Things are ramping up. We’re in a Coronavirus lull, unemployment is down to pre-pandemic levels, and Q4’s GDP growth was the fastest since 1984. We’re back, baby! We’re bruised, but we’re back.

Now my clients are suddenly getting hit with the demand that built up over the past 30 months. And many are feeling overwhelmed. My clients are leaders, founders, authors, coaches, and business owners. How can someone lead when they’re just…so…very…tired?

So I thought I’d go over some reminders about self-care for leaders, so we can capture the momentum of the economic upswing.

1. Sleep is everything. If you struggle to wake up when your alarm goes off, you’re not going to bed early enough. Last year, I read Take a Nap! Change your Life and I was floored to learn about the benefits of napping. And would you believe that you can tailor your nap time and length to get certain specific benefits, like creativity? Amazing.
2. Ask your doctor about your energy levels. Among my friends, I’ve heard of low energy being diagnosed as low thyroid, low Vitamin D, and depression. There’s help for all of these root causes. 
3. Movement. Even if you work out regularly, it’s important to move during the day, every day. I struggle with this one…I’m someone who looks at the clock and says “How is it 3pm?!” If you’re like me, set an alert so your phone beeps with a reminder. Sitting all day leads to cardiovascular problems later. 
4. Vacation. It’s unbelievable how many vacation days go unused in the US every year. Take a tip from our European friends and get out of the office. Even if it’s just a long weekend, go put your toes in some beach sand. Go explore a new trail in a dense forest. Have a caipirinha at a rooftop bar while watching the sun set over a cityscape. 
5. Make wonder part of your life. When was the last time you marveled at a painting or let yourself get lost in a planetarium show? Harvard Business Review says that a feeling of awe can lower your heart rate, quiet your mental chatter, and increase well-being.
6. Sprinkle in some beneficial mini-perks. Splurge on that wellness weekend. Hire a housekeeper. Get sushi delivered. Upgrade your pillows. Get a nutrition coach to help you craft energy-boosting menus. Buy a great blender for smoothies, (it makes all the difference.) Get the Stretch Club app, to walk you through short, refreshing routines. And hire help for your business.