Are you feeling tired? Do you lack energy? Is your energy level fluctuating? Are you struggling to eliminate stressors? Be aware that these factors directly impact your leadership. When you have low energy, it’s challenging to keep the energy high in your team and to hold them accountable.
Self-care is Key
Currently, I’m working with several executives who are struggling with their energy levels, some of whom are recovering from burnout. This has prompted me to reflect on this topic. When I work with these executives and examine the root cause of their low energy levels, it often stems from not taking care of themselves. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you take care of others?
Relaxation through Physical Activity
Many of my clients find that sports are a crucial stress reliever. Relaxation through physical activity is underrated, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
Tapering; Taking Rest at the Right Moments
Tapering involves a conscious process of relaxation. Sebastiaan Verschuren, an Olympic swimmer, beautifully describes it on his website:
“The taper I always call ‘the most beautiful time of the year’. Suddenly you feel energy flowing back into your body, and you’re completely clear-headed again. Not that I haven’t had any energy over the past year, but when you feel like you’re really resting – after almost 50 weeks of training – it does feel that way. Tapering in swimming is important. Or better said: its timing. You want to be at the peak of your abilities on exactly the right days. A few workouts too hard or too easy can make all the difference. Sticking to the plan, not training too lightly or too hard is therefore important. Tapering is just resting, and every body needs something different for that. Everyone has a decrease in kilometers and training hours, but the extent varies from person to person… Tapering is mostly just lying in bed, watching your favorite series, and listening to good music. Do as little as possible. And after 50 weeks of hard training, that’s quite nice.”
Tapering in sports or other activities exemplifies the balance between performance and managing your energy level. Our bodies and minds need to rest occasionally, recharge our batteries: physically, mentally, and emotionally. How do you do that?
Mental Relaxation
We take care of our bodies by exercising, getting massages, or visiting the sauna. But when does our mind get a chance to relax? When do we allow ourselves to simply unwind? To be in silence. This is often referred to as ‘clearing your mind’. It’s no wonder that mindfulness practices are gaining popularity. Learning to focus, doing nothing physical but connecting your body and mind through activities like breathing exercises, yoga, or a combination of both.
A significant benefit of mental relaxation is that it creates space and silence in the mind, allowing creativity to flow. It’s during these moments of silence that the best ideas emerge.
Rhythms and Rituals that Suit You
Look into rituals that suit you and positively influence your energy level. Experiment with your rhythm, add or remove rituals. Keep experimenting until you find the right combination for yourself.
Here are some examples to experiment with:
- Funday! Schedule one weekday per month just for yourself. On that day, do only things that energize and bring you joy. Give the day a fancy name.
- Schedule “thinking time”: Allocate time to sit in silence and contemplate. Ask yourself questions like “how can I…?” or “what can I do to…?” Spend twenty to thirty minutes on this. Make it special by using a dedicated notebook and finding a quiet place. Turn it into a ritual.
- Relaxation exercises: There are many relaxation techniques. A simple and powerful one is to focus on your breathing. Close your eyes, concentrate on your inhalation and exhalation for a few minutes. Feel how the inhalation energizes you and the exhalation relaxes you.
- Take a walk: Regularly take short walks, preferably in nature, and be mindful of each step you take.
- Cut off time for digital stimuli: Decide when to switch off your digital screens. Prolonged screen time, whether on a computer or watching TV, reduces the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone).
If you want to read more, check out my book “Mijn beste team ooit! In 7 stappen naar Golden Leadership”.
