One thing that I’ve seen flooding social media lately is tips on how to stay productive and keep showing up for people during quarantine. Be it your clients who you want to support, your employees who rely on your leadership, or your family who rely on your income, there is a lot of pressure to show up for others right now.

What if, instead of focusing on that, we focused on showing up for ourselves first? It may sound counterintuitive, but there is no way we can provide the level of productivity and support needed for our clients, employees, and families unless we are in the frame of mind to do so.

Remember the lighthouse example I talked about before? The idea is that you shine your light so brightly that lost ships get the guidance they need and you aren’t constantly going out into the water to rescue them.

“This isn’t about grabbing other people and saving them. This is about being a beacon so others can see your light and then learn how to find the light inside themselves.”

So what happens when we show up for others before we show up for ourselves?

• Our energy depletes 

• Everyone’s needs cause us to indulge in overwhelm

• We become resentful

• The quality of our output begins to decrease

• Our physical health can be affected

• Our attitude begins to spread to others

The truth is, in our effort to help everyone else, we actually do the opposite. If we show up for ourselves first, we maintain the ability to support others in more meaningful and impactful ways. We also become an example of how to balance one’s own needs with the needs of others in a healthy manner.

So how can you show up for yourself during this uncertain time?

• Listen to our mind and body, honor their boundaries and when they tell you they need rest

• Build self serving rituals, such as yoga, meditation, or walks, into your daily schedule

• Give yourself enough time to complete all of your necessary tasks

• Practice forgiveness with yourself

Of course, allowing yourself to have time and space to yourself doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. Consider this time as an opportunity to tap into your creativity. Part of showing up for yourself investing time into the projects that serve you and your mental health.

If you would like to continue working on ways you can show up for yourself through increased emotional intelligence, I can help! Schedule a complimentary consultation below and keep an eye out for information on my upcoming course Emotional Intelligence for High Performers.

Mind your strength,

Melanie Shmois