Tag Archive for: leadership

5 Ways to Make Happiness Happen at Work and Home This August

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August is recognized as Happiness Happens Month, and I want to encourage all of us to intentionally notice, create, and share more moments of genuine happiness—at work and in our personal lives.

Happiness isn’t a prize you receive after everything goes perfectly. It grows through the choices you make, the people you value, and the good you decide to do today. Small moments count, and they add up faster than most people realize.

Happiness Happens Month is celebrated throughout August, with Happiness Happens Day observed Aug. 8 to encourage people to appreciate everyday joy and share it with others. Here are five practical ways to put that idea into action.

 

Five Ways to Make Happiness Happen

  • Notice What Is Already Good. Begin or end each day by naming three specific things that went well. Gratitude trains your attention to see progress instead of only problems. At work, that improves perspective and keeps setbacks from taking over the day. At home, it helps you appreciate the people and experiences you might otherwise overlook.
  • Create One Moment of Joy. Schedule a simple activity you genuinely enjoy, such as listening to music, walking outside, calling a friend, cooking with family, or returning to a hobby. Happiness rarely needs a large budget or a perfect calendar. A short break that restores your energy can sharpen your thinking at work and make you more present with the people you love.
  • Recognize Someone Specifically. Thank a colleague, family member, friend, or service worker for something specific they did. General praise is pleasant, but specific appreciation is powerful. It tells people their effort mattered. That builds trust in the workplace and strengthens relationships everywhere else.
  • Help Without Being Asked. Look for one burden you can lighten. Share information, assist a coworker, run an errand, mentor someone, or serve in the community. Service moves happiness beyond a private feeling and turns it into something useful. That one act can improve someone else’s day and usually improve your own at the same time.
  • Protect Time for the People and Priorities That Matter. Put meaningful relationships and activities on the calendar before less important demands consume the time. Your schedule reveals what you truly value. When you protect time for important people, you reduce regret, deepen connection, and return to work with greater clarity and purpose.

 

The Piano Principle

My own happiness began at home. In All the Right Reasons, I recall that my parents bought a piano before they bought a car because music mattered deeply to our family. Without a car, my father rode a bicycle to work and carried my mother on the back for trips to the store. We still own that piano.

My parents didn’t wait until life became convenient to make room for what brought our family joy. They chose music, sacrifice, and time together. That lesson has stayed with me through my family life, my career, and every stage I’ve had the privilege to play. Happiness becomes more durable when it is connected to your values.

I call that lesson the Piano Principle: When you really want something, make it happen. The same principle applies to happiness. Don’t wait for it to appear. Make a choice, take an action, include another person, and give happiness a place to happen.

 

Make Happiness Happen This August

The benefits extend well beyond a temporary good mood. A person who regularly practices gratitude, connection, service, and healthy enjoyment becomes more resilient. At work, that can mean better collaboration, stronger morale, and clearer decisions. In personal life, it can mean deeper relationships, more energy, and a greater sense that your days reflect what matters most.

Throughout August, look for a moment to notice, create, or share happiness—at work, at home, or in between. Small moments add up. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Make happiness happen.

 

I shared a version of this article in a news release on August 5, 2026. USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. Since its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear, concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com. 

Staying Gruntled at Work

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You’ve heard the word “disgruntled.” It usually comes with crossed arms, a deep sigh and somebody quietly updating their résumé.

But, as you probably know, “gruntled” is a real word, too. It means pleased, satisfied and genuinely content.

That makes Gruntled Workers Day today worth celebrating.

I admit, no job is perfect. Every workplace has stressful days, frustrating projects and meetings that could have been emails. But when we spend all our time focusing on what’s wrong, we can miss the people, progress and purpose that make our work meaningful.

Workplace satisfaction doesn’t appear by accident. We help create it through the attitude, effort and energy we bring every day.

Here are seven practical ways to become a little more gruntled at work.

1. Thank someone specifically

  • Skip the generic “great job.” Tell a colleague exactly what they did and why it mattered.
  • Try this: “You made that tough issue much easier for the team to understand.”
  • Specific appreciation sticks.

2.  Recognize one personal win

  • Think about something you’ve accomplished recently. Maybe you finished a difficult project, helped a customer, solved a problem or handled a tough conversation well.
  • Give yourself credit. You earned it.

