Leadership Self-Care Priorities

You Deserve It – Be There for Yourself

(Part#1 of 3)

In the midst of navigating work environments characterized by high workloads, cognitive complexity, and multitasking, coupled with significant responsibilities for both outcomes and the well-being of others, prioritizing self-care often takes a back seat for managers and leaders.

However, amidst the chaos, it is crucial to recognize the importance of self-care. Far from being selfish, it is a fundamental aspect of maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

In the first part of our three-part series, "You Deserve It – Be There for Yourself," we'll delve into Five Leadership Self-Care Priorities. These priorities are derived from lived experiences and research findings that emphasize the positive impact of improved leadership role modelling on employee self-care.

According to the Health-Oriented Leadership model, self-care mirrors staff care in a self-directed manner, encompassing leaders' and employees' values, awareness, and behaviours regarding their own health. Prioritizing self-care enables leaders to better manage work demands, support employee growth, attend to employees' wellness needs, and identify opportunities to reduce stress.

Research indicates a correlation between a leader's self-care orientation and their orientation toward staff care. Essentially, leadership self-care underscores the importance of prioritizing our own needs and happiness. This mantra serves as a gentle yet firm reminder to carve out time to nurture our minds, bodies, and souls.

5 Leadership Self-Care Priorities

Integrate Self-Care into Business Strategy

Prioritize self-care within your business strategy to better equip yourself to cope with the challenges of work-life balance. It is akin to fitting your own oxygen mask before assisting others on a plane – by taking care of ourselves first, we're better able to support those around us.

Lead by Example

Serve as a role model by demonstrating self-caring behaviours such as taking regular breaks, engaging in health activities, and practicing effective time and stress management. Employees are likely to perceive self-care as rewarding when they witness positive effects on their leader’s well-being.

Cultivate Self-Awareness and Self-Love

Develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-love by listening to your body, tuning into your emotions, and honouring your boundaries. Regular self-care practices enhance your ability to manage stress and adversity.

Incorporate Self-Care into Daily Life

Integrate self-care practices into both work and personal/family life. Amidst the chaos, find small moments of joy and relaxation, whether through deep breathing exercises, enjoying a nourishing meal, or inner-resilience awareness.

Embrace Diverse Self-Care Activities

Engage in a variety of self-care activities, ranging from simple daily rituals to indulgent treats. Invest time in activities that nourish and rejuvenate you, such as taking leisurely walks, incorporating self-care discussions into meetings, or utilizing coaching services for team development.

As we navigate life's complexities, let's remember to be kind to ourselves and prioritize our well-being. "You Deserve It – Be There for Yourself" serves as a powerful reminder that self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. So, go ahead – indulge in some self-care today. You deserve it.

At IDEAS2Centre, we specialize in assisting professionals and leaders in developing the skills needed to cultivate a thoughtful ecosystem. Our coaching services are designed to enhance your inner capacity, increase your societal value, update your skill sets, bolster organizational resilience, and foster growth and innovation. Contact us for a conversation on crafting creative strategies for healthy leadership.

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References:

Klug K, Felfe J, Krick A. Does Self-Care Make You a Better Leader? A Multisource Study Linking Leader Self-Care to Health-Oriented Leadership, Employee Self-Care, and Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 31;19(11):6733. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19116733. PMID: 35682319; PMCID: PMC9180678.

Grimm, L.A., Bauer, G.F. & Jenny, G.J. Is the health-awareness of leaders related to the working conditions, engagement, and exhaustion in their teams? A multi-level mediation study. BMC Public Health 21, 1935 (2021).