can all learn from at the end of the month.