Take care to take charge: self-care tips for stressed-out HR pros

Take care to take charge: self-care tips for stressed-out HR pros in summary:

This International Self Care Day, you can take a few small steps to look after your own wellbeing, including:

• Step away from being busy 24/7, and do more to protect your own downtime outside of working hours.
• Learn how to control and respect your own boundaries, and sometimes saying ‘no’ is actually more important than always trying to please everyone!
• Focus on your own personal development, and take a moment to talk with friends and colleagues about your own challenges.

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Now, we know being in HR isn’t all cuddly onboarding sessions and office party planning.

The average HR department is a hive of emotional labour, strategic juggling, and dealing with more workplace drama than an EastEnders Christmas special. In fact, it’s more like crisis management meets career coaching, with a dash of compliance and a side of “why hasn’t anyone read the policy I just sent out?”

And if you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the 3.4 million HR professionals globally who is just a little bit exhausted. Yes, HR may be a heck of a rewarding profession to be in, but it can also be one of the most demanding.

So, with International Self-Care Day landing this year on the 24^th July, now’s the perfect moment to talk about what you can do to stop burnout before it burns your last nerve. Let’s dive into why self-care isn’t a luxury… it’s an HR survival strategy.

But first, a few facts:

• A 2024 report by us discovered that 83% of HR pros had to take time off work in the last year due to stress-related conditions. Ouch. You can read more about that (and why HR is under pressure) here.
• Meanwhile, the CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing at Work Report shows that HR is one of the top five most stressed professions in the UK.
• And, almost three-quarters of HR workers report experiencing symptoms of burnout in the past six months.

As an HR professional, you’re the go-to fixer of everyone else’s problems… it’s no wonder it can be highly pressurised environment! So, who’s helping you?

What is self-care?

Well, for starters, it’s not just it’s not just bubble baths and scented candles. Self-care is anything that helps you maintain your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It’s setting boundaries. It’s not checking your emails at 10:47pm. It’s maybe even saying “no” once in a while (gasp!).

It’s also more than just a “treat yourself” soundbite. The World Health Organization defines it as the ability of individuals to promote health, prevent disease, and cope with illness – with or without a healthcare provider. Basically, it’s keeping yourself functional so you don’t turn into an overworked HR zombie.

HR-specific self-care tips (that don’t involve moving to a cabin in the woods)

1. Stop glorifying being busy!

You’re not more valuable because you skipped lunch and answered emails during your annual leave. Track your hours. Take your breaks. Log off when your day ends. Repeat after us: being busy is not a badge of honour.

In fact, overworking can reduce productivity and increase error rates. Remember, your wellbeing sets the tone for others. If you need backup on this one, check out these TED Talks on the importance of positive company cultures – ones where looking after people starts with looking after yourself.

2. Protect your calendar like it’s your PIN number

Block out time for deep work and for breaks. Whether it’s a solid hour to finally review that new policy or 15 minutes to step away from your screen, calendar it like you would a board meeting. And honestly? “Meeting-free Wednesdays” should be a thing. Not only does it reduce decision fatigue, it also gives your brain some much-needed breathing room to actually process and problem-solve. Trust us – less chaos in your diary means more calm in your day.

Constant context switching from back-to-back meetings is a proven drain on focus and energy. Use your HRIS tools to help manage your schedule better – yes, that includes Cezanne! More on that in this case study.

3. Befriend your boundaries

You preach work-life balance to everyone else – now it’s your turn. Set availability hours, and stick to them. You’re not a 24/7 chatbot, and your downtime is just as important as your workforce’s.

However, this isn’t just about a healthy work-life balance; it’s also about preventing decision fatigue – especially if you’re one of the many people who now have to juggle working from home. Want a strategy to make it stick? We’ve got one in our article on reengaging with hybrid and remote-working teams without losing your mind.

4. Find a sounding board

Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or just another HR friend who gets it, talking to someone who really understands the madness is game-changing. And bonus points if they also love memes.

Peer support isn’t fluffy – it’s fundamental. External perspectives can help you see through the fog and tackle issues with more clarity. We talk about the value of HR networks in this article (and how to network like a pro).

5. Make movement non-negotiable

When it comes to self care, even a 15-minute walk counts. A standing desk. Stretching between Zoom calls. Get that blood flowing and give your brain a breather.

Your physical health is directly tied to your cognitive performance. Getting outside – even briefly – can reset your nervous system and improve your ability to regulate stress. For ideas on how you can regulate stress and support healthier ways of working, check this article out.

6. Build up your “No” muscle

You don’t have to say yes to every request. Every new “quick project”. Every last-minute thing that lands on your desk because no one else wants it. Protect your time like it’s your Wi-Fi password.

Believe it or not, saying “no” is a leadership skill. It allows you to say “yes” to the things that matter. If you need help prioritising what’s important, this blog on how HR can manage pressures from all sides of a business is worth a read.

7. Get nerdy about your own development

Learning something for yourself – not just the org – can be a brilliant recharge. Whether it’s a TED talk, a short course, or finally picking up that book gathering dust on your Kindle.

Professional development isn’t just about moving up the ladder—it’s also about reigniting your spark. Investing in your own growth keeps you motivated and relevant. If you’re stuck for ideas, this blog on how learning programmes can future-proof your workforce is a good jumping-off point.

TED Talks to feed your frazzled soul

Looking for some more self-care inspiration? Check out these fabulous TED Talks:

• Why we all need to practice emotional first aid – Guy Winch – Think of it as hand sanitiser for your feelings.
• The power of vulnerability – Brené Brown – For when you need permission to not have it all together.
• How to make stress your friend – Kelly McGonigal – Yes, you can reframe stress to work for you.
• Burnout is everyone’s problem – Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski – Because recognising it is step one.

Don’t wait until burnout books a meeting in your diary

Self-care doesn’t mean slacking. It means sustaining. You can’t show up for your team – or your business – if your own tank is empty. So, this International Self-Care Day, take a moment. Shut the laptop. Step outside. Breathe. Put yourself on your own to-do list. Because HR might run on empathy; but that doesn’t mean it should run you down.