Earth Day Reminds Us It's Time to Take Care of Ourselves and Our Teams (Issue #33)
ps. don't forget to thank an administrator this week
It’s funny, sometimes we forget the people that we work with are whole human beings—with interest other than ‘I love writing TPS reports’ « yes that’s a joke.
I bet you didn’t know, a couple of years ago I pursued a certification in Ecotherapy. I wanted to learn more about the wellness and health benefits of connecting with and being in nature—it was an experience.
Of course, I am telling you this because today is Earth Day, and we should be celebrating by just going outside. Spring is here (hopefully it’s not snowing by you anymore).
More tips in the Wellness Corner below on how to reduce stress in nature.
How Leaders Balance Their Own Mental Health and Their Teams
Leadership has long been synonymous with strength, resilience, and unwavering stability, but let’s be real—leaders are human, too. (I knew this theme would come back around)
The pressure to support a team while managing personal stress is a balancing act that few talk about. In a world where burnout is rampant and mental health is finally part of workplace conversations, the best leaders aren’t the ones who power through at all costs—they’re the ones who know when to step back, recalibrate, and lead by example.
So how do you balance taking care of yourself while showing up for your team?
Your mental health as a leader directly impacts your team’s well-being.
Burned-out leaders create burned-out teams.
Anxious leaders create anxious workplaces.
Leaders who model healthy boundaries, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence? They build resilient, engaged, and high-performing teams.
Finding the balance
So, how do you walk the tightrope of leadership without falling into the abyss of burnout or emotional exhaustion?
1. Prioritize Your Own Mental Health First
Put your oxygen mask on first—or so the flight attendants say.
It may feel counterintuitive, but the best way to support your team is to take care of yourself first. You can do this by:
Setting boundaries and being intentional about when you’re “on” or when it’s time to step away.
Take time to check in with yourself. Reminder to not power through when you’re running on empty.
Build a supportive system around you. Mentors, therapists, other leadership peers as long as you can safely vent, process and gain perspective.
2. Model the Behavior You Want to See
Leaders set the tone for what’s acceptable in a workplace. If you never take breaks, answer emails at midnight, or ignore stress, your team will feel pressured to do the same. Instead:
Take PTO and encourage others to do the same.
Normalize mental health conversations. A simple “I needed a mental reset this weekend” sends a strong message.
Set realistic expectations. High performance doesn’t mean running on fumes.
3. Create a Psychologically Safe Team Culture
A leader’s ability to support their team’s mental health isn’t about offering free meditation apps—it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe, valued, and supported. Yes, easier said than done; but here is how you can start:
Encourage open communication: Ask your team, “How’s your workload? What do you need?”
Check in regularly: Not just about work, but about how people are feeling.
Recognize and address stressors: If burnout is creeping in, act early rather than waiting for a crisis.
4. Know When to Step Back (and Ask for Help)
The best leaders don’t go it alone. They delegate, trust their teams, and recognize when they need external support.
If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, irritable, or disengaged, that’s a sign to reassess your workload, as these are signs of burnout—seek help.
Leverage your team. You don’t have to carry everything alone—empower others.
Seek professional support. Therapy, coaching, or leadership development can make a huge difference.
Redefine what success looks like. A healthy leader who sustains their energy long-term is far more effective than a burned-out one who crashes and burns.
Remember, we are in a marathon, not a race.
Balancing mental health as a leader isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The leaders of the future won’t be those who push through exhaustion at all costs. They’ll be the ones who embrace self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and sustainable leadership practices.
By taking care of yourself, modeling healthy behaviors, and creating a psychologically safe workplace, you don’t just protect your own well-being—you build stronger, healthier, and more engaged teams.
REMINDER:
Tomorrow, April 23rd is Administrative Professionals Day and to that I will say we ❤️ our behind the scenes ninjas, strategic operators, supports and EAs!
Wellness Corner
Today, April 22 is Earth Day—a moment to care for the planet and ourselves. With stress levels rising and calendars packed, it’s easy to forget that one of the most accessible tools for wellness is right outside your door: nature.
Nature heals—literally.
Spending time outdoors, also known as ecotherapy, is a proven way to reduce stress, boost your mood, and clear mental clutter. Just a few minutes outside can lower cortisol levels, increase feelings of calm, and help you reset.
In fact, research shows that being in nature can:
Reduce anxiety and rumination
Improve focus and creativity
Increase feelings of connection and well-being
You don’t need a hiking trip or garden plot to feel the benefits. Try one of these simple practices today:
Take a mindful walk: Even 10–15 minutes outdoors can create a mental shift.
Unplug outdoors: Sit in the sun, listen to birds, or watch the wind in the trees—no phone, no agenda.
Bring the outside in: Add a plant to your desk or open a window to let in fresh air.
Check out my other premium publication Leadership &. Covering the future of leadership, work, AI, through research, insights, futuristic thinking and more.
Until next time, stay well
~Colleen