Estoy convencida que además de delegar y programar tiempo para uno mismo, otro aspecto fundamental del autocuidado es la capacidad de decir 'no'. Como líderes, muchas veces asumimos más responsabilidades de las que realmente podemos manejar, lo que puede afectar nuestro bienestar. Establecer límites claros nos permite enfocarnos en lo realmente importante, tanto para nosotros como para nuestros equipos. También, es necesario trabajar en nuestra autoconciencia, entendiendo cuándo necesitamos descansar o recargar energías, ojo: antes de llegar al agotamiento. El autocuidado no solo se trata de hacer algo por nosotros mismos, sino también de dar el ejemplo a los demás, para que el bienestar sea parte de la cultura del equipo.

Mostly, many leaders often go through the brunt of high-stress decisions, expectations handling & also holding up the position, which can pressurise the work-life balance & it can also affect their leadership. To make them reflect on the same we need to encourage to set boundaries to protect personal time and reduce burnout. Also by suggesting some delegation of tasks to trusted team members to lighten their load. Also help them to understand the importance of taking breaks & go for vacation with family or enjoy some solo trips which can energize them & get charged for seeing more challenges.

One of the important things for leaders which helps in not feeling overwhelmed is learning effective delegation. Focusing on high impact tasks (the ones you are really good at and enjoy doing) makes your productivity soar. To start with, make a time log and assess where your time is being spent. Identify the low value and high value tasks. Focus your efforts on high value tasks which you are good at and enjoy doing. And delegate the tasks like operations, administrative, responding to general emails which someone else can do and are low value for you to spend time on. You will then be able to include your other activities like exercising, spending time with family and so on because of this kind of a mere shift in prioritisation.

Begin by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, delegating tasks to trusted team members to reduce overload. Schedule regular breaks and personal time, treating them as non-negotiable appointments. Practice mindfulness or stress-reducing activities such as meditation or exercise to maintain mental clarity. Reflect on your goals to focus energy on high-impact tasks while letting go of non-essential activities. Build a support network, seeking guidance or sharing challenges with peers or mentors. Remember, leading by example in self-care inspires your team to do the same, fostering a healthier and more productive environment.

As a leader, self-care is essential to sustain your energy and effectiveness. Start by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Delegate tasks to your team and trust them to deliver. Prioritize your health—eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Schedule "me time" daily, even if it’s just 10 minutes for reflection or relaxation. Learn to say no to non-essential commitments. Lastly, seek support from mentors or peers when needed. A well-rested leader inspires more than an overwhelmed one. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s your foundation for leading well.