“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” — L.R. Knost
Why You Have to Make Time for Yourself as a Leader (and How Your Mental Health Impacts Your Team)
In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly being “on.” Whether you’re leading a startup, managing a department, or guiding a team through a major project, the demands on your time and energy can feel endless. But here’s the hard truth: if you don’t take time for yourself, you’ll end up burning out—and that burnout will ripple through your entire team.
The Importance of Prioritizing Yourself
As leaders, we often put the needs of our teams, organizations, or clients ahead of our own. We tell ourselves that there’s just no time for self-care, that we need to keep pushing to meet deadlines, solve problems, and ensure everything is running smoothly. But in reality, making time for yourself is not just a luxury; it’s essential to maintaining the mental clarity and emotional stability needed to be an effective leader.
Taking time to recharge—whether through exercise, hobbies, meditation, or simply stepping away from your work for a few moments each day—helps you avoid exhaustion, overwhelm, and decision fatigue. When you neglect these moments for yourself, your ability to lead thoughtfully and make balanced decisions diminishes.
The Mental Health Impact on Leadership
Your mental health as a leader has a direct impact on your team’s performance, morale, and culture. If you’re stressed, overworked, or struggling with anxiety, it will inevitably trickle down into your interactions with your team. You may find yourself becoming irritable, less patient, or making rushed decisions that affect your team’s productivity and cohesion.
When you’re not in a good mental space, your emotional bandwidth for managing your team’s concerns shrinks. Your team looks to you not only for direction but also for emotional cues on how to handle stressful situations. If you’re constantly on edge, they’ll pick up on it and begin to operate in that same high-stress environment, which can lead to disengagement, decreased creativity, and higher turnover.
How Your Well-being Shapes Team Dynamics
A leader’s mood can set the tone for the entire team. If you’re calm, focused, and grounded, your team is more likely to mirror those behaviors. They’ll feel empowered to solve problems creatively, communicate openly, and collaborate effectively. On the other hand, if you’re frantic, stressed, and reactive, your team will follow suit—leading to a chaotic and disorganized environment.
This doesn’t mean you need to be perfect or hide your struggles. Being transparent about the importance of mental health and showing vulnerability can foster a supportive culture where your team feels safe to take care of themselves too. It’s about modeling balance, resilience, and the ability to take a step back when needed.
Creating Space for Self-Care
Making time for yourself as a leader requires intentional effort. Here are some ways to carve out that space, even in the busiest of times:
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear work hours and protect them. Avoid responding to non-urgent emails or calls during off-hours, and encourage your team to do the same.
- Delegate Effectively: Trust your team with responsibilities. Effective delegation not only eases your workload but also empowers your team members to step up and grow in their roles.
- Schedule Downtime: Block out time in your calendar for breaks, exercise, or anything that helps you recharge. Treat these appointments with the same importance as meetings.
- Normalize Mental Health Discussions: Create a culture where it’s okay to talk about mental health. Lead by example by being open about your need for balance and encourage your team to do the same.
- Prioritize Physical Health: Physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep are foundational to maintaining mental health. Make these a priority, and you’ll see the positive effects on your leadership.
The Ripple Effect of a Healthy Leader
When you take care of your mental health, you’re not just doing it for yourself—you’re doing it for your team. A leader who is centered, composed, and mentally well creates a positive environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation. Your team will thrive when they know they can rely on you not just for answers but for leadership that is grounded in clarity and emotional stability.
In the end, leadership is about more than just driving results. It’s about creating a sustainable and supportive culture, and that starts with how you treat yourself. By making time for your own well-being, you’ll not only become a more effective leader—you’ll also build a healthier, more resilient team.
