Unlocking Mental Fitness: 5 Habits Every Leader Needs to Thrive

In today’s high-stress business environment, mental health is not just a personal concern but a leadership imperative. May, being Mental Health Awareness Month, offers an opportune moment for reflection and action. Especially since despite efforts made to improve workforce mental health, employees are still struggling.

The recent statistics are a wake-up call: Sixty-one percent of employees said they’ve felt down, depressed or hopeless over the past month. Only thirty eight percent of employees say their manager fosters a low-stress work environment.?Employees also say that?managers impact their mental health ?even more than their doctors or therapists (and on par with their spouses). ?60% of employees ?say that their job is the most significant factor in their mental health. As leaders, integrating mental well-being into our leadership style isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary.?

Prioritizing Mental Health Starts With You?

The link between a leader’s mental health and their management effectiveness is clear and compelling. Leaders who make their own mental wellness a priority not only boost their own performance but also cultivate a supportive atmosphere that promotes the well-being and productivity of their teams. This positive influence has the power to reshape organizational culture, elevating mental health from a mere policy to a daily practice.??

Five Game-Changing Habits for Enhanced Leadership and Well-being?

1. Schedule ‘Thinking Time’ – Not Just for Big Ideas

It’s common for leaders to get bogged down in the minutiae of daily tasks. To combat this, introduce scheduled ‘Thinking Time’ into your routine. This isn’t just for grand ideas or strategic planning sessions; it’s about taking a few minutes to reflect on your mental state and work environment. Imagine treating it like a mini-date with your brain: “So, how have you felt about the time invested in building deeper connections with your team? What have you experienced as a result?” This practice can help you stay mentally clear, engaged and helps you recognize the results of your actions.?

1. Turn ‘One-on-Ones’ into ‘Walk-and-Talks’

Swap the stuffy office atmosphere for the outdoors during one-on-one meetings, even if your team is remote. The combination of physical activity and nature can significantly boost mental clarity and creativity. This isn’t just a walk in the park—literally, it is—but it’s also your step count challenging your creativity count. Plus, if your team is centrally located, walking side by side can also break down hierarchical workplace dynamics, fostering open communication and a sense of psychological safety among team members.??

1. Incorporate ‘Breathing Brackets’ into Meetings

Before diving into the agenda of a meeting, introduce a 60-second ‘Breathing Bracket’—a minute where everyone can engage in deep breathing or a mindfulness exercise. This can act as a mental reset, reducing tension and clearing the cognitive deck before a deep dive into discussions. Think of it as a system reboot for your brain—sometimes a simple Ctrl+Alt+Del command is all it takes to enhance performance. One team I know starts meetings by taking turns sharing the following: “I’m leaving behind my concern about (blank) to stay present in today’s meeting.” Not only does this exercise help individuals shift gears, but alerts leadership where someone’s concerns might benefit from a follow-up conversation.?

1. Master the Art of ‘Micro-Gratitude’

While grand gestures of appreciation are always welcome, the power of ‘micro-gratitude’—small, yet specific and sincere acknowledgments—can be particularly impactful. This could be as simple as firing off a text or sending a quick thank-you message for a team member’s insight during a meeting. Not only does this enhance positive relations, but it also creates a feedback-rich environment. According to Deloitte’s Generational Z Workforce Experience Study, seventy-eight percent of Gen Zer’s said it’s important that their boss show they appreciation them! Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than buying everyone lunch!?

1. Deepening the Dialogue: Beyond ‘How’s Everything?’

Shift from the typical “Is everything okay?” to asking more meaningful, empathetic questions such as “How are you taking care of yourself today?” This approach encourages team members to reflect and share more about their well-being in a thoughtful way. It’s crucial for leaders to be aware when someone is struggling—not to play therapist, but to be able to guide them to appropriate support resources. Similarly, as a leader, recognizing your own needs and knowing where to find help is just as important. This practice not only deepens your connection with your team but also strengthens the overall mental health support structure within your organization, ensuring everyone knows they’re not alone in their journey.?

Conclusion?

Adopting these microsteps can help business leaders maintain their mental fitness and enhance their leadership capabilities. Each step, though small, plays a crucial part in developing a healthier work environment and a more resilient leadership approach. Remember, a good laugh can be just as important as a good decision. Injecting humor into our daily interactions not only eases stress but also fosters a more joyful and productive workplace. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to lead by example, proving that mental health—and a good chuckle—are priorities both in and out of the boardroom.?

At the heart of every sale, every interaction between a leader and a team member, every conversation with a customer…. is a connection. And most importantly, connection begins within. How to make those connections effective, and leverage them for greater success whether in person or remotely, is the thread that is woven into every one of Colette Carlson’s presentations. For more information on Colette’s customized, virtual or in-person programs, give us a call.