Ep158 - Sleep, Stress and Self-Compassion at Work with Ruth Kent

<p>In this episode, Ruth Kent shares insightful strategies on managing stress, improving sleep hygiene and cultivating self-compassion for leaders, managers and employees navigating high-pressure workplaces. Learn practical tips and frameworks to foster resilience and mental health at work. Main topics:</p><ul><li>The rising stress patterns in workplaces pre- and post-pandemic</li><li>The bi-directional relationship between sleep and stress</li><li>Practical sleep hygiene tips for busy professionals</li><li>The importance of self-awareness and self-compassion in leadership</li><li>How mindfulness fosters better decision-making and emotional regulation</li><li>Strategies for integrating behavioural change through long-term programs</li></ul><p><strong>Connect with Ruth</strong></p><p>Sunrise Well: <a href="https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/</a></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong>00:00 - Introduction to workplace wellbeing and mental health focus01:08 - Trends in stress levels in workplaces over recent years02:45 - The impact of social media and digitalization on stress03:15 - Stress reactivity and its effects on relationships and decision-making03:59 - Challenges faced by middle and upper management during stressful times04:32 - Sleep disruption and its effect on focus and regulation05:02 - The sleep-stress feedback loop and neural responses06:32 - The importance of deep sleep for emotional and cognitive health07:32 - Risks of sleep deprivation in organizational decision-making08:01 - Moving away from the "badge of honor" culture around sleep10:30 - Practical tips for improving sleep quality and routine11:44 - The significance of consistency in wake and sleep times12:30 - Managing light exposure for circadian rhythm regulation13:00 - The role of light and dark in sleep hygiene14:29 - Nutritional influences like caffeine, alcohol, and mealtime on sleep16:05 - Environmental factors such as room temperature17:11 - The influence of stress and self-critical tendencies on sleep17:57 - Self-compassion as a leadership and self-care skill20:55 - The difference between empathy and compassion, and the need for action22:28 - The components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness