Self-Care: Indulgent or Investment?
Self-care and the commitment we each make to create a sustainable career is critical.
As I have raised many times, the systems we work within and funding requirements do not automatically care for our workforce.
Research is clear: self-care isn’t a luxury— it’s vital for everyone. It's not an indulgence, it is about sustaining your ability to offer your best to your work. If you’re a leader, it is critical to support leading effectively and create a healthier workplace for your team.
The Hidden Costs of Neglecting Self-Care
A recent study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed how self-care influences leadership effectiveness.
Leaders who engage in self-care are more likely to prioritise staff well-being which positively impacts team health and performance. Neglecting self-care, on the other hand, limits a leader’s capacity to role model healthy behaviours and diminishes their ability to support their team effectively. (Study link)
This finding aligns with another study published in the Journal of Managerial Psychology. It highlights how self-leadership positively influences task proficiency, adaptability, and proactivity. Leaders who practice self-care are better positioned to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and foster resilience in the workplace. (Study link)
Neglecting self-care isn’t just harmful to the leader—it creates a ripple effect that impacts the entire organisation. Teams model their leaders' behaviours, so a leader who burns out risks setting a precedent of overwork and neglect among their team.
What is the ROI of Self-Care?
Think of self-care as the maintenance routine of a high-performance vehicle. Without it, the vehicle might run for a while but will eventually break down. Similarly, self-care ensures leaders operate at peak efficiency, preventing burnout or poor decision-making.
Leaders who practice self-care set an example, showing their teams that well-being matters. This improves morale, strengthens relationships, and increases productivity. Moreover, these leaders are better equipped to handle the demands of their roles, balancing empathy, decisiveness, and creativity.
‘There’s only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.’
—Aldous Huxley
If leaders ignore their needs, they set up a poor example for their colleagues, creating implicit expectations to align with an over-functioning work-style, where we do way more than is reasonable.
Self-care is critical given systemic pressures
Self-care is more essential than ever due to the mounting systemic challenges that we are facing. These systemic issues often leave little room for recovery, making burnout a widespread risk.
As much as it is unfair that we must overcome dysfunctional systems with self-care, unfortunately at this time, it has become necessary for sustainability.
Self-care acts as a buffer and counterbalance, enabling us to navigate these challenges with clarity, maintain emotional stability, and sustain our effectiveness. By addressing well-being, leaders not only shield themselves from the impacts of systemic stress but also set the tone for healthier, more adaptive workplaces.
Practical Strategies for Incorporating Self-Care
Not sure of where to begin? These evidence-based strategies can help:
Integrate Self-Leadership Practices
Build daily routines that promote physical and mental health, such as regular exercise, mindful breathing, or scheduled breaks. These practices enhance adaptability and focus, as highlighted in the Journal of Managerial Psychology study.
Set Boundaries with Confidence
Protect your personal time by saying no to non-essential commitments. Schedule downtime just as you would a meeting or task. As discussed in many previous articles I have written, we can set boundaries by not over-functioning.
Create a Feedback Loop
Regularly check in with yourself and your team to reflect on well-being. Treat these discussions as opportunities to align on shared goals and reduce workplace stressors.
Celebrate Strengths, Skills and Wins
Acknowledge your own and your colleagues strengths, skills and potential. Celebrate milestones in both personal and team well-being. These celebrations reinforce positive behaviours and build collective resilience.
Model Self-Care for Everyone’s Wellbeing
Actively modelling self-care reinforces the importance of well-being within your team. The Environmental Research and Public Health study demonstrated that leaders who prioritise their well-being are more likely to inspire their teams to do the same.
The Ripple Effect of Self-Care
Leadership isn’t just about driving outcomes; it’s about cultivating a thriving, healthy team culture. Investing in self-care equips leaders to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose.
By adopting self-care as a non-negotiable part of your leadership strategy, you not only protect your health but also amplify your positive impact on the people around you. As the research shows, this isn’t indulgence—it’s investment, with a return that benefits everyone.
By treating self-care as an essential leadership tool, you’re making a choice to lead with longevity and impact.
If you want to make a tangible difference to your self-leadership and self-care strategies, consider joining my Thriving Professional Women’s program for 2025. Check out this link for more information.