With this added tension of the Pandemic, and the unrest in our world and not to mention the racial injustice and so much more that is unfolding before us on a daily basis, here’s some tips for Leaders to protect your mental health.
As a leader we want to add value to others and oftentimes we will forego our own mental health. Trust me, that is not healthy for you as a leader to do that because if you don’t take care of yourself than you will not be good to lead others.
I’ve found these ten (10) tips to be most helpful in my life and I’m sure it can be beneficial to you as you lead.
- Let go of things you can’t control. Leaders, we are human, and it really helps to recognize that you can only control yourself. You are not responsible for other people’s action or words. What you are responsible for are your words, your actions, your responses, etc. You alone can only control your life; however, as you grow yourself and lead yourself, you are in a better position to lead others. You can’t give what you don’t have.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. You don’t know what that person went through to achieve whatever. I’ve realized that people only let you know what they want you to know about them, so don’t concern yourself about others as far as comparing. The only person you should compare yourself to is you! How did you do yesterday and how you can be better tomorrow. This way, you are focused on your growth and determined to be the best you can be each and every day.
- Activate Your Faith – not your fears! Leaders, to maintain a healthy mental state, you must activate your faith. As you know, faith comes by hearing. Because I’m a woman of faith, I must always emerge myself in the Word of God daily. This can also include meditation and allowing yourself to search within for your inner strength. If you don’t exercise your faith, fear will cause havoc in your mind, and in your life.
- Don’t do anything that doesn’t feel right! I truly believe that our instincts are there to help us to be safe and to be healthy. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “follow your gut.” I’m sure in life you had to follow your gut in order to protect yourself or not allow yourself to be in harm’s way. I can recall a time when I had to follow my gut. Let me share my story. I was working full time in a large corporation and going to school at night to obtain my degree. I remember one night leaving my classroom and I knew to walk to my car with other classmates, so we all get to our vehicles safety. My classmate I was walking with had parked in a different parking garage, so I saw my car and started to walk quickly by myself. As I almost approached my car, a young lady came up to me and it was so suddenly, I really didn’t see where she came from. She asked if I had a few dollars as she needed it to catch the bus. I’m the kind of person who always like to help people because if it wasn’t for the grace of God, I could be that person asking for help. As I was looking to open my purse to help this young lady, my gut alarmed me that this is lady is not genuine and do not open my purse. I walked away quickly from her and ran to my car. I jumped in my car and started it and took off and in my rear-view mirror, I saw the young lady and a man running after my car. I followed my gut because their intent was to harm me or perhaps carjacked me but I’m so glad that I listened and followed my gut for my own protection. Don’t ever do anything that doesn’t feel right. Yes, that feeling that something is not right can save you.
- Don’t be afraid to spend time alone. Learn to love your own company. Be your own best friend. Make sure you schedule “me time” to reflect and to renew your mind. That’s quality time to recharge and re-energize yourself. Make you a priority!
- Avoid gossip and bashing others. My mother told me: if you can’t say anything nice about another, say nothing at all. Remember this principle to keep your mental health healthy. The reaping and sowing principle is real. What you put out or what you say, will come back to you. Don’t do it. Try to find the good in everything and everyone.
- Speak kindly to yourself and to others. One of my “go to” verses regarding this step is found in Proverbs 15:1 which states: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. How profound and so true. Remember what you say to yourself because you are listening. Just as important, be mindful what you say to others. Harsh words can wound people deeply and even with an apology those words can replay and rehearse in people’s mind. In my best seller’s book, Power Talk begins with Power Thoughts, outlines the importance of self-talk to victory. It also provides Affirmation Therapy where you can learn to affirm your strengths and what makes you unique and awesome. Check my book out on Amazon.
- Please yourself before you please others. This pertains to self-care which is crucial and necessary for every leader. Take time to do the things you enjoy doing, such as reading, sewing, swimming and nature walks or whatever things that make you happy. Trying to please others is insatiable because you can never satisfy or appeased people.
- Stay away from toxic people who drain you energy. All I say is: Run Leaders Run! Do not let toxic and negative people deplete your strength and energy. Listen to me, if you let toxic people to absorb your energy, guess what, they will It. That’s why it’s necessary to set boundaries to avoid toxic and negative people in your life. You’ll need your energy to do what you are destined to do: Lead yourself and lead others.
- Ignore any opinions that don’t enhance your life! I love this quote: Other people’s opinion about me is none of my business! Leaders stay focus and don’t let others distract you and you will have peace of mind to do effective leading for yourself and others.
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