Mental health is an important factor in determining individual productivity and overall quality of life. Busy executives have many pressures and stressors; thus, it is important that they take the time to ensure their mental wellbeing. The following are some strategies that can assist an executive in remaining mentally sound.
1. Establish a Morning Routine
Beginning the day with a consistent set of activities allows executives to confront the day with an organized sense of focus and clarity. This could include journaling, meditation, or any activity that can help relieve stress and refocus the mind. A healthy breakfast is also key to set the tone of the day. Executives should also plan out any tasks or challenges they are facing to make sure they are able to move forward without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Take Breaks
Executives should honor the need to take natural breaks throughout the day, rather than basking in the need to be seen as constantly busy. Taking a few minutes throughout the day to reboot and disconnect from the world has the power to restore focus and the desire to accomplish tasks with a renewed level of enthusiasm. Moreover, taking a break from the regular work schedule can reduce stress and anxiety levels, while enhancing productivity in the long run.
3. Adopt a Positive Mindset
Often, executives are immersed in a negative environment and have to contend with many personal and professional challenges. As such, executives should strive to instill a positive attitude into their daily routine as it can be a gamechanger in managing stressful situations. Such an outlook can enable executives to make better decisions, cope with stress more effectively, and remain driven and inspired.
4. Exercise
Physical activity has a major impact on mental wellbeing as it helps to alleviate stress hormones and stimulate the release of endorphins. In addition, it can help enhance the overall mood, reduce the risk of depression, and provide a better quality of sleep. Therefore, executives should prioritize exercising on a daily basis, whether that is by walking the dog for 20 minutes or completing a 10 minute online yoga session.
5. Get Quality Sleep
Getting quality sleep is essential in maintaining mental health and affording executives the energy needed to meet the demands of their professional duties. To ensure adequate sleep, it is beneficial to avoid overstimulation late at night, avoid large meals before bed, and establish a consistent wind-down routine prior to sleeping.
6. Utilize Technology
Digital tools and apps can be remarkably beneficial in reducing stress levels and keeping executives productive. A variety of apps are available to help with mental health, such as Headspace, which offers guided meditations and mindfulness strategies. Additionally, with the right planning tools, executives can prioritize activities, enjoy easy access to important information, and manage their day effectively.
Remaining mentally sound as an executive is an ongoing process that requires constant effort and self-awareness. By utilizing the strategies outline above, executives can be more resilient in the presence of stress and pressure, and consequently perform better at their job. With the proper mental wellbeing practices in place, executives can look forward to healthier lifestyles that will ultimately lead to greater success in their business ventures.