3.  Find something ahead that excites you

  • Contentment doesn’t mean you’ve stopped growing. You can appreciate where you are while remaining excited about what’s next.
  • Choose one skill, responsibility or opportunity you’d like to pursue.

4.  Start the day with a positive question

  • Instead of asking, “What’s going to go wrong today?” ask, “What can I make better today?”
  • That small change points your attention toward action and possibility.

5.  Spend time with positive people (This is a big one!)

  • Attitudes spread quickly at work. So does complaining.
  • Spend more time with colleagues who solve problems, encourage others and bring constructive energy into the room. Better yet, become one of those people.

6.  Reconnect with the purpose behind your work

  • Every job helps someone.
  • You may serve customers, support coworkers, develop products, solve problems or keep an organization moving. When routine work starts feeling dull, remember who benefits because you showed up.

7.  Make work a little more fun

  • Share a laugh. Celebrate a milestone. Play some music. Bring treats. Send an unexpected note of encouragement.
  • Professional doesn’t have to mean joyless.

I learned the value of positive thinking early in my career when I landed an opportunity to interview Gene Simmons of KISS.

There was one small problem: I didn’t own the expensive camera required for the job, and I had never operated one like it.

I could have panicked, made excuses or walked away.

Instead, I borrowed the camera, stayed up most of the night studying the manual and gave myself plenty of POSITIVE SELF-TALK. The next morning, I walked into that interview prepared, optimistic and determined to deliver.

The interview worked. The video sold in music stores around the country, and that experience opened doors for me to interview Jon Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne and other major artists. What looked frightening at first became a defining opportunity because I chose preparation and OPTIMISM instead of fear.

Positivity doesn’t mean pretending every problem is wonderful. It means facing reality while choosing a response that moves you forward.

So today, take a moment to notice what’s working. Thank someone. Celebrate progress. Find purpose. Look toward your next opportunity.

You might even tell someone, “I’m feeling pretty gruntled today.”

Then enjoy watching them wonder whether you’ve complimented your job or developed a new medical condition.

What makes you feel gruntled at work?

#GruntledWorkersDay #WorkplacePositivity #EmployeeAppreciation

Are we connected on LinkedIn? There, I share posts about professional development skills, self-care reminders, and other relevant topics.

World Cup Determination Shows the Power of Grit, Preparation, Persistence

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As World Cup soccer players push through pressure, fatigue, setbacks and global expectations, their pursuit of victory carries a lesson that reaches far beyond the field.All the Right Reasons

It comes down to one of the 12 principles from my book, All the Right Reasons: The Piano Principle.

When you really want something, make it happen.

That principle is more than a motivational line. It is a practical formula for success. In All the Right Reasons, 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, I share how my parents bought a piano before they bought a car because music mattered that much to them. They sacrificed comfort for purpose. Later, I applied that same mindset to music, business, and leadership, learning that dreams only become real when desire is matched with sacrifice, repetition, and work.

 

The Piano Principle in Action

World Cup athletes don’t arrive on the world stage by accident. They train when no one is cheering. They recover from losses. They study, sacrifice, practice, and keep going. That’s The Piano Principle in action. When something matters deeply enough, you don’t wait for perfect conditions. You do something about it.

The lesson applies directly to personal and professional life.

Most people like the idea of success. Far fewer people love the discipline required to earn it. That’s where the difference shows up. The players who reach the World Cup have learned how to stay committed when the work gets repetitive, painful or invisible.

Success often comes down to understanding your passion and having the willingness to turn it into something great. It’s easy to dream. The hard part is doing the work.

 

Five Ways You Can Benefit By Applying The Piano Principle

  1. Build stronger discipline. Stop waiting to feel motivated and start doing the work because the goal matters.
  2. Push through setbacks. Losses, criticism and mistakes become part of the process, not reasons to quit.
  3. Improve performance. Repetition sharpens skill. Practice under pressure builds confidence when stakes rise.
  4. Strengthen purpose. You make better choices when you know what matters most and what you’re willing to sacrifice for it.
  5. Create momentum. Small daily actions compound into progress, whether you’re building a career, improving health, leading a team or repairing a relationship.

 

What We Don’t See on Game Day

The World Cup reminds us that achievement rarely looks glamorous up close.

