Lead by example with self-care at work.
What’s playing on your mind more at 3 am as a business owner? Or are they fighting for equal billing?
People are leaving long-held positions with good companies. For some, the pandemic has brought up feelings of “life’s too short”, or perhaps the leadership in crisis didn’t align with their values, and for others, they have succumbed to exhaustion and covid fatigue.
We know it’s hard to get that time out as business owners and leaders – especially during a time when you’re wearing multiple hats and trying to lead, manage, and do. But now is the time to lead by example. Take some time - even a few minutes - to focus on a) how you can take care of yourself to avoid The Big Burnout and, b) new or different ways to support your business talent and sidestep The Great Resignation. We’ve got a few quick wins and the associated article from Harvard Business Review has a few more and it’s a great quick read.
• Focus on what you can control – including your thoughts, actions and behaviours.
• Do what you can to reduce your risk - yes staying home when symptomatic is the simplest way to reduce spread in your organisation.
• Stay connected with family & friends - use available technology (phone, emails, texts, Zoom, Facetime, social media) to stay connected with family, friends, workmates/colleagues and others.
• Gratitude works - focus on the good things; what you have, not what you have lost. It rewires your brain to think differently.
• What you put into your brain is what you get out - Limit exposure to news and frequent COVID updates. Watch something funny at least once a day. Laughter is good for you.
• Panic breeds panic - do your best to model peaceful behaviours for those around you. Remember that everyone experiences stress differently.
• Create a regular routine - it builds stability and reduces anxiety
• Look after your body - maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine boosts both your immune system and mental wellbeing. You don’t need to live on kale smoothies and train for a marathon - keep it simple.
• Get out and breathe - fresh air filling the lungs is brilliant for gaining perspective.
• Reach out if you need to talk - connect with supportive friends and family or your industry peers.
You’re doing a great job! But before you aim for the too-hard basket, talk to us because your too-hard basket is our happy place.
Read article: Harvard Business Review: Leading an exhausted workforce