How Self-Care Improves Leadership Skills

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 Are you amazed to know that leaders who actively invest in their mental health are 70% more likely to lead teams that are not just engaged but thriving? Well, I’m not. I want you all to know the wonders it can do for you and the organizations you run so that mental health no longer takes a back seat in leadership discussions. We know that leadership isn’t solely about devising strategies. It’s about embodying resilience, maintaining clarity, and having the ability to inspire and uplift those around you. So, let me ask you, how can we possibly inspire others if we’re constantly running on empty, depleted by stress, and neglecting our own mental well-being? You can work all the hours, pushing yourself relentlessly. You can strive to outperform your previous days, continuously raising the bar for yourself. 💡 But the reality is: If you dedicate all your energy to achieving business success while sidelining your own mental health, your leadership, performance, and overall progress will ultimately suffer significant setbacks. I’ve experienced this firsthand. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment that I realized the real challenge wasn’t the projects, but rather my own well-being that needed urgent attention. This realization served as a powerful wake-up call. I began to prioritize my mental health, not just for my own benefit but for the well-being and success of the entire team. I started taking regular breaks, setting clear boundaries, and actively encouraging my team to do the same. The change was almost immediate and transformative. I felt more focused and effective, and my team became more energized, creative, and aligned with our collective goals. This isn’t just my personal story; it’s supported by research showing that teams led by mentally resilient leaders are more innovative and productive. But beyond data, let’s get real: Leadership is hard. It demands everything you’ve got. But what if the key to giving more isn’t about working harder but about taking care of yourself first? Leadership is not just about setting direction; it’s equally about setting an example. Ultimately, success is a blend of many factors, with balance being one of the most crucial. Imagine the difference it could make to lead with clarity and intention, and how it could energize your team. So, if I give you a challenge, would you accept it? Let’s manifest this together. 💪 Don’t just lead—lead well. Make mental health a priority for yourself, your team, and your family. Because at the end of the day, great leadership isn’t just about the results; it’s about the journey, the example you set, and the well-being of everyone who follows your lead. #Leadership #MentalHealthMatters #ResilientLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #LeadershipDevelopment #SpyrosPapapetropoulos

I used to think great leadership meant putting everyone else first. - My team. - My clients. - My business. - My family. I’d take the late-night calls. Push through exhaustion. Be available 24/7. Until one day, I hit a wall so hard I had nothing left to give. Burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s leadership suicide. I ignored the advice my former boss gave me years ago: “You are number one.” I laughed it off back then. "That’s selfish," I thought. Wrong. - You can’t lead at your best if you’re running on empty. - You can’t inspire others if you’re mentally drained. - You can’t make sharp decisions if you’re chronically exhausted. I realised it late but here’s the brutal truth about leadership & self-care: 🔥 Your energy is your #1 leadership asset. Guard it. 🔥 Overworking isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a liability. 🔥 If you don’t prioritize your mental & physical health, you’ll destroy your effectiveness. This isn’t about spa days or meditation apps. This is about staying sharp, sustaining performance, and leading like a damn pro. -Set boundaries like your life depends on it—because it does. -Say NO more often—because every ‘yes’ costs you energy. -Treat your mind & body like a high-performance machine—because it is. Take care of yourself first. Not because it’s nice. Because it’s necessary. #Leadership #HighPerformance #Worklifebalance #selfcare #Burnout

