Self-care is essential for executives and leaders. How leaders care for themselves impacts their ability to lead others effectively, To keep from rusting out or burning out, leaders need to learn how to better manage their energy and priorities.
Over time, the lack of self-care impacts the bottom line, fuels conflict, destroys teamwork and partnerships, reduces morale, and can create roadblocks to raises, promotions, and opportunities for future growth. In addition to these traditional performance metrics, a lack of self-care also reduces job satisfaction, creativity and innovation, and a willingness to take risks (Thompson, 2010).
When leaders are at their highest and best selves, their thoughts and assumptions are positive and present, they are intentional, they make better choice and decisions, they improve their relationships, they are more resilient and productive, they maximize effectiveness and get results. They have a growth mindset.
Here are 10 Ways To Practice Self-Care and further develop that growth mindset:
- Take Walks or Hike, aka “Movement” (Walking meetings don’t count)
- Drink Water (Add a hydrator booster)
- Quiet Time, Breathing Exercises, and/or Meditation
- Read to Build Thought Leadership (This includes reading to children)
- Play an Instrument and Listen to Good Music
- Watch a Good Movie (Without Interruptions, From Beginning to End)
- Grow a Garden
- Go to a Spa
- Take a Vacation/Travel (Staycations work too)
- Sleep (VITAL)
Give yourself grace and permission to rejuvenate, revitalize, and optimize your well-being to create value and impact. Open yourself to explore your courage, humility, and discipline in the process of feeling better and making a difference in the things you think, say, and do.
Give us a call if you are interested in learning more about various ways to transition and transform your mindset and self-care behaviors for maximizing leadership effectiveness and positive, lasting impact. (833) 848-7845.
