As a leader, others orbit around you, looking to you for guidance and direction, hoping to better themselves in their work and everyday lives. Being a leader means putting the people who follow you first and their livelihoods. A leader could be a boss, a co-worker, a politician, or just an everyday person. Leadership qualities live inside everyone.
Being a leader also means you might find yourself neglecting what is most important—your self-care. Without it, everything is affected. Our jobs, relationships, and even our finances can suffer! It’s so important to take care of oneself that we put together a list of four self-care tips for you desperate leaders. Keep reading!
#1. Be assertive!
This one might not be too hard if you’re already sitting pretty with this personality trait trained and waiting in your arsenal, but if this doesn’t come naturally to you, remember to practice it! Remember that you are your own master, and you’re not a slave to your own leadership. Say “no” when you want to, and don’t feel bad!
#2. Get away when you can.
We strongly suggest that you use up your vacation days, or even weekends, to refocus. Center yourself back into the powerful leader that you are so you can attack the next work week. Sometimes, stepping away to look at the situation as a whole is just what you need to keep your sanity from slipping away.
#3. Stay involved in some sort of community.
Even if you just visit your parents once a week, you’re still surrounding yourself with people who aren’t looking to you for leadership. These people—your friends, your family, your lover—all hold you near and dear to their hearts and will act as a softening agent to a reality that puts a lot of strain on you.
#4. The 3 Rs: Rest, Routine, Reward.
You need to get 8 hours or more of sleep in a day. It’s hard when you’re busy, but there are many changes when you sleep long and well. It would help to establish a morning routine that will leave you feeling happy and energized for the rest of the day (hint: avoid heavy, starchy breakfasts).
Finally, at the end of the day, you need to reward yourself with the things you like. It could be wine, a snack, a movie, or anything else, so long as you enjoy it.
Remember, self-care is the one thing we can’t afford to avoid! What are some of your self-care routines? Let us know in the comments!