“Self-care” can be a confusing term. When you hear it, you may picture anything from taking a day spa trip to spending afternoons in a hammock. Self-care doesn’t mean laziness. It means recharging yourself. This is important as a parent and a spouse but also as a leader. In fact, self-care in leadership is a necessity.
Leading anyone in anything can’t happen if you’re unprepared. Self-care in leadership means preparing yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally to handle problems for the people you’re leading. This applies to CEOs, working dads, stay-at-home moms, and everyone in between. The temptation is to tell yourself “I’ve got this,” but unless you’ve taken the time to care for yourself, you probably don’t “got this.” Here are 5 signs you need self-care as a leader.
1. You’re burnt out or drained.
If your gas tank is nearly empty, you can’t get very far. The same goes for leaders. If you’re tired, low on energy, or feeling emotionally drained, you may not be taking enough time to care for yourself well. Take a nap, a long walk, or some time to pray, or do something else to recharge your batteries. Slow down, prioritize what you need, and reset things for the good of those counting on you.
2. You’re quick-tempered.
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” is a great Bible verse. It’s a great reminder to lead with a still temperament. When we are quick to yell, belittle, or challenge people on things, we can lose their attention and, even worse, their respect. If you find yourself with a shorter-than-desired fuse, assess how you can boost your patience. It could mean…
3. You’re anxious.
Anxiety is a looming beast that touches almost everyone. Over 40 million Americans struggle with workplace anxiety. This is tough on leaders, who need to be able to hold things together. You have to find a productive way to let off steam. Recognize your feelings, address them, and grow. Anxious people make more mistakes, so minimize setbacks by taking self-care measures that reduce anxiety.
4. You’re stretched.
When was the last time you skipped lunch? Or forgot a birthday or anniversary? This happens when your mind gets cluttered with so many to-dos. When your time, money, or ability feels stretched, it’s hard to be fully present in the moment. While good leaders are present and focused, even the most skilled jugglers can only handle so much before it all comes tumbling down. No matter who you’re leading, making sure you are at your best means they’ll get the best version of you. So, check your calendar and prune the things that are stretching you too thin.
5. You’re feeling pressured.
Deadlines. Budgets. Relationships. There is so much pressure to manage as a leader. It can weigh you down, but I think Tony Dungy tackles it well when he says, “Block out public opinion and concentrate on doing your job to the best of your ability.” Self-care means preparing for pressure. Before starting each day, reflect on what’s most important. Identify what matters to you most. Talk with trusted friends about your struggles. Find partners who want you to have success and lean on them for guidance. When the pressure feels too heavy, pray for strength to carry it all.
What do you think would be helpful for somebody who needs some self-care in leadership? Share in a comment.
