Navigating the Pressure of Leadership
Four Tips for Improving Your Well-Being as a Leader
Whether you are an executive, entrepreneur, or the “Head-Parent-in-Charge”, leadership can be both exhilarating and stressful. While being a leader offers incredible opportunities for growth and achievement, it often comes with pressure and a constant, almost compulsive need to innovate and be recognized. Looking at our everyday experiences and research, we are constantly reminded that leaders are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and burnout.
I felt the weight of leadership on my own mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being early on in life. I remember my father apologizing for never telling me I didn’t have to be a superwoman during one particularly high-strung semester. Finally, after spending months in bed from a stress-related autoimmune response in my late twenties, I started thinking more seriously about simple strategies to help balance out the angst of leading. Below are just a few ways that I prioritize my well-being while managing a business or two, more than a few hobbies, and staying connected with my community:
Start Your Day with Me First Energy
Putting yourself first has been a “hot take” for far too long, especially for women. But whenever I put myself first, everything else just falls into place. While self-prioritization gets a bad reputation, the “me first” approach to health and well-being makes sure that your physical, emotional, and mental well-being are always cared for. You know the old saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
For me, this looks like finding opportunities each morning for daily walks like Honey Hive’s upcoming Walk for Well-Being. I’ve grown to learn that clichés are true. A morning routine that creates an intentional space for you to care for yourself first is key.
Ask for help before you feel uncomfortable… and often
If you aren’t comfortable asking for help or aren’t even really sure what to ask, you are not alone. I was there too and trying to do it all as a leader made me question whether I was actually cut out for the role. Everything changed when I stopped hesitating to ask for help. Like many people I know, I’m one of the first to offer help and also the most afraid to ask for support.
While I still get that burning knot in my stomach, I'm learning not to hesitate to seek support from colleagues, friends, family, my therapist, and so many more resources. By offering and asking for help I created a safe community to help me process my thoughts and feelings, reduce stress, and find solutions for any challenges in my personal and professional life.
Be Boundary Betty
Setting boundaries is the foundation of the life you desire and deserve. After calling myself “Boundary Betty” I thought I had it all under control… It’s been at least three years and I am finally starting to have a better grasp on the power of setting clear, intentional, and restorative boundaries for yourself and others in your life. While it’s not easy, boundaries allow you to take control of your life and you need to show up as your whole self. Creating standards that allow us to take uninterrupted time for ourselves and the things we love, gives us back the energy and the time that we need to not only prevent burnout but also, thrive.
Busy Your Hands or Take a Nap
If all else fails, find a distraction or go to sleep. There have been times when I've been too anxious to stop working. In those moments, I know it's time to pull the emergency brake on life and shift my perspective. Sometimes this looks like a mid-day walk, a long drive with a treat at the end, a low-tech/no-tech vacation, or a quarter abroad. Each of these moments gives me opportunities to intentionally limit my access to work, and even other people for specific periods so that I can recharge my energy and creativity in a way that is truly authentic and restorative.
Being my first focus of the day, joining friends for morning hikes, asking for help, creating boundaries, and having a seat, are helping me to build an exhilarating life with ease. And, if you woke up this morning and prioritized your own health and well-being too, then you are well on your way to creating a life that you truly desire. If you haven’t started just yet… it’s never too late to put you first.
