How to Become a Mindful Leader

Set the day, or make a list the night before, with purpose and intention by asking: What do I want to bring to this day? What are the three things that I want to accomplish today? The answers do not need to be lofty; instead they should be purposeful and practical, which can feel attainable and rewarding.

There are times throughout the day that mindfulness can be employed by using some of the following self-care activities:

Refresh. Give yourself brief breaks in between emails, calls, meetings, and so on to go for a short walk. The idea is to take your surroundings in along that walk. Notice your breathing, feel the chill of the air or the warmth of the sun on you, notice the swing of your arms and the pace of your steps.

Listen to music. Stand up and stretch; take a couple of minutes to meditate.

Recharge. A lunch break may not always be possible, but taking some time to enjoy your meal and not read emails, listen to messages, or take calls is a healthy compromise. Pushing the pause button while chewing on your lunch can result in feeling recharged and refocused. Taking a midday or lunch break by getting out of the work environment will do wonders for your performance, and if you cannot exercise during that time, perhaps do it after work. Exercising either before work or at lunch will serve a beneficial function.

Breathe. Do a short deep breathing activity at various intervals throughout the day.

Reconnect. Connections are both intrapersonal and interpersonal. Connect with a loved one during the day. A brief phone call or text message with a loved one can be anchoring, and slowing down for just a moment to connect with support networks can be energizing. Connect back to yourself and check in on your set intention for the day, reflect on the intention, and modify it as needed.

Refocus. One can use instrumental exercises to help refocus. Strategies like using a calendar and setting agendas and time limits for tasks can also help bring what is essential into clear focus.

Self-care can include taking the time to create, relax, and have fun. By creating the space for these activities, you organically build in time to self-reflect, to be among those you love, to spend time on yourself, and to simply be in the moment.