Energy Practices for HR Leaders
If you’re an HR leader, you probably spend your days juggling employee needs, policies, and the mysterious world of “people issues.” Let’s be honest: HR can be draining. But what if you could borrow a few practical energy practices—tools that boost clarity, intuition, and resilience—for your workday? No incense clouds, no cosmic jargon, just simple habits that fit into a busy schedule and make a real difference.
Why Energy Practices Matter in HR
HR work is about people—real, unpredictable, complex people. Even the best HR software can’t replace your gut feeling when you’re resolving conflicts or hiring for culture fit. But how do you keep your intuition sharp and your mind clear when you’re overloaded?
“The best HR decisions happen when logic and intuition work together. Your brain and your ‘gut’ are a team.”
Energy practices aren’t magic. Think of them as mental hygiene, like washing your hands but for your thoughts and emotions. They help you reset, recharge, and stay present—essential skills for anyone in HR.
Case Study: The 15-Minute Reset Ritual
Let’s look at Sarah, a mid-level HR manager at a tech company. Her days were a blur of Zoom calls, onboarding paperwork, and occasional “Can I talk to you about something?” Slack messages. By 3 PM, her mind felt like a static-filled radio.
After reading about short mindfulness rituals, Sarah tried a 15-minute reset every afternoon. She found a quiet spot, set a timer, and followed three steps:
- Breathing for Focus (5 min): Eyes closed, in through the nose for 4 counts, out for 6. Repeat.
- Quick Desk Declutter (5 min): Toss old sticky notes, organize pens, wipe her screen. Physical clarity = mental clarity.
- Mini Oracle Card Pull (5 min): She shuffled her favorite deck and pulled one card, jotting down any thoughts it sparked.
The result? Fewer end-of-day headaches, more creative problem-solving, and—her words—“less of that fried-brain feeling.”
Step-by-Step: How to Create Your Own 15-Minute Clarity Ritual
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
- Timer or phone alarm
- Desk organizer or tray (optional, but helps for quick declutter)
- Oracle or tarot deck (see recommendations below)
- A cup of water or herbal tea (hydration = focus!)
Step 2: The Ritual Flow
- Set your timer for 15 minutes.
- Start with breathwork: Sit back, close your eyes, and take 5 minutes for slow, deep breaths. Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6.
- Declutter your immediate workspace. Toss trash, stack papers, wipe your keyboard. Stand up if you can—it helps reset your energy.
- Pull a card from your chosen deck. No need for mystical interpretations: just notice what the card reminds you of. Is there a new perspective or reminder?
- Jot down a quick takeaway. Even one sentence in your Notes app or a sticky note is enough.
- Drink water or tea. Hydration helps your brain, especially in the afternoon slump.
Step 3: Optional Add-Ons
- Crystals: Keep a small clear quartz or amethyst on your desk. Some people find them grounding—at the very least, they’re a conversation starter.
- White noise or soft music: Use a playlist or an app like Noisli to create a calming soundscape.
- Quick stretch: Shoulder rolls, neck circles—your body will thank you.
Top Oracle & Tarot Decks for the Office (With Honest Pros & Cons)
Choosing the right deck is about practicality. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Name | Key Feature | Size/Material | Price Range | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wild Unknown Tarot | Modern, abstract art | Standard, sturdy cards | $25–$40 | Check price on Amazon |
| Work Your Light Oracle | Affirmation-focused, gentle | Compact, easy to shuffle | $16–$22 | See today’s deal |
| Everyday Tarot Mini Deck | Pocket-sized, minimalist | Mini, fits in a desk drawer | $10–$15 | Check price on Amazon |
- The Wild Unknown Tarot — Pros: Artistic, inspires reflection. Cons: Some cards are abstract; beginners might want a guidebook. Who it’s for: Visual thinkers, seasoned tarot fans.
- Work Your Light Oracle — Pros: Uplifting, direct messages. Cons: Some cards may feel “soft” if you like brutal honesty. Who it’s for: Anyone needing a gentle nudge.
- Everyday Tarot Mini Deck — Pros: Tiny, discreet, affordable. Cons: Less detailed art. Who it’s for: Minimalists, those with limited desk space.
Checklist: 15-Minute Ritual for HR Leaders
- ☐ Timer set for 15 minutes
- ☐ 5 minutes deep breathing
- ☐ Quick desk declutter
- ☐ Pull 1 card (oracle or tarot)
- ☐ Note 1 insight or action
- ☐ Hydrate
- ☐ (Optional) Add crystal or music
More Tools & Resources
- Headspace: Mindfulness app with short meditations for workplace stress.
- Noisli: Customizable background noise for focus.
- Insight Timer: Free meditation and timer app.
- Clear Quartz Crystal on Amazon: Simple, budget-friendly desk crystal.
Final Thoughts: Will This Actually Help?
Let’s be clear: no ritual replaces good HR policies or professional boundaries. But taking 15 minutes for yourself, even as an experiment, can help you show up less frazzled, more centered, and maybe even enjoy the job a bit more.
“You don’t have to buy into ‘woo-woo’ to benefit from a short reset. If it helps you, it works.”
Try it for a week. See what shifts. And if you find yourself sharing the ritual with your team? Even better—HR leaders set the tone for workplace wellness.
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