What we see on game day is the highlight. What we don’t see are the years of conditioning, missed comfort, early mornings, disappointment, and private determination. That’s where success gets built.

I invite you to apply The Piano Principle in your own life by choosing one meaningful goal, defining the next step, committing time to it daily, and staying with it long enough to see progress.

Whether you want to improve your health, grow your business, strengthen your family, lead better, or simply live with more purpose, the principle is the same. When you really want something, act on it and put it in motion. That’s how you build a happier, more productive life. Personally and professionally.

 

I shared a version of this article in a news release on July 1, 2026. USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. Since its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear, concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com. 

Prioritize Wellness Before You Walk Into Work

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June is Professional Wellness Month. As Chairman and CEO of USANA Health Sciences, I’ve seen healthier habits create stronger people, stronger teams, and stronger communities. I encourage professionals, leaders, and organizations to make wellness a priority both at work and at home.

Professional Wellness Month highlights the connection between personal well-being and workplace success.

Wellness Is a Leadership Responsibility

Research shows that healthy employees are more productive, more engaged, and better equipped to manage stress, collaborate effectively, and contribute to a positive work environment. Wellness is not a luxury. It is a leadership responsibility and a personal commitment.

Professional wellness starts long before you walk into the office. The way you sleep, move, eat, manage stress, and treat other people affects every part of your performance. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to lift the people around you.

I believe the world is experiencing a global health awakening, and meaningful improvements often come from simple daily actions rather than dramatic lifestyle changes.

Small Habits Create Meaningful Results

Here are four simple habits to focus on:

  1. Get consistent sleep and protect time for recovery
  2. Move your body every day through exercise or walking
  3. Build genuine relationships with coworkers, family, and friends
  4. Look for opportunities to encourage, recognize, and help others

These habits may sound simple, but small actions repeated consistently can create meaningful results.

Relationships Are Part of Wellness

One of the greatest wellness investments you can make is in your relationships. People perform better when they feel seen, valued, and connected.

This principle has shaped the way I try to lead and interact with others every day.

I share a story about this in my book, All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony.

During a college class, students were given a final exam that included an unexpected question: What was the name of the woman who cleaned the building?

Most students didn’t know.

The lesson stayed with me for decades because it reinforced a simple truth: every person matters and deserves recognition.

Few things are more important to people than being recognized and treated with respect. Professional wellness isn’t just about physical health. It’s about creating environments where people know they matter.

Culture is Built Every Day

Organizations that prioritize employee well-being often experience higher engagement, stronger retention, improved morale, and better long-term performance. Leaders play a critical role in setting that tone.

Culture isn’t built by policies alone. It’s built through everyday actions. Leaders who invest in wellness create workplaces where people can do their best work and live healthier lives.

Start With One Change

Throughout June, I encourage you to evaluate your wellness habits and identify one positive change you can implement immediately.

You don’t have to transform your life overnight. Start with one healthy habit. Take a walk. Get more sleep. Reach out to someone who may need encouragement. Small actions repeated consistently create meaningful results. When you take care of yourself, you’re in a far better position to help others thrive.

 

I shared a version of this article in a news release on June 1, 2026. USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. Since its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear, concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com. 

Lift Others Daily By Showing Your Smile

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May is National Show Your Smile Month. One of the most overlooked tools in business and life is a genuine smile. I urge all leaders—and anyone who influences others—to lift people daily, starting with something simple.

The Signal You Send

Smiling isn’t surface-level. It’s a signal. It tells people they matter. It tells your brain you’re okay. And it shifts the tone of every room you walk into.

There is real, measurable impact behind that simple act.

I’ve found that a smile lowers stress quickly, builds trust, and changes how people respond to you. You don’t need a title to influence a room. You need presence.

Small Action. Measurable Impact.

Research and real-world experience point to the same outcome:

  1. A smile reduces stress and sharpens decision-making
  2. It builds trust and strengthens connection
  3. It improves mood and emotional resilience
  4. It spreads quickly across teams and environments
  5. It increases approachability and open communication

People feel a smile’s effect immediately—and once that tone is set, everything else moves easier.

I reinforce these ideas in my bestselling book, All the Right Reasons, 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, where I outline how small actions shape lasting influence.

