My name is Rachel, and I work alongside my Aunt, Anna, at Anna Maher Recruitment. And as someone who works in both recruitment and psychotherapy, I see a common theme: People want to be more productive, more motivated, and more successful — but they’re running on empty. They’re looking for external solutions (a new job, a promotion, better time management) when the real transformation starts from within.
So here’s the message: You can’t pour from an empty cup — and you shouldn’t have to try.
Why Self-Care Fuels Career Growth
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and face masks. It’s a broad term that includes everything you do to support your mental, emotional, and physical health — and every one of these areas impacts how you show up at work.
Let’s break it down:
1. Sleep: The Ultimate Performance Enhancer
Lack of sleep impairs concentration, decision-making, memory, and mood — all critical for performing well at work. Yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when busy.
💡 Try this: Set a consistent bedtime, reduce screen time before bed, and prioritise rest as part of your success strategy.
2. Nutrition: Fuel for Focus
What you eat affects your energy levels, brain function, and emotional regulation. Skipping meals or living on caffeine and sugar might get you through the day — but not sustainably.
💡 Try this: Prepare nutrient-rich snacks and meals that keep your energy steady. Think of food as fuel, not just a task.
3. Exercise: Boost Your Mood and Motivation
Movement reduces stress, improves sleep, and increases energy. It also helps with confidence and clarity — both vital in a high-performing work environment.
💡 Try this: You don’t need a gym membership. A brisk walk, yoga, or even stretching between meetings can shift your mindset and re-energise your day.
4. Emotional Check-Ins: Manage Stress Before It Manages You
Unmanaged stress often shows up as procrastination, irritability, or feeling stuck. By checking in with yourself emotionally, you can catch burnout before it hits.
💡 Try this: Take 5 minutes each day to journal, meditate, or simply breathe deeply and ask, “How am I doing today?”
5. Boundaries & Downtime: Protect Your Energy
Saying yes to everything — and everyone — is a fast track to exhaustion. Boundaries protect your time, energy, and focus.
💡 Try this: Set “cut-off” times for work, schedule breaks like meetings, and say no when you need to protect your wellbeing.
Why This Matters for Your Career
When you're well-rested, nourished, and emotionally balanced, you think more clearly. You communicate better. You make stronger decisions. You're more creative, confident, and resilient.
Self-care doesn’t take time away from success — it gives you the capacity to achieve it.
Still Feeling Off? It Might Be Time to Check In.
Sometimes, even with good habits, you still feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure about what’s next. That could be a sign that something deeper needs attention — whether that’s a mismatch in your career, or emotional stress that hasn’t been addressed.
That’s where I can help — whether it’s through psychotherapy to explore what’s holding you back, or recruitment support to find a role that aligns with your values and energy.
Final Thoughts: Self-Care is a Career Strategy
You don’t have to choose between ambition and wellbeing. The most successful people are those who invest in both. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, unproductive, or out of sorts at work — pause and ask yourself: “What do I need right now to feel better — not just do more?” Because when you take care of yourself, you don’t just survive at work — you thrive.
Are you struggling with stress, burnout, or job search overwhelm? As part of our commitment to supporting your wellbeing, Rachel can now offer Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy sessions. Book a free 30-minute consultation to explore how therapy can help improve your mental health and resilience. Email me, Rachel, at Ra Counselling - ‘rachel@racounselling.co.uk’ and see my website for more info – www.racounselling.co.uk