Leaders Model Self-Care

Summer is here! Whether you are working from home, in the office, or doing both — it’s time to shake off the winter doldrums and get outside. Remember, as a leader, you are always watched. What you say, what you don’t say, what you do and what you don’t do! What messages are you sending to your team in your attitude and behaviors?

Take advantage of sunlight to boost both your immune system and your mood. There are scientific reasons why the sun feels good to you. First, exposure to sunlight increases the release of a hormone called Serotonin, which is associated with elevating mood and helping you feel more calm and focused. Calm + focused = Anabolic Energy! You can multiply this effect by adding an activity to your sun session, such as reading, listening to music, or on the more active side — exercising, gardening, yard work, whatever outdoor activity you enjoy most! Remember, Anabolic Energy is THE place to be to optimize your leadership effectiveness.

Second, a mere 15 minutes of sunlight per day, three times per week will charge up your immune system by increasing your levels of vitamin D. Since vitamin D is fat soluble, it accumulates over time in your blood and is stored in your fat and liver. Any time you spend outside in the sun, even on a cloudy day, will allow your skin to create vitamin D! Optimize your body’s ability to ward off viruses by ensuring that you maintain good vitamin D levels. How much is a “good level” you may be wondering.

According to Healthline, 42% of people in the U.S. are vitamin D deficient. Most experts believe the current governmental guidelines are far too low at 400-800 IU/day. I agree! That’s why I recommend that you download the FREE App, D- Minder. This App takes into consideration your skin type, weight, gender and calculates the best dose/day for you. This App also provides you with radial dial status of your vitamin D levels over time. For example, the App suggests that my intake is 3500 iu/day. The App can track both your supplement use of vitamin D as well as your sun sessions. Super cool!

The most effective, Anabolic Leaders manage their self-care. It is not possible to effectively lead others until you can effectively lead yourself. Set the example for your team by taking care of yourself!

What’s Influencing Your Energy?

Performance = Potential – Interference

On any given day, at any moment, our mix of Anabolic and Catabolic energy changes. The key is to be aware of that mix and CHOOSE your response as you navigate through your day, rather than allowing the circumstances to choose for you. In order for your Performance to match your Potential, you must be aware of these Six Energy Influencers and ensure that they are working for you rather than against you.

Spiritual-these are your core values, beliefs, life purpose, etc.

Mental – your ability to remain focused and engaged; your desire to be “all in.”

Emotional – your needs, desires, and expectations related to what you are doing.

Physical – the level of health and wellness that you have to perform your best.

Social – your personal and professional relationships; the degree to which you are fueled by these relationships.

Environmental – your beliefs that your physical environment will enable you to perform your best.

Assessing which one (or more) of these Energy Influencers may be draining your energy allows you to choose how to address it. Conversely, leveraging the ones that are boosting your energy can help overcome those that aren’t. Taking the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) is a great way to jump start your journey toward energy management.

Attitude is Everything!

Enjoy this short clip, an excerpt from a keynote address I gave at a women’s leadership convention. It is entirely possible to stand up for your core beliefs, your convictions, your team, and do so in an Anabolic manner. Magnify your ability to influence and lead by leveraging your Anabolic Energy. Attitude truly is everything!

You cannot always choose your circumstances, but you can always choose your attitude!

Diane Wilhelm