In the book, I write:

“In your careers, your path will cross with many people. They all matter and deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile, say hello, and learn their names.”

All the Right Reasons Book Cover

A Lesson That Stuck

There’s a defining moment behind that belief that I still think about.

A college professor once gave a final exam with one unexpected question: What is the name of the woman who cleans this building? Most students didn’t know.

Few things are more important to people than being called by their first name. That lesson never left me. It changed how I see every interaction.

That mindset goes back even further for me.

Leadership Shows Up in Small Moments

My dad always focused on how he could give instead of what he could get. He spent years serving neighbors, friends, and anyone in need. That is leadership—and it shows up in small moments, not just with big decisions.

At the center of what I’m trying to share is a principle that drives both leadership and personal fulfillment:

It All Comes Back to Relationships

Nothing is more important than relationships. When your reasons are clear and your “why” is strong, your actions follow.

Start With This

Throughout May, I encourage you to treat smiling as a daily discipline:

  • Start your day with it
  • Use it under pressure
  • Direct it toward someone who needs it

People remember how you made them feel. And a smile is one of the fastest ways to make that impact.

It costs nothing, but it can change everything.

 

I shared a version of this article in a news release on May 1, 2026. USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. Since its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear, concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com. 

Foundational ‘Why’ is Critical for Organizational Success

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In my years of leading teams and pursuing excellence, I’ve observed a common thread that separates lasting success from fleeting wins. It isn’t merely about what we do, but why we do it. Understanding this core motivation is the single most powerful catalyst for breakthrough performance.

So many leaders get caught in the cycle of daily tasks, focusing on the “what” and “how,” yet they neglect the foundational “why.” What is the ultimate purpose driving your organization forward? What is the deep-seated reason your team shows up every day?

Empower Organization with Purpose | Kevin Guest

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Without a clear answer, even the most ambitious efforts can feel lost and directionless (is that a word?). Finding that clarity is the first step toward genuine strategic advancement. So I ask my teams: How do we achieve it? It begins with a candid assessment of the present.

Empower Your Organization with Purpose

First, you must observe your current practices with an objective eye. To me, this means looking beyond established routines and processes. Analyze what works, what doesn’t, and what has become an institutional habit rather than a strategic asset. Our team has found huge value in this single practice.

By scrutinizing our own operations, we’ve identified redundancies and unearthed opportunities that were hidden in plain sight. This isn’t about finding fault; it’s about gaining the crucial insights needed to build a stronger future.

Second, you must challenge existing assumptions. Every industry, every company, is built on a set of beliefs about what is possible. But are those beliefs still valid today? Are they enabling growth or creating barriers? True innovation begins when you empower your teams to question the status quo.

For example, ask “What if we approached this problem from a completely different angle? What if the market has changed in a way we haven’t yet acknowledged?” By fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, you transform your organization from one that simply follows trends to one that creates them.

Clarity Lights the Path Forward

This leads directly to the third element: exploring new opportunities for growth. Clarity illuminates the path forward. Once you understand your purpose and have challenged your limitations, you can begin to execute a plan with precision and confidence.

For us in the nutritional supplement industry, the vision is clear: to become the Gold Standard. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s a strategic directive that informs every decision we make, from research and development to customer experience. Your vision must be equally bold and specific. It should be the benchmark against which all progress is measured.

However, a vision without execution is merely a dream. A well-crafted plan is essential, but it is accountability that truly powers results.

Accountability transforms intention into action. It creates a framework where every team member understands their role in achieving the collective goal and takes ownership of their contribution. When accountability is woven into your culture, performance is no longer a matter of hope, it becomes a predictable outcome. It drives a cycle of continual improvement, where successes are celebrated and setbacks become valuable learning experiences.

A Disciplined Process

Ultimately, achieving extraordinary success is a disciplined process. It starts with an unwavering commitment to understanding your “why.” From there, you must gain clarity by observing, challenging, and exploring. With that clarity, you can execute a strategic plan aimed at industry leadership.

Finally, you must embed accountability at every level to ensure those plans deliver tangible, measurable results.

I encourage you to apply these principles not as a checklist, but as a continuous leadership philosophy. Empower your organization with purpose, and you will unlock its greatest potential.

