Employees can reach out to their HR departments if they have a problem at work. However, who do HR professionals turn to for help when employees are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted?

Due to the increasing number of HR professionals being overworked and under stress, many of them are at risk of burnout and disconnect. During the outbreak, HR professionals like me had to juggle various tasks, such as arranging for the proper healthcare coverage, keeping employees mentally fit and motivated to work. They also created new forms of workplace engagement to help employees manage their stress.

According to some employees, the increase in emotional labor has affected their work. They said they became more detached from their work. It’s important for HR professionals to take care of themselves before they can perform their duties effectively. Doing so can help them avoid burnout and keep them focused on their goals. Although it can be hard to keep up with all the tasks, taking a few minutes to take care of yourself can be a huge help.

Over the past 2 years, I have been conducting programs for busy HR professionals. The program B.R.E.A.T.H.E comprises a variety of simple yet effective self-care activities that can help relieve their stress and improve energy levels.

1. Breathing Exercises

Just like water and food, oxygen is a vital source of life. Taking deep breaths can also help manage stress and improve cognitive function. Such activity can certainly remind that it’s important to breathe and to be mindful of how one is breathing.

Take a deep breath before you start your day or shift to a new task. Pay attention to the sensations in your body. Inhale for 4 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds for 4 minutes.

2. Reframing

Reframing is a technique that helps people shift their mindset, so they can see a different perspective on a situation or relationship It can be done whenever one experience distorted thinking. The goal of reframing is to help people see a different perspective on a situation or relationship. It does so by shifting the frame of their perception, which then affects their behavior and thinking. While looking through the lens, one can change the perspective of the image that they see.

3. Establish Boundaries and Saying No

Overstretching yourself and taking on too much are two ways to burn out. However, putting in a limitation when it comes to addressing your time beyond work hours and saying no is a powerful self-care technique that can help keep you from getting overwhelmed. You may also defer, refer, redirect and delegate as constructive ways of saying no to protect your mental health.

4. Acknowledge and Take Action to what your body is telling you

One of the most effective ways to improve your self-care is by paying attention to yourself. This can help prevent burnout and keep you feeling good about yourself. Get at least 8 hours of sleep, nourish your body with the right food, and stay hydrated. Take mini breaks during long hours of work to rest your mind. Evaluate changes in your mood and productivity to prevent it reaching critical zone.

5. Think Inwards through Meditation

Although this is commonly used to reduce anxiety and stress, it can also help improve our outlook and health. Numerous studies have shown that it can help people feel better in various ways. When you spend at least 20 minutes decluttering the psyche and having some quiet time, you remove the craving for external things to fill in the void.

6. Harmonize with Individuals who can be a positive influence in your life

Find your tribe; people who are capable of supporting and helping you in times of need. The one you can fully trust, be yourself, appreciate you and provide unconditional love and care. You become who you spend your time with.

It’s important for HR professionals to take care of themselves before they can perform their duties effectively to avoid burnouts and stay focused on their goals

7. Embracing Change through healing and mental health

Anxiety and panic are thieves who rob us of our happiness and time. They can also take over our lives when we are having a hard time being present with our loved ones and friends. Focus on regaining control over yourself by processing and managing these through positive self-talk and detachment. Never hesitate to ask for help from professionals. They can help you to fully experience the joy and movement that you want in life.

You cannot fill from an empty cup. It is so important that HR professionals put in the time and energy to do their internal work. This will allow them to handle the emotional strain that comes with the job.

Self-care ultimately starts with oneself.