7 Self-Care Tips for Women Leaders to Maintain Energy and Well-being

"An organization dies when the leader runs out of steam."

In today's fast-paced world, women leaders face unique challenges as they strive to balance their professional and personal lives. Practicing self-care is essential for maintaining energy, well-being, and overall effectiveness. While some leaders may brag about only sleeping four hours a night or never taking a true vacation, these are not the indicators of leaders positioned for a long and prosperous stride.  Here are seven steps that women leaders can take to ensure they remain at their best, along with resources to help you on your journey:

Prioritize physical health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Make a conscious effort to prioritize these aspects of your daily routine.

1. Resources:

• Regular Check-Ups and Screenings
• Sleep Foundation 
• Exercise and Stress 

Set boundaries: Establish and communicate clear boundaries between work and personal life. This might include setting specific work hours, creating designated spaces for work and leisure, and limiting work-related communication during off-hours.

2. Resources:

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown 
• WorkLife with Adam Grant podcast 
• Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention And How To Think Deeply Again 

Cultivate a support network: Build relationships with peers, mentors, and friends who understand the challenges faced by women leaders. They can provide valuable insights, encouragement, and advice when needed.

3. Resources:

• CHIEF Membership C-Suite and Leaders 
• Lean In Circles
• Ellevate Network

Embrace mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, journaling, or yoga, into your daily routine. These activities can help reduce stress, increase focus, and promote a sense of calm and balance.

4. Resources:

• Headspace 
• Calm 
• Insight Timer 
• Yoga with Adriene 

Schedule regular breaks: Time management is key to achieving balance, and it will help you avoid burnout by allowing for regular breaks throughout the day and week. This may include short walks, coffee breaks, or even mini-vacations. Give yourself permission to step away from work and recharge your batteries.

5. Resources:

• Pomodoro Technique 
• Getting Things Done (GTD) Method
• Pickle Jar Theory

Reflect on achievements: Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, big and small. Acknowledging your successes can boost your self-esteem and provide motivation for continued growth and development. Reflection is a powerful tool to build and sustain happiness.  

6. Resources:

• The Five Minute Journal 
• Morning Pages
• Reflection Toolkit
• Trello

Seek professional help when needed: It's essential to recognize when you may need professional support, such as a therapist or coach, to address specific challenges or develop new coping strategies.

7. Resources:

• Psychology Today Therapist Directory 
• Workplace Well-Being
• How to Find a Career Coach (and When You May Need One)

By incorporating these self-care tips into your daily routine, you can ensure that you maintain the energy and well-being needed to lead your organization effectively. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for your health and the success and longevity of your organization.

‍

Let us know on social media if you have any favorite self-care practices!

‍

‍