As I have talked with many leaders recently, the thing that has struck me is how exhausted and overwhelmed everyone is feeling. Okay, so it is drawing towards the end of the year, and we all tend to be tired out then. Oh yeah, and then there has been that global pandemic thing going on which has proved to be incredibly stressful for everyone. Furthermore, those in leadership have had the extra burden of trying to navigate not just themselves, but also their teams through unknown waters. So, what should we do about this? Ignore it and keep on paddling? Yet, we all know Einstein\u2019s theory of insanity \u2013 doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. What are you doing to ensure you do not fulfill this definition of insanity and experience burn out as well? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During coaching sessions, leaders have shared with me what is working well for them and so I offer five strategies below that seem to be well tested and working for others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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1. Unplug Regularly \u2013 <\/strong>We all know that we should put down our devices periodically, particularly close to bedtime so that we can get a good night\u2019s sleep (see strategy #3 below). However, how many of us are any good at it? Those leaders who have been strict about not looking at email or social media after a certain time of night report feeling considerably more rested the next day. The same is true for weekends. You know what is realistic for you. Perhaps set a guideline of only checking once or twice a day or only on Sunday evening. Whatever it is, make your rule and stick to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Exercise <\/strong>\u2013 You knew this one had to come up \ud83d\ude0a. As a working mom and elder caregiver with a 50 \u2013 60 work week, I recall struggling valiantly to find time to exercise. It was only when I started my own business and became an empty nester that I really made progress on this. However, we keep hearing how critically important this is for our mental as well as physical wellbeing. During the pandemic, many of us took to simply walking outdoors in our neighborhoods and reaped the benefits of a clearer head, a better outlook and an increased heart rate. I\u2019m now hearing as people return to work, they are trying to keep this up by taking a brief walk at lunchtime. What would work for you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Sleep \u2013 <\/strong>So hands up, who is getting 8 hours of sleep per night?!! That\u2019s what I thought. You don\u2019t need me to cite the countless studies that show how increased sleep can improve your attitude, creativity, energy level and even help with weight loss. The trick seems to be setting a bedtime that allows you to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night and then not get distracted at bedtime by countless other activities. Try this one for even just one week and see how you feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Create some \u201cMe Time\u201d \u2013 <\/strong>Whether getting away from it all means socializing with friends, watching a movie, getting a massage, or working on a craft or hobby, we all need a change of scenery, a respite from work and the opportunity for a good laugh. In the immortal words of Marie Kondo, figure out what \u201cgive you joy\u201d and move heaven and earth to make this happen at least once a month or preferably once a week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Ask for Help \u2013 <\/strong>Contrary to popular belief, it is not a sign of weaknesses to ask for help on this or any other thing. If you need a break at home, ask friends to watch your kids in return for watching theirs at some point in the future or hire a babysitter. Alternatively, make a deal with your spouse or partner to allow you some of that \u201cme time\u201d and then reciprocate by doing the same for them in the following week. Finally, on the work-front, delegate some tasks where possible (what\u2019s overloading you might be just the thing to help someone else grow and develop). Also get realistic about your workload. Ask yourself what is truly critical to complete today. Do it and then relax. The rest can wait for another day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do any of these resonate for you? If not, can you think of something that would work for you? The important thing is come up with something \u2013 anything that you can hold yourself accountable for doing for at least a month consistently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then try it and see how it goes. If you \u201cfall off the wagon\u201d, ask yourself why. Were you unrealistic or was it the wrong strategy for you? If so, adjust and try something else. If not, then just climb back on the wagon and keep going. You, your family, and your work colleagues will be glad you did! <\/p>\n\n\n\n