Are we connected on LinkedIn? There, I share posts about professional development skills, self-care reminders, and other relevant topics.

Smart Leaders Learn from Everyone

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Great leaders know one thing for sure: growth isn’t a solo journey.

The most transformative insights often come from the people around us. That’s the heart of what I call the Plato Principle, a concept I explore in my book, All the Right Reasons. It’s about committing to learn from everyone and intentionally broadening your perspective beyond your own experiences.

Here’s the beauty of it: every person you meet has lived through something you haven’t. They carry unique experiences, knowledge, and perspectives that can challenge your assumptions, refine your thinking, and sharpen your judgment. All it takes is a little curiosity. When you approach conversations with an open mind, every interaction becomes an opportunity to grow.

This holiday season, as you gather with family and friends, you have the perfect chance to put the Plato Principle into action. So, how can you use it to fuel your own growth? Here are a few simple steps to transform your conversations into something truly meaningful.

The Plato PrincipleApply the Plato Principle

1. Lead with Curiosity

Instead of waiting for an opening to share your own thoughts, start by asking better, more open-ended questions. Move beyond surface-level topics and try prompts like, “What’s a challenge you’ve been thinking about recently?” or “What’s a perspective you hold that others often disagree with?” WOW. That can instantly invite deeper, more meaningful dialogue.

2. Listen to Understand, Not to Respond

Remember, the goal is to absorb, not to rebut. When someone shares an opinion that differs from your own, resist the immediate urge to counter-argue. Instead, focus on understanding their reasoning. A simple phrase like, “Let’s get curious about that,” can shift the dynamic from debate to discovery.

3. Seek Out Different Viewpoints

Make a conscious effort to engage with people whose backgrounds and roles differ from yours. At a family gathering, this might mean talking to a younger cousin about their view on technology. In a professional setting, it could involve having lunch with someone from a completely different department. Each conversation offers a unique lens on the world.

———

I’ve noticed that the best leaders, the ones who truly stand out, are always learning from others. They build stronger teams, spark innovation, and consistently deliver better results. They are also the ones who bring fresh ideas to the table and help everyone level up.

When you embrace the Plato Principle, even a casual holiday conversation can become a turning point for your leadership journey. You might be surprised by the insights you uncover, insights that sharpen your perspective and strengthen your connections with the people who matter most.

Are we connected on LinkedIn? There, I share posts about professional development skills, self-care reminders, and other relevant topics. Here’s a video from 2019 in which I discuss the Plato Principle in action.

Lead with Authenticity, Empathy, & Moral Clarity

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As business leaders worldwide focus on re-energizing workforces after years of upheaval, I urge CEOs to lead with renewed authenticity, empathy, and moral clarity. I call these principles “the real foundation of sustainable success.”

No doubt, technology and strategy will always matter. But what truly binds a company together is trust. When people feel seen, valued, and inspired, they do their best work, and that’s how you create a culture that thrives through any storm.

This notion aligns with a growing leadership movement that emphasizes employee well-being, personalized experiences, and transparent communication. As CEOs champion what many call the “great re-engagement,” I believe the key lies not in new perks or digital platforms, but in timeless human connection.

The best leaders don’t just talk about values; they live them. Every decision should be made for all the right reasons, not just the convenient ones.

A Leader Guided by Principle and Purpose

In All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, I draw on my personal experiences—from rebuilding after loss to navigating corporate challenges—to illustrate that values-driven leadership is both a moral compass and a business advantage.

I recount scrapping a multimillion-dollar product batch at USANA rather than compromising on quality, a decision that solidified USANA’s reputation for integrity. When you commit to your core values, you change your destiny.

That principle echoes my current call for executives to prioritize holistic employee wellness—mental, physical, and financial health—as a business imperative, not a benefit.

You can’t separate people’s well-being from their performance. When leaders invest in the whole person, they build loyalty that no salary can buy.

Central to this philosophy is what I call “The Dorothy Principle.” It’s a concept that says, Nothing is more important than relationships. Genuine connections are the most valuable asset in any endeavor.

People matter more than things. I partly measure success by the number of lives improved as a result of what I do and by the quality of my personal, one-on-one relationships.

This perspective challenges leaders to look beyond transactional interactions and invest in the well-being of those around them.

