How to be a good manager and take care of yourself

As a manager*, surely you already know very well how to take care of your employees’ mental health and well-being. But what about your health? As a person in a leadership position, you are responsible* for others. And this, in the age of coronavirus, can prove to be an incredibly stressful task.

Struggling with prolonged stress, professional burnout and general exhaustion from the global situation, it is difficult to take care of the health and safety of your employees. By taking care of your mental health, you not only help yourself, but also your team.

A culture of openness and authenticity

Starting an open conversation about mental health and fighting stigma are critical to the health of your employees. Yours also. Knowing that someone has had similar experiences and understands us makes us feel less isolated and more willing to reach out for help. By sharing your story, you can show your team that even leaders struggle with mental health issues and that they too have the right to be vulnerable. It throbs, with the rest, tremendous power.

Take care of your boundaries

Increased responsibility and number of duties can make you have less time to relax, or maybe none at all. But don’t forget that like any other employee, you have the right to a healthy work-life balance. Recovery time is essential! Learn to set boundaries that will allow you to regain your work-life balance. You can, for example, clearly communicate to the team what hours you will be available to them* and not respond to messages or calls outside of those hours.

As a manager*, it is your duty to listen to your employees, but that doesn’t mean you should always be ready* to do so. If an employee needs support and you don’t have the strength or space to help him or her, connect him or her with the appropriate person from the HR department or encourage him or her to take advantage of available psychological care.

Know your stressors

Knowing what things, words or situations trigger a violent reaction in you – fear, anger, emotional pain, panic attack – allows you to have more control over them. Unfortunately, they cannot be completely controlled, but they can, if possible, be avoided. In contrast, if we know that our stressor will be present, this awareness can minimize our reaction.

Moreover, there are exercises and methods for dealing with stressors.

Knowing them is part of one of a leader’s most important tools – self-awareness. Practice this trait by testing your emotions and fitness. Learn to recognize when you need a break and rest. Such self-observation will help you learn your stressors – watch your reactions carefully, but proceed with caution. The stressor triggers strong negative emotions and we may feel that we are losing control. In such moments, focus on your breath or on your senses.

Healthy sleep

Sleep is one of our basic needs – the lack of it is linked to many physical and mental problems – from heart disease and diabetes to depression. It also significantly reduces our ability to concentrate and our resistance to stress.

Try to follow the principles of sleep hygiene, which will help you fall asleep and wake up more easily. However, if you are experiencing sleep problems or suspect that you may be struggling with a sleep disorder, contact a specialist.

Of course, as important as sleep are a proper diet and regular exercise!

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help

If you feel worse, never be afraid to ask for support from someone close to you. This could be a partner or partners, a family member or another trusted person in your support network.

You can also always schedule a session with a therapist if you feel the need. Remember, being a leader does not mean being someone tough and always in control. Sure, you are a manager*, but – above all – you are a human being.