INTERVIEW
Eileen Fisher is an American clothing designer and founder of the women’s clothing brand Eileen Fisher, Inc. Fisher’s designs are characterized by elegant simplicity. Zuleikha has brought TAKE A MINUTE ® Transformative Self Care Exercises into EF Inc. through trainings, company meetings, and consulting with individuals. The following is a recent interview, autumn 2019, with Zuleikha, for the employees of EF Inc.
Practicing Self-care: Our Conversation with Zuleikha
Eileen has always understood the importance of individual well-being. We recently spent some time with transformational-movement teacher Zuleikha to ask her about the concept of “self-care,” particularly during the workday. She’s had the opportunity to work with several teams in the company over the years to share simple ways people can practice self-care.
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Among your many talents is that you lead workshops and retreats on movement and its benefits on both physical and emotional well-being. You also focus a lot on the importance of “self-care.” Why is self-care critical for people today?
We have all become accustomed to doing things for others first. We put ourselves last, and sometimes, we don’t include ourselves at all! When you make time to take a little care for yourself, you are helping to get re-energized. This way you can fill yourself with good energy. And when you have that in you, you’re a kinder person to work with.
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Well-being is such a hallmark at EILEEN FISHER, and has been a core value of Eileen’s since the company’s inception.
Absolutely, and for many companies, often there is a mentality that when you’re at work, you should just work. Eileen has always believed in bringing your best self to work. Making sure you take care of yourself during the workday can help you be the best you can be.
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There are still many who struggle with integrating self-care during the workday. What would you say to them?
Think of it this way: When you’re in a hurry to finish something, you hold our breath until it’s done. This can build agitation within your body. Just as you re-boot your computer when it’s run down or not functioning at its best, it’s a good idea to infuse your daily routine by taking a moment for yourself, a kind of re-set for your body and mind. Push the energy through your body.
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When I asked you how people can “manage stress,” you laughed a bit. Why?
Because to me it was kind of like, ‘How do you manage chicken pox?’ The word ‘manage’ can imply trying to contain something that is too big or overwhelming. But stress is actually more like a bundle of energy. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed-out, those are body and mind signals that are trying to inform us.
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Can you talk about your TAKE A MINUTE® Everyday Self-Care and the Energy Gems, a TAKE A MINUTE® program?
Yes, these are tiny ways you can get a little relief at your desk—standing or sitting. The five Energy Gems are:
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Gently breathe in, gently breathe out.
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Soften your knees when standing.
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Stretch through your fingers
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Circle your wrists, circle your ankles.
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Gently drop your shoulders.
The best way to use these little gems is now and then. They are not an exercise routine. Each one is helpful once in a while. It can be fun to do the wrists and ankles together while sitting in a chair. Taking a gentle breath before tackling a project, or in the middle of the project, a gentle breath can bring some relief.
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There are some people who may feel uncomfortable taking a few minutes during the workday to practice self-care at their desk or in their store. What are other ways that people might practice self-care during the workday?
A few moves people might try are:
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Simply raise your hands in the air and reach as high as you can. Stretch through to your feet at the same time, standing or sitting. It will stretch your whole spine.
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Make a twist of your upper body, moving from right to left, sitting in your chair or standing.
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Stretch your legs out for a moment when you are sitting in a chair.
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Stand up, put your hands on your desk, and bend forward. You can bend your elbows. Relax.
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While sitting or standing, simply drop your head to your chest and take a gentle breath. Feel the stretch in the upper back.
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Any last thoughts?