This is the second post in our series about trauma-informed self care. Listen to the audio version of this episode here or find The Greater Us wherever you listen to your podcasts!
When it comes to sustaining challenging work, taking time to cultivate and protect your inner space can be a game changer. It’s easy to get caught up in external demands from the moment we wake up, but creating a reset space first thing in the morning can profoundly impact how we show up, both personally and professionally.
This post is about the practice of starting your day with intention—by reconnecting with your greater self before the world’s energy begins to pull at you. The goal is to create a quiet moment of stillness where you’re not reacting to external stimuli but instead grounding yourself for the day ahead.
Why Protecting Your Inner Space Matters
As leaders, we often operate in high-stress environments where decisions need to be made quickly, and the emotional demands of the workplace can be overwhelming. This is why a protected inner space, or "reset space," is crucial. It allows us to respond to challenges rather than react to them impulsively.
Personally, I aim to carve out this quiet space within the first hour of my day. It’s a time when my energy is my own, unburdened by the pressures of work or external demands. I call this “stitching myself together,” and I’m only half-joking when I say it. This practice gives me the grounding I need to navigate the complexities of my day with clarity and purpose.
How to Cultivate Your Own Reset Space
Start Simple: Sustainable self-care practices are key. I’ve found that keeping things simple—like combining my morning coffee with my reflective time—helps ensure that I stick with it. It's not about perfection, but rather about consistency and sustainability. You don't need an elaborate routine; sometimes, the simplest practices are the most effective.
Protect Your Space from External Distractions: I fiercely protect my reset time by eliminating potential distractions. I’ve segmented my work-related apps—email, chat, and texts—on my phone so that I don’t see them during my morning routine. Recently, I’ve even started disabling social media apps during this time. If there’s a stressful situation with someone, I might mute their messages until I’m ready to engage.
Create a Routine That Works for You: For some, the reset space might involve meditation, prayer, or a breathing exercise. For others, it could be journaling, listening to uplifting music, or spending time in nature. The point is to make this time personal and meaningful to you. Experiment with different practices and find what resonates.
Incorporate Gratitude: One of the most powerful aspects of my morning routine is gratitude. I actively think about things in my life that were once distant desires—accomplishments, relationships, dreams that have come true. I also look at my physical environment and notice the small things that bring me joy and comfort. This could be as simple as a cozy blanket given to me by a loved one or a memento that reminds me of kindness and connection.
Making It Work in a Busy Life
I understand that not everyone has the luxury of ample time in the morning. However, even 20-30 minutes of protected time can make a difference. Can you wake up a bit earlier or delegate some evening tasks to free up your morning? Could a partner help create this space for you? The important thing is to prioritize this time so you can start your day feeling grounded, calm, and connected to yourself.
Final Thoughts
Creating and protecting an inner reset space is a simple yet profound practice that can help sustain you through the demands of leadership. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your greater self, remind yourself why you do what you do, and align your energy before the world steps in. I hope you’ll consider incorporating a reset space into your own routine.
In part 3, I’ll explore how to manage and modulate the stimulus that comes into our lives—the information we take in, through various channels, and how we can offset its impact.
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