Mentioning to an audience that self-care is not selfish can yield several distinct responses—and not all of them are good for the team.
Some welcome the concept because they interpret it as justification for self-indulgence. Others reject the concept because they interpret it as an excuse for self-indulgence.
There is a third group, however, who understands that self-care does not automatically equate to self-indulgence, provided the reason for self-care is tied to serving their team.
Healthy self-care equips you to serve others more effectively. You cannot consistently pour into your teammates if your own emotional, mental, and physical reserves are depleted. Taking care of yourself isn’t stepping away from your responsibility to the team; it’s preparing yourself to fulfill that responsibility with greater consistency, generosity, and excellence.
For those who fall into this third group, here are seven self-care endeavors that can help you be a better teammate and better serve the needs of your team:
1. Prioritize Quality Sleep
A well-rested teammate is more patient, focused, emotionally consistent, and less likely to react impulsively. Sleep replenishes the energy and mental clarity needed to show up fully for your team. Exhausted teammates make avoidable mistakes.
2. Move Your Body Regularly
Exercise reduces stress, boosts mood, and increases resilience. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or stretching, daily physical activity helps you bring greater energy and positivity to those around you. Sluggish teammates rarely elevate a team.
3. Protect Time for Reflection
Journaling, prayer, meditation, or simply sitting quietly creates space to process emotions and gain perspective. Self-awareness makes it easier to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally. Reactive teammates create unnecessary problems.
4. Set Healthy Boundaries
Saying “yes” to everything eventually leads to burnout. Knowing your limits and communicating them respectfully allows you to sustain your contributions over the long haul rather than overextending yourself in the short term. Burned-out teammates are bad teammates.
5. Nourish Your Body Well
Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated improves concentration, mood, and stamina. When you care for your physical health, you’re better equipped to bring your best self to your team. Hangry teammates are also bad teammates.
6. Invest in Meaningful Relationships
Spending quality time with family and friends provides encouragement, accountability, and perspective. These healthy relationships outside your team replenish the emotional reserves you need to be fully present within it while also keeping you grounded. Isolated teammates lose perspective.
7. Continue Learning and Growing
Read books, listen to podcasts, attend workshops, seek feedback, or develop new skills. Personal growth benefits more than just you. It increases the knowledge, wisdom, and capabilities you contribute to your team. A better version of you is always good for your team. Growing teammates grow teams.
Caring for yourself is not an act of selfishness; it is an investment in your ability to contribute well to others. By investing in yourself, you position yourself to better serve the needs of your team.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
