5 Ways Rihanna’s Superbowl Performance Modelled Self Care in the Workplace

Photo credit: wallpaperaccess.com

By Saffina Jinnah

For many, the Superbowl is a celebration of sports and healthy competition. It is about love for the game, engrained in our culture. But for others, it is about the company, the food, and most importantly, the half-time show.

The half-time show has come to feature some of the biggest stars and is the ultimate union between sports and pop-culture. This year, Rihanna ascended from the sky and floated through our hearts. She performed decades of hits, all the while demonstrating simple ways in which we can each take care of ourselves when we are also working.

1. Work 9 to 5 (not 8:45am to 7:30pm and a quick email at 10:00pm)

A significant portion of our lives is dedicated to work. For some, this provides a sense of purpose. For others, it provides a pay cheque. Some do the tasks required of their job. Some do the tasks required of their job well. This is how you contribute to the organization’s overall success. It is also how you demonstrate your skills, advance your career, and build your network.

However, when do you need to go above and beyond your assigned tasks? When do you need to do more than is required of you? And when did “exceeding expectations” become the requirement?

On Superbowl Sunday Rihanna entered the stadium like she was clocking into work, did her thing, and clocked out. No stunts. No guests. No outfit changes. She did what was required of her. She performed her hits, because we like that, and nothing else. She knew the task at hand and completed it. And she did it well.

While it is true that working from home has increased productivity, it has also increased the number of hours people are putting in. It is important now more than ever to enforce boundaries that protect your mental health and create a healthy work-life balance.

2. Take Your Breaks

Take your breaks.

That’s it. That’s the tip.

Many people work through their lunch, eat at their desk, or take calls and send emails while scarfing down a sandwich. Sometimes it’s habit, sometimes it’s pressure, sometimes it’s workplace culture. And yes, sometimes it just the workload.

Rihanna pausing in her performance to touch up her makeup is exactly the reminder that we need. Just a pause. A breather. It is okay to have boundaries, protect your time, and take your allotted breaks. Maybe it was just a plug for her beauty line but even a superstar needs a break in a thirteen-minute performance!

Taking breaks throughout the workday is necessary because it breaks up your day into manageable portions. It’s also good for your mental health because it reduces stress and enhances your mood. It may also restore motivation and increase creativity. If you find yourself stuck on a particular issue, take a step back; detaching yourself usually allows a fresh perspective.

In an age where busyness is a status symbol be bold and take a break. Heck, take a vacation!

3. Comfort = Productivity

Wear what you are happy in. Most people are generally happier in clothes that they feel comfortable in. Comfy clothes reduce discomfort and distraction.

That being said, of course this needs to be done within the context of your workplace culture while maintaining your own boundaries. Rihanna understood that. She went for comfort with style. Sneakers paired with a baggy jumpsuit and cozy puffer jacket. To be fair though, Rihanna could wear anything, and it would be with style!

4. Live by Your Values

It is okay to change your mind. At work and in life. And if people question you, whether it be co-workers or managers, it is okay to share your experiences and stand your ground.

In 2019, Rihanna rejected the NFL as an act of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who protested police brutality and racism by taking the knee. However, this year, she felt that her performance was important for representation:

“That's a big part of why this is important for me to do this show: representation. Representing immigrants. Representing black women everywhere. That's key for people to see the possibilities… I'm really excited to have Barbados on the Super Bowl stage."

She went on to say it is important for her son to see this and how motherhood has allowed her to feel like she can take on the world.

With new life experiences comes new perspectives and we should be allowed to learn, grow, and change.

5. Work Together and Communicate Often

You spend at least eight hours a day with your co-workers. So, it is ideal to be in sync and match each other’s energy by communicating well and often. This may be more challenging these days as more and more of us work from home.

Understanding each other’s roles, personalities, and energy allows for synergy and growth. Just look at these back-up dancers. They are unmatched. They come running onto the field ready to bring it. They anticipate every move. Each knows what is required of the other and gives us a flawless show as a result.

Take time to connect with each other whether that be virtually or in-person. Connecting socially and professionally while maintaining your boundaries is essential in creating spaces to communicate wants, needs, concerns, and ideas to sustain a healthy and happy work environment.

So, the next time you are nodding along to your favourite Rihanna jam, just remember that self-care at work is important; follow RiRi’s lead so you can continue to shine bright like a diamond!

Saffina Jinnah is a brown girl living in Vancouver, BC. She is a first generation Canadian; her parents are from Uganda. In her day-to-day life she works in non-profit funding, is an active volunteer, and loves to read in coffee shops sipping something over-sweetened and over-caffeinated. You can read more of her writing at Confessions of a Brown Girl.