Secure Your Own Mask First: Why Self Care is More Important Than Ever
A recent Gallup poll revealed the sobering fact that nearly two out of every three workers feel burned out. Burnout is very real and very dangerous. And although many of us are well acquainted with the risk of burning out while juggling work and childcare, doing so in our new and challenging reality of living through a global pandemic puts us at an increased risk of burnout. Collectively and as individuals, self-care is now more critical than ever for leaders. If you’re feeling unusually exhausted lately, keep reading to find out a few reasons why burnout seems to be seeping in, why it’s never been more vital to take care of yourself, and what you can do about it.
WHY IT’S SO BAD
Interruptions, decisions, and dilemmas, oh my
If you’re lucky enough to be able to continue working amid the pandemic and global shutdown, you are adjusting to a situation that no one alive has ever dealt with. Meaning, where you might have felt burnt out because of long workdays or workplace conflict, you are now trying to do your job in a situation where your priorities might change on an hourly basis. The home that was once your refuge is now doing additional duties as your workspace and school. The psychological stress alone of weighing the ethical implications of ordering delivery or helping an elderly neighbor can lead to pandemic-specific fatigue.
Even unwinding is now stressful
Some level of anxiety and emotional exhaustion is normal in a pandemic situation, but for many people, the usual coping mechanisms – the gym, a class, socializing with friends – have vanished. Making matters worse is an onslaught of messages on social media to not “waste” your quarantine by taking up a new hobby or finishing a creative project.
Constant information and news
No matter how much of a news diet you try to go on, the news is everywhere, unrelenting, and rarely, if ever, good, particularly lately. News and information change daily, creating a sense of instability and worry about the unknown. If you are also attending numerous virtual meetings with coworkers, you may begin to feel like you are always in front of a screen, and like you scarcely have time to process it all.
WHY SELF-CARE IS SO IMPORTANT
If you’ve ever paid attention to a hard-working flight attendant presenting a safety briefing before takeoff, you know that they emphasize a certain point: they instruct you to secure your oxygen mask before attempting to help others. Although people still need leadership in these troubled times, you owe it to yourself and your team to practice self-care. You might feel like you're letting your team down by taking time and space to care for yourself, but this is untrue. To continue to be an effective leader, you must first secure your stability before helping others. To put it another way, you can't share a drop of coffee when your own mug is empty.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Prioritize rest and sleep – the quality of your days and your mental health is dependent on the quality of rest and sleep you get. While there is such a thing as too much sleep, if you are well-rested, you will be better able to take care of other aspects of your health, such as exercise and a healthy diet.
Audit, connect, disconnect – go through the types of media you choose to consume and cut out the ones that spread negativity or that make you feel guilty for how you’re spending your time. Connecting to others via donations or other forms of support can be powerful and healing. To disconnect, find some time each day to unplug. Even just fifteen minutes a day can go a long way and help you carve more time for yourself.
Keep in mind that this isn’t forever – although the days can feel endless and begin to blur together, remember that this is a season and that we will get through it. Perspectives may change when this is over, and the “normal” we go back to may look like something entirely new, but we will all adjust.
At the base of it, burnout is a consequence of unrealistic expectations.
Regardless of the source of these expectations, there is unprecedented pressure to continue performing at a high level while simultaneously meeting a bevy of new demands at once. Leaders can set the example for their team and their families by putting their self-care first. Could you use some additional support? Contact Leadership Delta today to see how we can help you develop the tools to emerge from this period a better leader and more compassionate human.