Self-Care for Leaders

It’s your self-care practices that will give you the stamina and resilience to handle the demands that come with leadership. The key is to make time for your own wellbeing – body, mind, and spirit.

In today’s guided insight I talk about the importance of taking the time to take care of yourself on every level because excellence in leadership requires energy and the most sustainable form of energy is a healthy mind and body.

00:00 - Welcome & Episode Framing
00:18 - The Cost of Neglecting Self-Care
02:10 - Reframing Responsibility & The Role of Choice
03:20 - Defining Self-Care & The Action Plan
04:05 - Identifying Your Imbalance
04:30 - Self-Care Practices by Dimension
05:04 - Transition into Guided Practice
05:45 - Guided Meditation: “I Take Care of Myself So I Can Take Care of Others”
07:13 - Closing Reflections & Call to Action

To get the most out of these learnings, download the free workbook I created that guides you deeper into each practice. https://innertelligencecoaching.com/on-your-way-in-workbook/

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome to the podcast On Your Way In, where I provide quick and actionable insights for intentional leaders. I'm your host, Sarah Harvey. Today's guided insight centers around the time to take care of yourself. If you are one of those leaders who always puts yourself last, you're likely feeling depleted, out of balance, exhausted, and perhaps even resentful. I've been there and it's not a good habit to get into. As a leader, your plate is probably full and perhaps overflowing. You think, I just don't have time to focus on me. I'm exhausted when my day's over. I could work 24-7 and still not be finished. From personal experience, I can tell you that this inner dialogue is the start of a downward spiral that usually doesn't end well. The question you want to ask yourself is: is it actually my job? Or is it me and the choices I'm making? As a high-achieving leader, you may have great stamina and resilience, but without a commitment to self-care, the fire within you will burn out and manifest into a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual imbalance. If your lack of self-care continues too long, the likely outcome is full-blown disease and even the need for you to step away from your leadership role. Either of these outcomes will inhibit your ability to lead anyone or anything in the long term. Excellence in leadership starts with prioritizing your own well-being. You may ask yourself, how do I focus on self-care when so many people around me continually need my time and support? Well, the reality is that you can't show up fully for those around you if you're not full yourself. The old adage is also true. If you don't take care of yourself, no one else will. The secret is to create and live into a simple action plan that increases your energy and resiliency on all levels, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The goal of self-care is to replenish and rejuvenate yourself in order to sustain the energy you need to take care of others, while at the same time thriving at work and living your life. A great place to start your self-care routine is to ask yourself the following questions. What part of me needs the most attention? Where do I feel most out of balance? If the imbalance is mental or emotional, you might be experiencing anxiety, frustration, or emotional highs and lows. If this is the case, try starting your self-care routine with deep breathing, meditation, relaxing music, or a walk in nature. On the other hand, if your imbalance is in your physical body, you might feel lethargic or are possibly holding on to some extra weight. If this sounds like you, then start your self-care routine with a run or a brisk walk. Maybe your body feels overheated and you see a lot of redness in your skin. Perhaps get into a pool, a lake, or ocean and swim some laps to cool down. Or choose a light, healthy dinner and forgo the alcohol. Or both. Sometimes an imbalance can show up as a lack of connectedness to something bigger than yourself. For instance, you find yourself unclear about your purpose. You wonder what you're here to do beyond your job or your daily personal life. You might even feel a sense of emptiness. This type of imbalance reflects a disconnect at the level of your core essence, the part of you that is eternal and connected to everyone and everything. If you're pondering who you really are or what your true purpose is, then try starting your self-care routine with prayer, silence, or gratitude. Take time to be in service to those who may be struggling, are in pain, or have been forgotten. Experience what it means to live a life that is very different than yours. Over time, your commitment to self-care should nurture and strengthen all aspects of yourself. It is from here that you can be your best and ultimately provide a better support system for those around you. Now I'm going to ask you to close your eyes if you're in a place where it's safe to do so. Soften your facial muscles, lengthen the back of your neck just a bit by tucking your chin. Sit up straight while dropping your shoulders down to create more comfort in your body. Uncross your legs so your feet are flat on the floor. And place your hands open on your lap with your palms facing up. Now, silently begin to repeat the insight. I take care of myself so I can take care of others. I take care of myself so I can take care of others. Allow this insight to be gentle and easy, almost as if it's floating by on a cloud, just drifting by. Take time to prioritize your well-being by engaging in the practices that energize and nourish you, body, mind, and spirit. Seek to create a strong and balanced physiology that ensures those around you get the very best of you. Self-care is what helps leaders thrive and show up as role models for others to emulate. And that's what I call a win-win. And above all, remember, before you go out, go in. Thanks for joining me on this episode of On Your Way In. Remember, leadership isn't something you perform, it's something you embody. The more you go inward, the more effective, present, and resilient you become. If today's guided insight was helpful, take a moment to reflect, integrate, and lead using the innate wisdom within you. You can also download the full workbook in the show notes to deepen your practice. Until next time, remember before you go out, go in.