There’s nothing quite like backing a cause you truly believe in.
Whether you’re at the helm of a church, nonprofit, or social enterprise, leading your organization and community with compassion and a sense of service can be incredibly rewarding.
But when you’re doing such fulfilling and important work, a lot can rest on your shoulders – at times, putting your emotional and physical well-being at risk.
We understand that in any leadership role, you want to keep supporting yourself and the people who rely on you to the best of your ability. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to manage your stress levels and reduce your risk of burnout.
Here are our top tips for establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing you – even as a leader.
Practical tips to manage stress for leaders
1. Don’t be afraid to delegate
When you’re in a leadership position, you’ll naturally carry a great deal of responsibility. But that doesn’t mean you have to carry it alone.
In fact, delegating is an important part of being an effective leader as it:
- Frees you up to focus on more important tasks
- Helps you avoid leadership fatigue and burnout
- Encourages a sense of teamwork and collaboration
- Helps your employees and colleagues feel included
Gather a reliable team around you, identify the tasks you’re comfortable delegating, and entrust them to your team so you can all work together in an effective, positive, and inclusive environment.
2. Make time for self care
Self care is essential for everyone – especially people in leadership roles with additional responsibilities and stressors on their plates.
As a leader of any organization, it’s important to prioritize self care by taking time to rest and do things that bring you joy and replenish your energy.
Don’t wait until the stress signals start to appear, though! Self care is about more than taking time off or engaging in meaningful activities. It’s also about building a healthy, balanced lifestyle, adopting healthy habits and incorporating them into your regular routine.
Holding space for prayer and deep breathing, taking time to exercise, and eating a balanced and proper diet – these are all great ways to nourish your body and your mind so you can feel good and lead with strength.
3. Trust your support network
Leaders are always there to comfort and support their team members and their community. But we all need support sometimes – yes, even you.
No matter how much you love your work, stress, overworking, and insufficient rest can add up, often causing resentment, dread, and other negative emotions towards our duties. That’s why a solid support system is so important to lead effectively.
Don’t let yourself get to the breaking point. If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, confide in your chosen people, just as they do in you. Allow yourself to lean on others and to accept their support when you need it. This way, you can continue to lead and support others to the best of your ability.
4. Set and enforce healthy boundaries
Having personal and professional boundaries is incredibly important for your mental well-being.
When you’re in a leadership role, people rely on you for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, whether they realize it or not, these people may become overly reliant on you – to the point that it’s no longer realistic or appropriate for you to manage.
Take time to identify your boundaries as a leader: what works for you and what you’re not willing to accept. Then, honor the boundaries you’ve set for yourself, and kindly ask the people around you to respect them as well.
5. Lead with positivity
Leading with positivity is incredibly important to us at The Center for Transforming Engagement. The world needs more reasons to be hopeful – and you can be that guiding force!
Lead your team and your community with positivity, enthusiasm, and authenticity. Not only will this make your experience as a leader more joyful and fulfilling on a personal level, but it will also inspire your team to do the same.
When you lead by example, the positivity you radiate will filter back to you, making it much easier for you to manage your stress levels and avoid burnout.
6. Focus on your intention
When you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to remind yourself why you do what you do.
Bring yourself back to your mission. Think about the positive influence you have on the world and all the people you’re helping as a leader.
Having a strong sense of purpose and direction can make navigating those stressful moments easier, helping you stay focused on the big picture to help you through the issue at hand. Take a step back, breathe, and trust in your ability to lead.
7. Seek professional help
You’re a fantastic leader. You help others around you feel supported to come together to work hard towards your shared goals, strengthening not only your organization, but your community, too.
But sometimes, leadership responsibilities and other life circumstances can be overwhelming.
If you’re struggling to manage your stress levels, or you’re starting to feel the early signs of burnout, reach out to a professional for the help you need.
An organization is only as strong as its leader. So make sure you’re looking after your emotional, spiritual, and overall health to better lead your teams toward success.
Get help with managing stress and growing in your capacity and leadership skills from the Center for Transforming Engagement
At the Center for Transforming Engagement, we believe in strengthening individuals so you can go forward and lead impactful organizations and thriving communities.
We offer resources and programs designed for leaders and leaders on the edge, including this DIY retreat for growing your capacity.
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