24 key self-care actions supported by research for the summer.

As it comes to half way through 2024 — it is a great time to take stock and assess where we are from a business POV as well as a personal one too. So it was perfectly timed to have #InternationalSelfCareDay this week.

And have a think about how grateful I am for the business opportunities I have had this year so far.

TAKING STOCK BEFORE SELF CARE DAY.

I have been lucky enough to have worked for some amazing and household name organisations so far this year. Doing 20 different keynotes and training days for organisations around the world.

Be that remotely to 1000 employees for Signify, or in person at the Eura Re-location gig in Portugal.

From inspiring 50+ HR people from different businesses for Richmond Events, to training 10 people in Stafford over a day for a senior leadership team about AI with the Stone Group.

Most of my work has been around creating talks and training sessions about AI and the future of work. I have worked internationally, nationally and locally and both in person and online.

Delivering talks and training ranging from 15 minute mini keynotes to introduce global brands like Samsung to 3 hour in-depth personalised training sessions for companies (which has now become the AI Leadership Course) to even 1–2–1 help on integration of AI into people’s personal workflows.

I have written my book on the Fifth Industrial Revolution, and co-hosted TedxBrighton, I have written over 60 blogs and been interviewed on radio more than 50 times.

I have been on TV nationally now 8 times and internationally twice, (mainly due to the global IT outage story of last week) and also been on 6 different podcasts…

I have written 22 different newsletters (4 of them sponsored)

And created the Prompt Engineering course

And my beginners LinkedIn course

And launched the non for profit The AI Teacher Course

With Janine Atkin with its own online course too. To help teachers teach with AI.

So here’s a massive thanks to everyone who has made this possible and hired me as keynote speaker or corporate trainer — without you — my life would not be the same.

And here lies an interesting juxtaposition, as business wise, this is all great.

With several other new clients in the pipeline for August to December 2024. Thanks to Pomona Partners, and VBQ and JLA my agents for keynotes etc.

But from a personal POV, I cannot say I am doing so well.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SELF CARE SUMMER….

This year my health dipped — noticeably due to a variety of reasons. And so it was interesting to think about self care more. Which is why I loved this graphic about 30 things we can do to help ourselves.

And why I dug a little deeper to find for 2024….

24 key self-care actions supported by research.

Incorporating these self-care practices into your routine can significantly enhance your well-being and performance in the future of work. Prioritizing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success and happiness.

So my challenge to you is….

For the summer of Self Care…

Can you do all 24 before the end of the summer….?

1. Do Morning Exercises: Morning workouts improve mood, boost metabolism, and enhance cognitive function (UHealth Collective) (Well+Good).
2. Drink 8 Glasses of Water: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining concentration, energy levels, and overall bodily functions (ScienceDaily).
3. Walk Outside for 20 Minutes: Walking outdoors improves mental clarity, mood, and exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms (TrainingPeaks).
4. Eat Your Favorite Snack: Healthy snacking can boost energy and mood. Balanced nutrition supports long-term health (ScienceDaily).
5. Sleep 7–8 Hours a Day: Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall health (ScienceDaily).
6. Sing Your Favorite Songs: Singing releases endorphins and reduces stress, providing a fun mood booster (TrainingPeaks).
7. Learn Yoga for Beginners: Yoga improves flexibility, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity (TrainingPeaks).
8. Take a Warm Bath: Warm baths can relax muscles and soothe the mind, promoting overall relaxation (ScienceDaily).
9. Cook Your Favorite Dish: Cooking can be therapeutic and provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment (ScienceDaily).
10. Start to Eat Healthy: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains fuels the body and mind, improving performance (ScienceDaily).
11. Take a Me-Time: Allocating time for yourself to do something you love can help recharge and reduce stress (ScienceDaily).
12. Start Journaling: Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and stress relief, helping process emotions and gain insights (ScienceDaily).
13. Do a Skincare Ritual: A daily skincare routine can promote self-love and improve self-esteem (ScienceDaily).
14. Practice Meditation: Meditation improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances emotional health (ScienceDaily).
15. Practice Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude shifts focus to positive aspects of life, boosting happiness and positivity (ScienceDaily).
16. Try to Craft Something: Engaging in crafts stimulates creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment (ScienceDaily).
17. Learn a New Hobby: Learning new skills keeps the mind sharp and expands horizons (ScienceDaily).
18. Watch Your Watchlist: Taking time to watch favorite shows or movies can help relax and unwind (ScienceDaily).
19. Read Your Favorite Book: Reading stimulates the mind and provides new perspectives and insights (ScienceDaily).
20. Write Out Your Plans: Organizing thoughts and plans reduces anxiety and increases productivity (ScienceDaily).
21. Clean Up Your Room: A tidy space promotes a tidy mind, reducing stress and increasing focus (ScienceDaily).
22. Organize Your Desk: A clutter-free desk enhances productivity and creates a pleasant work environment (ScienceDaily).
23. Hang Out with Friends: Social connections are crucial for mental health, providing support and boosting mood (ScienceDaily).
24. Try a Digital Detox: Taking breaks from screens reduces stress and improves sleep quality (ScienceDaily).

This last one — will be the hardest for me I think — but let’s see…

As we navigate the evolving landscape of the future of work, one truth remains constant: our well-being is paramount. Amidst the rapid technological advancements, shifting work environments, and the ever-increasing demands on our time and energy, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care.

To ensure we thrive, not just survive, in this dynamic world, we must adopt effective self-care strategies.

Let’s start by finishing this blog…

And me signing off for the summer month of August… A kinda digital detox.

And… Let’s remember we have no future without our health.

And we can’t work if we are no longer here…

Good luck with your self care summer… I am off to give myself a break…