For anyone it can be hard to admit that things can be overwhelming, however it can be especially difficult when you’re managing a team or organisation. Leaders are expected to put on a brave face and lead through anything, at any cost. But, when schedules are full, stakes are high, and you’re having to helm a team or organisation, it can feel like the pressure is mounting beyond control. Crucially, the most important thing any leader can do is know when to take a step back and focus on themselves.
When there’s a million things to do, it can also feel like there’s no time to relax or make room for self-care. That’s why it’s important to integrate self-care practices into existing everyday routines. But where to start? Here are five easy things leaders should be doing this summer to regain control, boost mood, and put themselves first.
Learn to Sensehack
Simply put, ‘sensehacking’ is the art of using your senses to boost your mood and improve your mental wellbeing. This could include lighting a candle infused with a relaxing essential oil like lavender, listening to naturescapes (like a beach or forest scene), or learning how to find pressure points across the body. It’s really about being conscious of your body and your senses and learning how to use them in a way that helps you feel better. A good place to start is by thinking about what sort of stimuli you respond to the most, like scent or taste. Once you know how to effectively hack your own senses, it can feel easier to tap into these states at any time.
Write it Down
As a leader, it can be hard to leave work at the office (and even harder if your office is within your home). You may find your head spinning throughout the day or thoughts racing before bed. One way to combat this feeling of overwhelm and overstimulation is to write things down. This could include carrying a notebook in your bag, keeping sticky notes on your desk, and/or keeping a piece of paper beside the bed. Writing these thoughts down solidifies them. It helps clear you to clear your mind and think pragmatically, avoiding overwhelm.
In a similar vein, some people may also find that journalling helps. There are hundreds of prompts readily available online that can help you streamline your thinking.
Overhaul Your Sleep Routine
A huge part of self-care is making sure you get enough rest and sleep. Curating an environment that fosters good sleep is key. This includes avoiding blue light before bed, investing in soft lighting, and making sure that you don’t bring work into the bedroom. Having a consistent sleep routine is a great way to feel more energised during the day.
Affirmations
Affirmations are a great way to practise self-care easily. They’re also a great way to practise self-love and compassion. Affirmations are statements made in the present tense about yourself, such as ‘I am calm’ or ‘I am capable’, that are said out loud to yourself (some people like to say them in front of a mirror). It may feel silly at first but stick with it because they’re a powerful way to transform your thinking and get yourself into a more positive headspace. By repeating affirmations, your brain is forced to think positively. This should help boost your mood and make you feel more confident, in summer and beyond!
Breathe
It sounds cliché, but breathing consciously really is an effective way to boost your mood anywhere and everywhere. An element of sensehacking, using the power of your breath is an easy practice to integrate into any schedule, no matter how busy.
One of the easiest ways to consciously breathe is by ‘box breathing’. This involves breathing in for four, holding for four, breathing out for four and repeating until you feel less anxious or stressed. This can be done anywhere: at a desk, in bed, whilst waiting for the kettle to boil etc.
