The role of a people leader can be one of the most rewarding roles in an organisation. But it can also be the most brutal. At the heart of what you do is a deep-rooted drive to help others and nurture your people. This can be taxing on anyone, even if it is their bread and butter.
From managing mental health crises within your teams and supporting people through big (and sometimes challenging) life events, to budget cuts, lack of business buy-in and subpar engagement levels, working within people teams can be as disheartening as it is fulfilling.
There’s no denying that these pressures and stresses can take a toll, and while you may be doing everything in your power to look after others, you can lose sight of yourself in that process.
Everything you give to your people also needs to be directed to yourself. So, let’s make sure you are looking after you.
Self-care is for you, also
Self-care isn't selfish; it's a necessity. You’d tell your colleagues and loved ones the same thing. Just as you encourage others to prioritise their wellbeing, you must do the same for yourself. Acknowledging this fundamental truth and accepting you also need and deserve self-care lays the foundation for embracing self-care and finding practices that work for you long-term.
Yes, you need to set boundaries too
One of the biggest challenges for people leaders is knowing when to say no. Naturally, you want to help everyone, but overcommitting can quickly lead to burnout. It’s important for your own health to set clear boundaries around work hours, availability, and workload. Learning to prioritise tasks and allowing yourself to delegate responsibilities to trusted and able colleagues will give you space to focus on what truly matters without spreading yourself too thin.
The power of mindfulness
In the midst of supporting others, it's easy for people leaders to neglect their own mental health. Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help reduce stress levels and boost your overall wellbeing. As you would encourage your people to do – take time out of your day to clear your mind, rest, and recharge.
Make your habits healthy
Physical health plays a huge role in wellbeing, so make sure you are incorporating activities into your working days and weekends. Activities that improve your physical health and energy levels – such as regular exercise, nutritious meals, and sleep that actually feels restful – can contribute to a better and happier physical and mental state.
Allow yourself support and human connection
Even leaders need support and, just like self-care, you deserve it. Building a network of people who understand the challenges of your role – like colleagues, mentors, friends, or industry peers – can provide you with invaluable support and a fresh perspective. You can lean on them for help, guidance or even just as a listening ear from people who truly get it. Give yourself that safe space to express yourself, as it can help prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Learning, growing and everything in between
The world of employee wellbeing is constantly evolving, sometimes so fast it can give us whiplash. So, staying up to date with the latest research, movements and future trends is essential for effective leadership. Investing your time in things like development opportunities, attending events, and joining specialist workshops can enhance your knowledge and skill set. It can also drive innovation, diversity of thought, and give you a clear direction for what you want wellbeing to look like for your people.
Before self-care, comes self-compassion
Always remember to be kind to yourself. There’s nothing wrong with striving for a level of perfectionism, but this can very quickly turn into self-criticism which can impact mental health and stress levels. By practicing self-compassion, you treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would a friend, family member or colleague. Allow yourself to celebrate your achievements, learn from setbacks but don’t let them get you down, and embrace your imperfections – you never know where they may lead you.
Taking care of yourself isn't just a box to tick – it's essential and you deserve it. It’s also something you need to prioritise in order to support your people – put the mask on yourself first, before helping others. So, to all you wonderful people leaders out there, don't forget to look after your own wellbeing along the way.
