May FAQ — Taking Time For Myself
One Friday each month, I dedicate the post to looking at some questions I have heard recently from developing leaders. Sharing those questions and my thoughts about them is a way for me to spread the information to as many leaders and future leaders as possible. If you have a question about leadership, or just a situation you would like some additional insight on, please email me at Effective Retail Leader. Let’s take a look at this week’s question.
I am a District Manager and balance 18 locations in a fairly high-volume retailer. I feel like I always have to ‘be on’ and available to my team. I never feel like I can relax. I fear I am burning out and not supporting my team the best way possible. What can I do? I don’t want to let them or my boss down.
Okay, I’ll admit, I did hold this question I received not long ago to connect with the last several articles I have posted throughout May for Mental Health Awareness month. I think it is important to see that others have these types of questions, feelings, and concerns. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, as well as alone in that feeling, trust me, you’re not. As a retail District Manager, the pressure to be always available and “on” can be immense. Feeling perpetually on edge and fearing burnout is a common experience in such demanding roles. The good news is that there are effective strategies to manage your stress and enhance your mental wellbeing without letting your team or boss down. Here are some practice steps you can take, many of which I covered in the past few articles. I have linked each of them at the end of this response.
Understanding the Importance of Mental Wellbeing
Mental health is crucial not just for your personal well-being but also for your effectiveness as a leader. When you are mentally healthy, you are more likely to be patient, creative, and supportive—qualities that your team relies on. Conversely, burnout can lead to irritability, poor decision-making, and reduced productivity, which ultimately affects your team’s performance and morale.
Below are some ways you can support yourself in your journey of self-care and mental wellbeing.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. As a District Manager, integrating self-care into your routine is vital.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity can significantly reduce stress levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
Adequate Sleep: Strive for 7–9 hours of sleep per night. Quality sleep can improve your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help reduce stress and increase your ability to stay present. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through short, effective sessions.
Take a Personal Retreat
Consider taking a personal retreat to recharge and plan for the future. This involves setting aside time to get away from daily responsibilities and focus on your personal and professional goals. A personal retreat can provide clarity, reduce stress, and help you reconnect with your priorities.
Conduct a Personal Inventory
Taking a personal inventory can help you understand the sources of your stress and identify areas for improvement. Evaluate different life domains such as work, family, physical health, mental health, finances, hobbies, and relationships. This self-assessment can reveal what aspects of your life need more attention and care.
Delegate and Empower Your Team
Effective delegation is essential. Trusting your team and empowering them to make decisions can alleviate your burden and build their confidence. Leverage the strengths of your team to assign the work that makes the most sense based on what they do best. This can not only help spread the workload out, take some responsibility off your shoulders, or speed to work up. It can also be a great development opportunity for your team.
Set Boundaries
It’s crucial to set boundaries to ensure you have time to recharge. Here are some ideas:
Define Work Hours: Establish specific work hours and communicate them to your team. Encourage them to respect these boundaries unless there is an emergency.
Limit After-Hours Communication: Use tools like scheduled email sending or setting “Do Not Disturb” hours on communication platforms to manage after-hours contact.
Utilize Technology
Leverage technology to streamline operations and reduce your workload
Project Management Tools: Use task management tools and applications to organize tasks and keep track of progress.
Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed. This can come in various forms:
Professional Help: Speaking to a therapist or counselor can provide you with strategies to manage stress and improve your mental health.
Peer Support: Connect with other District Managers to share experiences and advice. Sometimes, just knowing that others are facing similar challenges can be reassuring.
Schedule Downtime
Ensure you schedule regular downtime to unwind and recharge. This might include:
Vacation Days: Take your vacation days seriously and use them to disconnect completely from work.
Regular Breaks: During the workday, schedule short breaks to clear your mind and relax.
Balancing the demands of a high-volume retail environment while maintaining your mental wellbeing is challenging but achievable. By prioritizing self-care, through any of the methods above or ideas you find that will work for you, it will ensure you are ready to support your team in the best possible way. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step towards being a better leader. Your team and your boss will appreciate the positive impact it has on your performance and their success.
Previous Articles
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Wondering Why You Feel Stressed? A Personal Inventory Might Be the Answer
Why is Mental Health Important to Retail Leaders?
Tech Tip—Apps for Supporting Your Mental Health
Busting Through Burnout: Create a Thriving Work Environment
Take A Personal Retreat To Recharge And Plan For The Future
For immediate mental health support:
Dial 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.
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