What self-care practices can you use to improve your decision-making skills as a leader?

Managing energy throughout the day is key to productivity and well-being. Start with a morning routine that energizes you, like a short workout or meditation. Prioritize tasks; tackle high-energy tasks when you're most alert. Take regular short breaks to avoid burnout - a quick walk or stretching helps. Stay hydrated and choose nutritious snacks for sustained energy. Practice mindful eating to avoid post-lunch sluggishness. Balance work with periods of relaxation; disconnect during breaks. Limit multitasking; it drains energy. End your day with a wind-down routine for quality rest. Remember, managing energy wisely leads to a more fulfilling day.

Optimising your capacity for decision-making involves ensuring you have high levels of mental energy. Good questions to ask yourself: What helps top your mental energy? What drains your mental energy? Tips for increasing mental energy reserves may include: regular mental breaks, short mindfulness practices, 5 deep slow breaths regularly throughout the day, or creating time-limited, do not disturb environment for complex mental tasks. What is energy draining? Too much multitasking, relentless self-criticism, inadequate breaks, inadequate hydration, junk food, anything overly triggering for the nervous system, like overloading on negativity.

Decision making fatigue is real phenomenon - the more decisions a person makes throughout the day, the more mentally, emotionally and physically depleted they become. Preserve your decision making capacity by dealing only with the decisions that 1. you personally need to deal with (you can't delegate) and 2. need to be dealt with in that moment (you can't relegate).

Your energy level is closely tied to your mood, motivation, and focus. When you have sufficient energy, you're more likely to be in a positive mood, motivated to engage in tasks, and able to maintain focus. On the other hand, low energy levels can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and a reduced capacity to concentrate on the decision at hand. The cognitive aspect of decision-making involves rational thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. It's the logical and deliberative part of the process where you weigh options, consider consequences, and make a choice based on information and reasoning.

People who have healthy personal relationships are more likely to feel happier and satisfied with their lives. They are less likely to have physical and mental health problems. Personal relationships often suffer when climbing the career/corporate/success ladder - because people either don't make time to nurture them and/or friends and loved ones only get what time, effort and energy is left after work/business. Prioritising personal relationships is an important aspect of physical and mental health to help you be at your best.

In a virtual workspace, infusing fun & play is key to maintaining team connection & engagement. Start with lively meetings - use themed backgrounds or have 'funny hat' days to lighten the mood. Introduce 'Show & Tell' sessions where team members share something unique from their home. Organize virtual team-building activities, like online escape rooms or trivia, to foster teamwork & creativity. Celebrate milestones with online parties/ award ceremonies. Encourage weekly challenges, like photo contests or fitness goals. Create a digital 'Fun Board' where team members can post positive stories. These strategies create an enjoyable & cohesive work environment, driving high team engagement. Because a team that plays together stays connected.

Leadership isn't about being in charge. It's about taking care of the people in your charge. Prioritising yourself and your health will help you to be a better leader and better care for the people in your charge.