Beyond Bubble Baths: Rethinking Wellness and Leadership in 2024

In the whirlwind world of 2024, where wellness often gets reduced to consumerist self-care rituals – think bubble baths and scented candles – it's time we refocus and redefine what true wellness means for leaders today. I'm talking about investing in our vitality, the kind that profoundly changes how we show up for ourselves and for others every day. It's about nurturing our physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and creative selves. And guess what? You don't need to break the bank to do it.

Physical Vitality: Movement over Monotony

Forget expensive gym memberships. Physical wellness is about finding joy in movement, be it a brisk morning walk, a YouTube yoga session, or a dance-off in your living room. It's about making choices that honor our bodies – more water, balanced meals, and enough sleep. Remember, every step counts, and it's more about consistency than intensity. 

In our house, dance parties with my husband and kids are a regular affair. These moments of unapologetic playfulness not only energize our home but also bring us closer. Then there are my early morning walks with the dog – a time for me to get grounded and exercise almost effortlessly before the day starts. What forms of movement give you life?

Emotional Vitality: Connection and Reflection

Emotional wellness isn't just about feeling good; it's about feeling connected, understood, and at peace. It's about genuine conversations with friends, journaling, or even volunteering. You can find free community support groups or mental health apps that offer low-cost counseling options. Let's normalize seeking support and embracing our vulnerabilities as strengths.

Remember, emotional wellness is unique to each individual. While therapy works wonders for many, I have found life coaching more aligned with my needs. On a day-to-day level, I engage in mindful collaging, use relationship-building apps like Relish, and enjoy free outdoor activities with family and friends, from beach walks to gatherings around our backyard fire pit. These simple yet powerful practices keep me emotionally balanced.

Intellectual Vitality: Feed Your Curiosity

In our fast-paced digital world, it's easy to fall into passive consumption. Let's challenge ourselves to be lifelong learners. Read books from your local library, listen to diverse podcasts, or join free webinars and online courses. Engaging with different perspectives not only broadens our horizons but also keeps our minds sharp and ready to lead.

I'm a fan of Goodreads.com for book recommendations tailored to my interests. It's a fantastic way to discover new perspectives and challenge our thinking, crucial for anyone in a leadership position.

Spiritual Vitality: Finding Your Center

Spiritual wellness isn't one-size-fits-all. It's about finding what grounds you, gives you purpose, and connects you to something larger than yourself. It could be meditation, prayer, nature walks, or even mindful breathing exercises. Many apps offer free guided meditations, or simply find a quiet spot to reflect and be present.

For spiritual wellness, I've found practicing mindfulness just before bed to be incredibly effective. I struggle staying focused on mindfulness activities during the day, as my wanders to my ever-growing to-do list. However, following along to mindfulness apps at bedtime allows me to reflect on the day's beauty while winding down to prepare for restful sleep.

Creative Vitality: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Creativity is not about being an artist; it's about expressing ourselves. It can be as simple as cooking a new recipe, doodling in a notebook, or crafting DIY projects. Creative expression is a powerful tool for problem-solving and innovation, crucial for any leader.

Creativity looks different for everyone in my family. For my husband, it's experimenting with new techniques on the smoker. My daughter finds joy in baking, my son in deconstructing things to create new inventions, like a bike-wheelchair chariot. As for me, pottery has been my latest adventure – I recently crafted a lamp base on the pottery wheel, a proud achievement in my budding craft.

Practice Vitality

These practices have significantly impacted how I feel and function, both personally and professionally. They have made me more centered, innovative, and empathetic – qualities that are invaluable in the workplace. It's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness; it's about finding and embracing what works for you.

As leaders, when we invest in our holistic wellness, we're not just improving our own lives; we're setting a precedent for the kind of healthy, vibrant culture we want to cultivate in our organizations. I encourage you to explore these aspects of vitality, find what resonates with you, and share your journey. Together, let's redefine what it means to lead with wellness at the forefront.