Week 2: Tip #1: Start with Self-Care – Prioritize your own well-being.
Before you can build bridges to connect with others, you need to make sure your own foundation is strong. Leadership starts from within, and that’s why Tip #1 is all about prioritizing self-care. When you take care of yourself, you create the clarity, energy, and emotional balance needed to lead your team effectively. Let’s explore how investing in your own well-being can ripple out to your entire team.
I’ll never forget November 2021, the month I flatlined with depression. My husband Andrew and I had a thriving startup business; however, sitting in front of my computer screen for over 8 hours a day while recovering from COVID had taken its toll. It was the wake-up call I needed to hit the reset button. Thankfully, moving into 2025, I have a much more realistic perspective on what preventative care looks like for me. I start my day centering myself in my faith, making sure to exercise, keeping an active journal, and pausing to have at least one meaningful connection with someone I care about. As the week progresses I continue to stay attuned to what’s really going inside me with my own therapy, coaching and peer consultations. By orchestrating my own safe spaces inside myself and with others I am able to lead in a more balanced, authentic and effective manner.
The 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) survey found that 59% of workers feel stressed at work—a statistic that may not come as a surprise. Let’s remember that heightened stress can cloud judgment, hinder productivity, and lead to poor decision-making. As a Bridge Leader, it’s essential to prioritize your own emotional regulation to promote clarity and balance in the workplace (APA Work and Well-Being Survey, September 2023).
As Bridge Leaders, we carry so much, and it’s not sustainable unless we take care of ourselves. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. The more we attend to our well-being, the more we help others be intentional and accountable as well. It’s a ripple effect.
Need inspiration? Watch the movie Inside Out for a powerful reminder of why emotions matter.
- Reflection Question:
When was the last time you engaged in a creative activity just for yourself, and how did it impact your ability to lead and connect with others? - Action Step:
Take 10 minutes today to try something new that centers your well-being—like doodling, writing a gratitude list, or experimenting with a calming activity you’ve never tried before. Reflect on how this small, creative shift can reset your mindset for the day.
Stay tuned for next week when we’ll cover Tip #2: Ask Better Questions—a powerful way to foster trust, innovation, and meaningful connections within your team.
Share your progress with the Bridge Leadership community by commenting on our blog—we’d love to stay connected and support your journey!
Thanks for the reminder to care for ourselves (exercise, good sleep/rest, finding joy, spending time with loved ones, being outside in nature) as we care for others in our work as leaders. It is hard to prioritize this in the long list of things, but critical, as you say. <3