From Music to Mission

My career reflects a harmony between passion and purpose. A lifelong musician, I once gave up my dream of becoming a full-time rock performer to follow a deeper calling.

Music taught me about rhythm and harmony. But life taught me that true harmony comes from aligning what you do with what you believe.

This “life in harmony” philosophy has shaped both my leadership at USANA and my mentorship of emerging leaders worldwide. All the Right Reasons (Amazon link) reminds readers that lasting success comes from integrity, gratitude, and service to others.

Looking Ahead

I envision a future where companies serve not only shareholders, but also stakeholders, including employees, families, and communities. If we want to re-engage our teams, we must re-engage our humanity. That’s the kind of leadership that endures.

I shared a version of this article in a news release on Nov. 3, 2025. All the Right Reasons offers further insights into expressing empathy and finding purpose. All proceeds go to feeding hungry children, and each book purchase provides 40 meals. 

USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. From its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear and concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com. 

Inspiring Leaders: Women on the Board

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International Women’s Day, which is celebrated each March 8, “is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.” It falls within Women’s History Month, an annual celebration that focuses attention on “commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.”

At USANA, we’re fortunate to have many smart, talented, and resilient women leaders. Corporate Employees, Associates, Athletes, Board Members, and others all help to keep the company on the cutting edge.

Earlier this month, USANA featured board members Xia Ding and Peggie Pelosi on its social media. As board chair, I am honored to work closely with and to learn from them. I’m confident their leadership is helping to propel USANA into its next phase of growth.

Women on the Board

“My overall advice and mantra is: if you’re not having fun, enjoying yourself, and enhancing the quality of life, find something new. Life is too short — we only have so many heartbeats.” — Peggie Pelosi

Women's History Month

“Self-confidence reflects outward, and others take notice. Be yourself and be wise as you navigate a corporate environment. You, too, can discover your potential.” — Xia Ding

Women's History Month

By the way, if you haven’t listened to the Driven episode featuring Peggie, I encourage you to do so:

 

Kevin Guest on How Self-Care is Needed During the Pandemic

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Below are some thoughts on the importance of self-care during the pandemic. A version of this article originally appeared as part of an article I wrote for On Point Global News.

Kevin Guest, author, CEO, and musician, performs on stage pre-pandemic. He believes strongly in the importance of self-care, especially during the pandemic.

Kevin Guest, author, CEO, and musician, performs on stage pre-pandemic. He believes strongly in the importance of self-care, especially during the pandemic.

I’m a big believer in learning from past experiences. As I reflect on 2020, I came to the realization that prior to the pandemic I didn’t take care of myself nearly as much as I should have.

Self-care is critical to living a balanced life. But I didn’t do it.

After years spent taking care of others, 2020 became the year that I finally slowed down. I took time to focus on myself. I thought about things that caused me stress and I learned how to manage them more effectively.

Even more, I really dove into my own mental health, which is such a vital part to truly be healthy.

4 Practices for Better Self-Care

In a recent article for On Point Global News, I identified four self-care practices that I believe will greatly boost balance and energy.

1. Step Into Nature

I learned as a kid that spending time in nature rejuvenates a person. We are natural beings, and when we’re surrounded by nature, we feel ourselves uniting with nature. Time spent there will enrich our souls and help bring back balance and harmony.

2. Breathe and Notice

Close your eyes and name out loud the things you hear, whether it’s near or in the distance. As you continue for one minute, breathe in deeply, slowly and naturally. Realize how this simple practice brings you into the current moment. Breathing clears your mind of concerns in the past or future.

3. Slow the Roll

One benefit of adjusting to the pandemic is slowing down our schedules. Slowing down might even allow us to sleep a little longer. Make time for this important self-care practice and allow yourself to sleep fully each night. Set up a regular schedule for sleeping and stick to it.

4. Value Relationships

I say it often (because I believe it’s true!): Nothing is more important than relationships. I challenge you to reach out to others just to see how they’re doing. Listen to them. Ask questions. Show genuine interest in them. I learned that this value not only sets your day in order, but it also attracts team members who are ready to do the same.

When it comes to self-care, working from a place of harmony allows us to benefit all around us.

All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony is available on Amazon. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals. A version of this article originally appeared on the On Point Global News website.