The importance of self-care practices for strong leaders
Self-care practices are not just a nice extra, but a decisive factor for long-term leadership strength and performance. Especially in demanding leadership roles with a high level of responsibility, consciously looking after your own physical and mental well-being is fundamental. Only those who manage themselves well and are mindful of their own resources can lead in a stable, effective and authentic way.
Managers are often under enormous pressure to meet deadlines and fulfil expectations - so their own care often takes a back seat. This often leads to exhaustion, lack of concentration and a reduced ability to make clear and sustainable decisions. Self-care practices support leaders in preventing stress and building an inner stability that also characterises them as a point of orientation for their teams.
Self-care practices in day-to-day management: What does this involve?
Self-care comprises multidimensional practices that strengthen the body, mind and emotions in equal measure. Important components include regular breaks, conscious nutrition, sufficient exercise and methods of mental relaxation. It also includes setting healthy boundaries in everyday working life to prevent excessive demands. Mindfulness, self-reflection and maintaining social contacts round off effective self-care practices.
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) One division manager utilised targeted self-care practices by blocking fixed breaks in her calendar and treating them as consistent and important. This not only strengthened her own ability to concentrate, but also visibly improved the atmosphere in the team, as she reacted in a calmer and more balanced manner.
Healthy self-care also means carefully recognising when you need to rest - for example, a walk or a little meditation - instead of continuing to „work“. This not only promotes mental balance, but also performance over longer periods of time.
In the area of mental self-care, regular reflection on one's own feelings and needs is key. It enables you to recognise stressful patterns and take timely countermeasures. This makes it easier to maintain a balance between responsibility for others and self-responsibility.
Self-care practices as a management tool: examples from different industries
In the care sector, for example, the importance of self-care practices is particularly evident. Senior carers who consciously create time to relax and set boundaries in their hectic everyday lives send an important signal to their team and strengthen the entire department.
BEST PRACTICE at healthcare provider ABC (name changed due to NDA contract) One ward manager introduced regular mindfulness breaks for herself and thus not only promoted her own well-being, but also conveyed the importance of time out to the team. This led to noticeable relief during hectic shifts and greater job satisfaction.
Self-care practices such as the conscious delegation of tasks and the creation of a pleasant working environment also ensure sustainable performance in IT and management.
BEST PRACTICE at tech company DEF (name changed due to NDA contract) A project manager established a fixed daily rhythm with deliberately planned mini-breaks and a clearly defined end to the working day. By setting specific limits, he was not only able to reduce stress, but also inspire his team to adopt a healthier approach to working hours.
Practical tips for effective self-care practices in day-to-day management
A key tip is to integrate self-care practices in such a way that they are not perceived as an additional burden. Start by making small, realistic changes, such as scheduling five-minute breaks or consciously taking breaths between appointments.
Introduce reflective routines, for example a short pause every week to examine your feelings and needs. This creates clarity and helps you to cope better with emotionally stressful situations. Also make sure you eat healthily and get enough exercise, as these have a positive effect on your mental performance.
Set clear boundaries by not answering every work email immediately and coordinating your availability times with colleagues. Allow yourself to delegate tasks in order to utilise your resources more effectively.
You can also use the exchange with other managers or coaches to gain impetus for your self-care practices and get regular support.
My analysis: Why self-care practices are essential for good leadership
Self-care practices form the basis for sustainable leadership skills. They enable managers to remain empathetic and able to act even under pressure. By promoting their own balance, they also create the conditions for effectively supporting teams and creating a working environment in which performance and well-being go hand in hand.
Consciously looking after your own needs is not a sign of weakness, but of responsibility - both towards yourself and the people you lead. Managers who take self-care practices seriously and implement them on a daily basis often demonstrate greater resilience, strengthen their emotional intelligence and promote an inspiring role model function.
Whether in the care sector, in IT or in management - the many examples from practice prove the effectiveness of such practices. They can be adapted flexibly and individually. Small changes often open up great opportunities for more clarity, strength and serenity.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Self-care & self-care for managers
[2] Self-care - How to strengthen your team as a manager
[3] Self-care as a manager in the care sector
[5] Become a more effective leader with self-care
[6] How to succeed in self-care as a manager
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