Vivian Vihanna Godonu is the Corporate Communications Specialist & Head of Media Relations at DLM Capital Group.
As we settle into 2025, let us take a moment to reflect, not on the brands you manage, the campaigns you have launched, or the crises you have averted this time, but on you. PR often feels like a dance in the spotlight. While you orchestrate the stories that make others shine, it is easy to forget to tend to the storyteller.
The truth is the demands of PR tight deadlines, constant connectivity, and unrelenting pressure, can chip away at your well-being. But this year, you can flip the script and focus on putting yourself first. Your ability to craft compelling narratives, manage relationships, and deliver results does not come from an endless well of energy. It comes from you, a dedicated professional who needs rest, care, and moments to recharge. Ignoring your needs does not make you a better PR specialist, instead it makes you a burned-out one.
This year, I challenge you to take the same meticulous care with your personal well-being as you do with your clients’ brands. Here are some ways to do so:
Create Boundaries That Stick
In a world where “always on” feels like a requirement, it is time to reclaim your personal space. Set clear work hours and communicate them to your team and clients. You can also use your device’s ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode after hours. Stepping away does not mean neglecting your work; it means recharging to return as your best self.
Schedule Rest as Religiously as Deadlines
If you can plan out a detailed media campaign, you can schedule time for rest. Block off one evening a week as “Me Time” for activities you love like watching a movie, meditating, or catching up on sleep. Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity for sustained creativity and effectiveness.
Say No Without Guilt
Not every opportunity is worth your energy. When faced with a request, ask yourself: Does this align with my goals? If not, politely decline or delegate. Saying no to something unimportant means saying yes to what truly matters.
Celebrate Small Wins
As Comms people, our work often focuses on big-picture outcomes, but small victories matter too. You can keep a “Win Journal” to note your daily accomplishments, no matter how small. Always have it at the back of your mind that every step forward is progress. Celebrate the journey, not just the destination.
Lean on Your Tribe
Public Relations practice can be isolating, but it does not have to be. It is necessary to join professional PR communities or networking groups, whether local or online, to build stronger connections. Attend events where you can connect with peers who understand your challenges. Building connections is not just professional; it is therapeutic, as shared experiences create shared strength and provide encouragement for you to move forward in your career.
Prioritise your Mental Health
The pressure to be creative, responsive, and effective can take a toll on anyone. Incorporate mental health practices into your routine such as journaling, therapy, or mindfulness exercises. Taking care of your mental health is not indulgent; it is only being responsible.
Delegate and Trust
You do not have to do everything yourself. It is okay to assign tasks to team members where possible and trust them to deliver. Please note that delegation is a sign of strong leadership, and not a weakness. You’ll also be giving members of your team to opportunity to learn how to do things excellently.
It is important to understand that when you prioritise your well-being, you are not just doing yourself a favour, instead you are enhancing your work. A rested and energised PR specialist can think creatively, act decisively, and navigate challenges with grace. 2025 does not have to be a repeat of sleepless nights, frazzled mornings, and burnout afternoons. It can be a year where you thrive.
The brands and clients you serve deserve your best but most importantly, you deserve to be your best. Here is to a year where you own your story, not just as a PR specialist, but as a person who matters.
