Self-Nurturing Practices for Thriving in Business and Life

We often talk about filling other people’s cups—but how often do we check our own?

In a WiT webinar led by counselor, speaker, and author Kelley Grimes, we explored the transformative power of self-nurturing—a practice that prioritizes your own well-being so you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Kelley shared practical ways to shift from depletion to empowerment—reminding us that self-nurturing isn’t a luxury, it’s a leadership strategy. Below are three accessible, evidence-based practices you can start using today.

Cultivate Mindfulness in the Midst of Your Day

You don’t need a meditation cushion or an hour of silence to practice mindfulness. At its core, mindfulness is about paying attention on purpose, with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment.

Try:

• A mindful pause before responding to a message or attending a meeting

• The STOP technique: Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed

• Mindful moments in daily routines—like brushing your teeth, walking, preparing your meal and/or eating

Mindfulness reconnects us to the present moment, lowers stress, improves focus, and builds self-awareness. Best of all? It can be done in under two minutes, anytime, anywhere.

Create Circles of Support—and Ask for Help

Self-nurturing doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. In fact, cultivating strong, reciprocal, supportive relationships is a powerful way to nurture your health and wellbeing.

Consider:

• Who’s already part of your circle of support—family, friends, colleagues, communities?

• Where could you build new circles—mentorship groups, creative networks, peer support?

• How could you give yourself permission to receive help as you so easily give it?

Let others in. Ask for help. Say yes when support is offered. It’s not weakness—it’s empowered wisdom.

Gamify Your Self-Nurturing Practice

Yes—self-nurturing can be fun! Kelley encourages making self-nurturing practices playful and engaging. Create a personal or shared Self-Nurturing Challenge where you track daily habits like:

• Drinking water

• Taking a walk

• Journaling or meditating

• Reading or playing music

• Practicing gratitude

• Playing a game

Add a reward system, invite your family or team, or try a round of the “ABCs of Gratitude” where you name something you’re thankful for from A to Z.

By making self-nurturing a joyful game instead of an item on your “to do” list you are more likely to build consistency—and experience the benefits.

When you nurture yourself, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re improving your relationships, strengthening your leadership, and modeling healthy habits for others.

Self-nurturing supports your creativity, your focus, your mood, your health, your business—and your joy.

This blog is inspired by the WiT Webinar “3 Self-Nurturing Practices to Help You Thrive in Business and Life”. Watch it on WiT’s Video Library.