As business leaders, our mental health can sometimes take a back seat to deadlines and profits, but prioritizing our mental health is a key component of the resilience needed for sustained success.
To help you find balance, members of the Newsweek Expert Forum share proven strategies for prioritizing your mental health. From carving out technology-free time to regular exercise, these methods can help you maintain your overall wellness while leading effectively.
1. Go outside
Over the past two and a half years, I've found that getting outside in some form not only makes me feel good, but it also helps clarify things I've been thinking about. Make sure you schedule this time in your schedule. This is important for leaders because it allows you to be more reasoned in your decisions and set an example for your team. – André Blackman, True Search
2. Connect with your body and others
As leaders, we all need to look after our own mental health to avoid offending others. We spend most of our time in front of screens and disconnected from our bodies. Paradoxically, our minds start to spin. To regain my sanity, even when I'm pressed for time, I prioritize movement breaks by going outside and connecting with real, 3D humans. – Paula Oleska, Natural Intelligence Systems
3. Make time for the simple things
As an entrepreneur, I've realized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and overall wellness. Simple things like exercise and taking time to relax help me stay focused and positive. Talking to a coach often helps me refocus on balancing my work and personal life. – Jason Hennessy, Hennessy Digital
4. Disconnect and recharge
Rest and downtime help improve cognitive function and decision-making abilities. Leaders who take time to step back and rejuvenate often return with clearer thinking and fresh perspectives, which are essential for strategic thinking and problem-solving. – Britton Block, Navy Federal
5. Avoid complexity and find balance
Everyone needs stress relief and time to spend with family and friends. Don't just work hard, play hard too. No one can withstand a 24/7 stressful environment for long as it will make them less effective as a leader and employee. Avoid complications and addictions in your life. Aim for a healthy balance of exercise, right food and adequate rest. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures
6. Practice intentional solitude and technology-free reflection time.
I strategically practice solitude, intentionally setting aside time for dedicated, uninterrupted, technology-free reflection. This mindfulness approach not only disconnects me from the physical world, but also allows me to recharge my cognitive resources. Other leaders can adopt this practice to strengthen their decision-making and maintain an empathetic leadership persona. – Kira Graves, PhD, Kira Graves Consulting
7. Prioritize exercise and treatment
Therapy and exercise have been godsends for me as a business owner and leader, especially as I get older and realize how important it is to take care of my health. For me, these two things are my lifeline to staying mentally healthy. – Tammy Sons, Tn Nursery
8. Set boundaries between work and personal life
Practice good self-care and set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Cultivating a healthy work-life balance helps you recharge your batteries, stay focused, and make good decisions. Mental clarity leads to increased productivity, creativity, and overall leadership. Taking care of your mental health thus has a positive impact on your team and organization. – Anna Yusim, MD, Yusim Psychiatry, Consulting, Executive Coaching
9. Use the transition period as a reset
I view every change in my day as an opportunity to reset and clear out the “clutter” in my mind. In the past, I would fill these moments with distractions that hindered my ability to quickly recharge. But by taking these opportunities to stop and be in the present moment, I have been able to focus better, work more creatively, and reduce the urge to multitask as the day progresses. – Leah Marone, Corporate Wellness Consultant
10. Start your mornings with intention
How you start your day sets the tone for the entire day. Prioritize activities that support your mental health first thing in the morning, like meditation, exercise, or journaling. And practice power poses throughout the day. Take a few deep breaths and reset in just 60 seconds. – Karen Mangia, The Engineered Innovation Group
11. Take a break
Business leaders have to inspire others, but it's hard to do that when you're exhausted. Even when you have a lot to do, you need to be conscious of taking breaks. Whether that's a walk or a weekend getaway, you need time for yourself. – Krisztina Veres, Veres Career Consulting
12. Make time for self-care
A key component of leadership is the clarity we gain by prioritizing our mental health. By taking time for rest and reflection, we recharge our mental and physical energy. Building in time for self-care during the day gives us the opportunity to replenish our energy so we can operate at full capacity and make better decisions. This benefits our own well-being and the overall well-being of those around us. – Henry Kurkowski, eWireless
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
