In today’s world, the faster we work, the longer we perform, the more intensely we compete, the more valuable the world sees us. But on the inside you’re drained, empty, and wondering how you’ll ever be able to pull it off again tomorrow. It’s time to practice some self-care. This can be as simple as just taking a relaxing bath with glowing candles and soft music playing in the background.

This practice of taking care of ourselves positively impacts our very being. It makes us healthier, more energetic, and mentally more positive. Taking care of yourself is the most direct route to feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Here are some for you to incorporate into your life.

1. Do things you like to do. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. While your friend might love getting weekly manicures and pedicures, unless this is a relaxing practice for your, you don’t need to be her weekly companion. Learn, instead, how to take care of yourself. Pay attention to the things that make you feel good. What makes you feel happy? Do more of that. There is nothing wrong with you for having a unique way to take care of yourself.

2. Practice mindful self-care on a regular basis. You can’t possible expect to go full out for six months on a huge project that required numerous late nights, early mornings, and the ever more frequent weekend work attendance and then expect to be healthy at the end. Unless you make the time to practice self-care during challenging times, you put yourself at risk for injury and illness. Self-care isn’t needed only when we’re stressed. It needs to be seen as regular maintenance, a little like needing to eat food every day. A little self-care every day is most nourishing.

3. Be flexible and understanding. Scheduling self-care is a good way to be more regular about it, but when you stress about it, then it is counterproductive. Instead of having to take an hour-long bath every day, perhaps using a special scrub in the shower can take its place when you’re pressed for time. Be creative about making self-care choices that work for you.

Self-care needs to fit into your schedule. It could be meditation, yoga, or a regular run. As long as you can fit it into your schedule, don’t stress about the specific activity. As long as it feeds you and leaves you feeling energized or refreshed, it is worth doing. Everyone needs to practice self-care in order to stay healthy and be successful in today’s world.

Photo Credit: Introvert’s plea via Erno Hannink at Flickr

Not all successful people are extroverts. On the contrary, the most successful people learn to play their strong hand. For those of you who are introverted, preferring a more quiet existence, here are a few tips to help you network in ways that are comfortable for you. Remember, there is more than one way to . . . well, do just about anything.

The word “network” generally makes most introverts I know break out into a cold sweat, and they try to disappear into their desks, hoping not to be noticed. And their fears are quite real. After all, most networking events seem to be dominated by people who have “never met a stranger” and can find something to talk about with just about everyone. Being interesting and entertaining to a roomful of people is a tall order for an introvert.

Being noticed is certainly one part of a networking event, but you don’t have to be the one everyone’s looking at and listening to. Rather than competing against the natural-born extroverts, play to your strengths.

Introverts are by nature very observant. Rather than flitting from person to person, having dozens of superficial conversations, identify the one person you feel you most need to meet. Save all your energy for that one encounter. Be prepared with any questions you may have, or information that you wish to share with that one person. That is considered a positive networking experience.

Introverts are naturally good listeners. When you can give someone your undivided attention and manage to make one or two remarks to demonstrate your understanding of the lecture, I mean, conversation, you will have made a friend for life. Because most people are talking at a networking event, finding someone willing to listen is a huge bonus.

Prepare for the event by having some questions ready, preferably open-ended questions. That way after you ask a question, you can sit back and let the other person talk and expound on their subject. A few well considered questions will keep you busy for as long as you intend to be at the event.

Set a limit to how long you will be at the event. Never go with a group of extroverts. They will likely be willing to stay for the entire event and meet people for drinks afterward. Drive separately, or with another introvert and have a set time that you plan to leave. This way you will be able to focus on making the networking event a positive experience for you without worrying about how you will be able to extract yourself. With a little practice, you’ll be a networking pro in no time.

Photo Credit: Introvert’s plea via Quinn Dombrowski at Flickr