Prioritising your health
Blog by Harriet Williams, CIPR NW committee member
5 February 2025
As the days grow a little lighter, there’s a sense of more opportunities to enjoy more of what we love and to look after our physical and mental wellbeing. This inspired the idea for this blog.
Making health a priority
In the fast-paced industry of PR and communications, juggling deadlines, managing client expectations and constantly switching between tasks are a given. It’s rewarding – but it can also be consuming. For a long time, I thought pushing through was just part of the job. I’d work through lunches, stay late and crash at the weekend while still trying to be present for friends and family. Sound familiar?
It wasn’t until my own team encouraged me to slow down that I truly recognised the importance of prioritising my health. Working for a leading health company gave me even more reason to make some tweaks – I needed to ‘walk the talk.’ And now that I have, I can confidently say that investing in my wellbeing has made me a better professional and an (even) happier person.
Why your health comes first
If you want to perform at your best, support your team and truly enjoy your work, you have to take care of yourself first. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being constantly available makes you a better colleague. In reality, burnout leads to lower creativity and decreased productivity.
Since making small but meaningful changes, I’ve found that I can fully embrace the busier periods without feeling overwhelmed. I know I’ll have time for myself when I need it, and that balance allows me to bring my best self to work. I’m not perfect, of course – I still have days where I work through lunch or stay late. That’s just the nature of the job I love. But now, it’s a choice rather than a default, and I feel much more in control.
Small changes, big impact
Over time, I’ve developed simple habits that help me feel better without adding stress to my already busy schedule:
Morning movement: I walk to the tram to get my steps in and always have a book or an article saved to read on my commute.
‘Nature Snacks’: a term coined by nature lover Julia Bradbury, this is all about getting outside for fresh air during the day. It’s a game-changer – stepping away from my screen helps me reset, gain perspective and return to my desk with renewed energy.
Blocking breaks: I schedule time for short walks or quick home workouts to make sure I don’t stay glued to my screen all day.
Building an exercise routine: I’m currently looking for a gym within walking distance to enjoy a lunchtime class. In the meantime, daily dog walks keep me active.
Tips to prioritise your wellbeing
If you’re struggling to incorporate self-care into your routine, start small. These simple steps have made a massive difference for me:
• Start with one tiny change – replacing a habit with something similar and rewarding makes it easier to stick to.
• Schedule movement – make time for movement, whether it’s a 15-minute morning walk or desk stretches.
• Prepare the night before – packing your bag or planning meals reduces stress and gives you more space the following day.
• Fuel your body – enjoy your favourite foods (croissants are my vice) and add in feel-good, nourishing options.
• Say no when needed – protecting your schedule helps prevent burnout.
• Keep it simple – once a habit becomes second nature, build on it gradually.
Your health isn’t just important for your personal life – it directly impacts your professional success. The more you invest in yourself, the better you can show up for your team, clients, stakeholders and loved ones. So, take that break, step outside and make small changes that make a big difference. You – and your work – will be better for it.