Leading a company can be extremely stressful, with the demands of running a business often leaving little time for leaders to focus on their own mental health. To help address this issue, 20 Forbes Business Council members have shared their top recommendations for business leaders to prioritize their mental well-being. These recommendations range from starting the day with meditation or breathwork sessions, to establishing a strong mindset, knowing your boundaries, disconnecting from work, prioritizing social connection, and connecting with peers for support and camaraderie.
Establishing a strong mindset is crucial for entrepreneurs who often start their own businesses and rely on themselves, leading to feelings of isolation. By engaging in complementary activities like reading, exercising, networking with other business owners, and joining CEO clubs, leaders can cultivate a mindset that supports their journey to success. Additionally, it’s important for leaders to recognize their non-negotiables and prioritize self-care activities like exercise, spending time with family, and enjoying hobbies to consistently lead from a place of strength.
Disconnecting from work is essential for mental health, allowing leaders to recharge, gain perspective, and return to work with renewed energy and focus. Prioritizing social connection can also help combat feelings of isolation and stress, reminding leaders that there is a vibrant world outside of work. Connecting with peers for valuable support, perspective, and camaraderie can also help leaders maintain their mental well-being amidst the demands of running a company.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation, scheduling time for tasks that improve physical health, exercising regularly, and communicating with a coach or therapist are all effective strategies for supporting mental health. Leaders are encouraged to align their schedules around their feelings, avoid trying to prioritize everything, incorporate curiosity breaks, distinguish between work time and relaxation time, and get out into nature to promote mindfulness and connection with the natural world.
Taking time away from work, avoiding rushing to conclusions, establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, recognizing limits, and building a mix of solutions that fit individual lifestyle can all support mental health for business leaders. By prioritizing their mental well-being, leaders can not only benefit their own health and well-being but also set a positive example for their team members and ultimately improve the overall success and sustainability of their businesses.
