Are you a human resources leader or one-person-band? I’m willing to bet that many of my peers would say the latter more accurately describes their professional lives.
Being an HR leader means negotiating rates for health insurance and service platforms, documenting absolutely everything, lending a supportive ear, offering professional advice, creating development opportunities, facilitating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) training and opportunities, shaping workplace culture, overseeing compliance, talent acquisition and recruitment efforts, onboarding, compensation, rewards, and sometimes, more. HR is like the kitchen drawer filled with random coupons, chip clips, birthday candles, and that pen or pencil you’ll eventually need. We do it all. It’s expected of us, and somehow, no matter the challenges we face, we manage to pull it off. Every. Single. Time.
If this resonates with you, I empathize and want to assure you that you’re not alone. I, too, have juggled deadlines, supported teams, managed compliance—always feeling like there’s one more thing to do. I know the weight of constantly being the “go-to” and the toll it can take when you’re balancing it all. And let me guess: You’re also the person your friends and family call when there’s an issue. But being the go-to person both at work and at home can wear you down.
So, what do we do? How do we take care of ourselves while managing both our personal and professional lives?
- Give yourself grace. Take a deep breath and mentally recap everything you’ve accomplished this year. It’s quite a lot, isn’t it? Congratulate yourself and nurture that caring spirit. When you take a moment to acknowledge your achievements, pause, and extend the same grace to yourself that you so freely give to others, you can wear your cape proudly. Personally, I know this mental reset makes a difference. When I pause to look back at all I’ve achieved, it recharges my confidence, allowing me to tackle the next challenge with renewed energy and focus.
- Leverage technology. Free up time spent on administrative tasks by leveraging technology you may not have considered before. To organize and prioritize your tasks, use an app like Remind, Monday, or your phone’s note-taking app. These tools allow me to set reminders, track progress, and rearrange priorities instantly, making it easier than a paper list that might need constant rewriting. Keeping a prioritized list and checking off tasks helps me stay focused—plus, I always feel that spark of accomplishment with every checkmark. When you utilize the technology available to streamline your processes, you’ll become more efficient and maximize time for self-care and personal well-being.
- Consider talk therapy. For me, therapy is a safe haven where I can freely release my thoughts and emotions. Whether it’s in-person, via video, or through chat, we self-proclaimed members of the one-person-band club need our own outlet. Just as we serve as a confidante for others, we need someone who we can confide in—someone unbiased and trained to provide tools and guidance to help rewire the ever-growing network of thoughts that occupy our minds. Take the same sound advice you’d offer to anyone else: use your healthcare benefits, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and other available resources.
- Pursue your passions. Allow yourself to explore passions outside of work and family life. Whether it’s singing karaoke, playing pickleball, dancing, acting, building puzzles, or playing trivia, start by dedicating 2-3 hours per week to activities that excite you. In my down time, I love dedicating time to my makeup artist company, Glamtúmi, and also trying new recipes—especially those from my family’s favorite Cuban cookbook. Passions and hobbies remind us that we’re human beings with interests that can reignite our zest for life—and inject healthy energy into both our personal and professional worlds.
As HR professionals, we often find ourselves stretched in every direction, expected to support everyone around us. But remember: You can only keep performing at your best when you take time to refuel. By caring for yourself as you do for others, you’ll not only sustain your energy but strengthen the foundation that allows you to lead with resilience and purpose.
Tiffany Barroso brings over a decade of experience in HR and people operations.