Put Your Mask on First: Leaders, Be the Example of Positive Self-Care in a Crisis

It has been one doozy of a week...wait, has it been a week? Maybe for you it is just starting, maybe you have been at it for awhile, but it seems like everyone is facing the reality of a new normal for the near future. The era of new terms like social distancing and flattening the curve is here. We are in wilderness territory. I appreciated the scripture my coach shared with me, 

For perhaps you have come to this royal (leadership) position for just such a time as this. ~Esther 4:14

You are equipped and called to lead in this time, so how can you do it well?

First thing is to take care of yourself. We've all heard the analogy of​ the oxygen masks on airplanes; put on your mask first so you can help those around you. What does that look like in today's world?

1. Breathe​. Seems like silly advice, but really, take a deep breath. One of first reactions to stress is to shorten our breathing pattern. Deep breathing is critical. Related to that...
   
   
2. Share what you need with your people, multitask. I have been using this resource on Breath Prayers for Anxious Times with my team over ZOOM each day. It allows me a bit of self care and a way to lead without adding anything extra to my list.
   
   
3. Pause. This is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. You do not need to have a plan for the duration, you just need to be ready for the next best step.
   
   
4. Choose. In times of high stress the last thing our brains want is one more choice to make. As leaders, we are called to curate for our people. Pick one or two things to share. Then see #3 and pause. You do not need to have an exhaustive list of ideas or plans right now. Get something out to your people and then...
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5. Celebrate your success. Let your brain rest and revel in a sense of accomplishment. You have served your people and you will do it again soon. Don't allow yourself to stay in a state of urgency.
   
   

I will go deeper into some of these topics in future blog posts, but this is my next right step. I am going to share it with you, pause and let myself celebrate. I'll be back soon.

Because You are Worth It!
Heidi