Get Some Sunlight…and Some New Ideas

As an executive leadership coach, I understand the challenges of a Zoom meeting-filled day. It can be draining to sit in front of a screen for hours on end, especially when our space may not look like the beautiful, spacious, and well-lit background you can see on my screen in this video (thank you, Dina for gifting me the background).

While I won’t tell you to clean up your office, I do want to encourage you to take a break and step away from your screen for a bit. I have had a few lunch meetings this year with friends and colleagues and while I recognize that in general, my work day has become much more efficient with what I can deliver over Zoom,  I miss out on that human connection, on sitting in the sun and just talking about books or ideas with somebody. 

I challenge you to do the same. Connect with someone you don’t usually connect with in person. Talk about ideas beyond the usual to-do lists and deadlines. Allow yourself to think more expansively; I guarantee it will improve your mood and the quality of ideas you come up with.

We need more sunlight in our minds, and while the Zoom screen is efficient, it doesn’t provide the same connection and inspiration that a face-to-face conversation can bring. So, take a break, have a meal with someone, and see how it changes your outlook when you return to your desk.

As an executive leader, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and human connection, especially during a time when so much of our work is done virtually. So, break up the monotony of a Zoom-filled day and get out there and get some sunlight.

Interested in more self-care for executives? Read more here