Let’s talk about self-care, something we often shove to the end of our to-do lists—if it even makes it there at all! Now, you may be asking, “What’s self-care got to do with leading a team?” Well, let me drop some knowledge: It’s got EVERYTHING to do with it. 🎯 In my research and coaching, I’ve found that self-care isn’t just about the occasional spa day or binge-watching your favorite series (although, hey, those are nice too!). It’s about creating a sustainable balance that nurtures your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 🧘♀️📚 Self-care means different things to different people. The dictionary defines it as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Wether it’s losing yourself in a hobby, lunch with a friend, a walk in nature, just sitting quietly for a period of time, getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, or getting some exercise, self care is non-negotiable. The point to is to have a self-care practice.🧘🏻♀️ Why is this a game-changer for leadership? Three big reasons: 1️⃣ Resilience: When you’re recharged and rested, you can better handle the inevitable curveballs that leadership throws your way. No one wants a leader who’s constantly frazzled, right? 🌀 2️⃣ Decision-Making: Leadership requires you to make decisions. Often tough ones. And guess what? You’re far better at weighing pros and cons when your brain isn’t running on empty. 🪫 3️⃣ Model Behavior: Your team looks to you for cues on organizational culture. If you’re burning the midnight oil and running yourself ragged, what message does that send? Yup, that burnout is just part of the gig. And that’s not a culture anyone wants to be a part of. 🚫 So, let’s normalize self care as a non-negotiable part of our leadership toolkit. Trust me, your future self will thank you, and so will your team. 🌈🙌🏼 Ready to give self-care the front-row seat it deserves in your leadership journey? 🛋🎉 share your favorite self care practice below.👇🏼 📸 Tim Mossholder: a picture of the words “Be Kind | Unwind” ********* 🔔 Follow me or connect for daily fertilizer to your leadership seeds🌱

Lead Yourself First. The Foundation of Authentic Leadership When considering your career or entrepreneurial journey, it is essential to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Too often, we delay addressing the things that need our attention, whether it’s a nagging pain or the habits we know we need to change. As leaders, we cannot afford to let things linger. Unresolved issues will eventually affect our ability to lead effectively. Many of us avoid going to the doctor simply because we don’t want to hear the truth about what must change. However, the reality is that we often create our challenges through the food we eat, the beverages we consume, and the habits we overlook. We choose chips, cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and processed foods over fresh fruits and vegetables, then wonder why we struggle with digestion, fatigue, or even mental health issues. As noted in a study published by the National Library of Medicine: “Anxiety and depression can seriously undermine mental health and quality of life globally. The consumption of junk foods, including ultra-processed foods, fast foods, unhealthy snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages, has been linked to mental health. This study evaluates how junk food consumption may be associated with mental health disorders in adults.” We already see the physical effects, but it goes deeper. Being a great leader requires becoming the best version of yourself, both inside and out. And the truth is, no one else is responsible for that but you. Not the doctor, the counselor, your spouse, your coach, teacher, or boss. The person responsible for your change is the one staring back at you in the mirror. It’s never too late to start. I mistreated myself for years, but I decided to care enough about who I was becoming to commit to healing and growing holistically. That decision changed everything. I became a better man, a more focused professional, and most importantly, a stronger leader. No, this isn't about appearances—it’s about character. It’s about how your habits, your self-care, and your mindset reflect the way you lead and serve others. Ask yourself this: Would you follow the man with the beer in his hand to a pile of cash, or the one with a strategy to multiply the money and build lasting wealth? Authentic leadership starts with you. When your mind is clear and your body strong, you lead with not just authority, but with authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Because the truth is: You can’t feed others if you’re running on empty. Lead yourself first, and then lead others through the storm. Keep Living Keep Winning Benjamin T. Winn

“Focus on yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup” Many of us equate long hours and hard work with success. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, reducing both the quality and quantity of our output. It also impacts how much we can support others, like our teams. Neuroscience shows that rest isn’t just about physical recovery. It’s crucial for mental processes like memory consolidation and creativity. By prioritizing self-care, we enable our brains to function at their best. Practical tips for focusing on yourself Quality rest: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Quality rest is as important as the work itself. This made a huge difference in my case. Setting boundaries: Learn to constructively say no. It’s vital to set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Mindfulness practices: Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. These help in reducing stress and enhancing focus. Hobbies and interests: Invest time in hobbies or interests outside of work. This diversifies your sources of fulfillment and reduces the risk of burnout. Balancing work and self-care: Finding your rhythm: Everyone’s balance looks different. It’s about finding what works for you and being flexible to adjust as your life changes. Integrating self-care into your routine: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, not something you do only when you find the time. Conclusion Investing in yourself isn’t just about feeling better. It has a compounding effect on your productivity, relationships, and quality of life. By taking care of yourself, you ensure that you have more to give to your work and to those around you. Remember, focusing on yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential. Illustration by Jade Bern Final thoughts If you enjoyed this post, consider a like or repost ♻️? :) I also have a newsletter where I share my best tips on similar topics: https://addy.ie #motivation #productivity #wellbeing