“Attention passengers: Please secure your oxygen mask before assisting others.” Sound familiar? That’s not dramatic flair. The fact is you can’t help others breathe if you’re gasping for air yourself. And isn’t that also a perfect metaphor for leadership?
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, It’s Strategic
In the high-altitude world of leadership, the oxygen mask principle is about ensuring you’re at your best before you can effectively lead others. Neglecting self-care can leave you—and by extension, your team—at a serious disadvantage. Don’t trick yourself into believing that you being a martyr is good for anyone; it’s not!
Imagine trying to water your garden with an empty watering can. Or with your eyes closed. You need to replenish your resources and direct your energy if you want to nurture growth around you.
So, before you dive into leading others, ensure your own foundation is solid. It’s not just good sense; it’s a leadership imperative.
- When was the last time you prioritized your well-being over your to-do list?
- What does your personal ‘oxygen mask’ look like?
- How might neglecting your own needs affect your ability to lead?
8 Amare Ways to Practice Good Self-Care
1. Prioritize your health. Schedule that doctor’s appointment you’ve been postponing. Your health is the real wealth underpinning your leadership.
2. Take mental breaks. Just like you reboot your computer, give your brain a reset. Yes, that might mean turning off your email notifications for an hour!
3. Feed your spirit. Engage in activities that rejuvenate your soul, whether that’s meditating, painting, or dancing to 80s hits in your living room.
4. Boundaries are beautiful. It’s okay to say no. Repeat it with me: “No is a complete sentence.”
5. Connect deeply. Spend quality time with loved ones. Relationships are the cushions on the bumpy road of leadership.
6. Keep moving. Your body will thank you, and your mind will reward you with sharper clarity.
7. Laugh often. Find humor in daily challenges; it’s like internal yoga, making everything more flexible.
8. Keep learning. Embrace ongoing education not just for your job but for your joy. When you grow, your ability to lead grows.
The Uplifting Power of Self-Care
Taking care of yourself isn’t just a survival tactic; it’s an elevation strategy. When you prioritize your own well-being, you model healthy habits for your teams, create a more positive workplace culture, and drive sustainable performance.
Lead with love, lead with care, and don’t forget to breathe deeply. After all, the next time you fly, those oxygen masks might just hold the secret to your next big leadership breakthrough.
And remember, if you ever feel guilty about taking a moment for yourself, just think about those flight instructions. It turns out, putting on your oxygen mask first is not just good advice on a plane—it’s a crucial leadership strategy all the time.
Transform Your Leadership Team
I coach and advise executives and leadership teams on identifying and being the best and most effective versions of themselves through the Amare Way of love-powered leadership (suffering optional!). If this stirs something within you, please listen. Contact me here.
Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
—Eleanor Brown, American novelist
Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:
When You Have Nothing Left to Give: Six Ways to Restore Yourself and Still Lead with Love
5 Steps to Happiness & Freedom in Your Business
6 Steps to Working Super-Hard and Hustling – Without Losing Yourself
To Thine Own Self—and Business—Be True: The Importance of Alignment In Making Business Love
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