Proactive Strategies: Consistency Over Sprints

My journey toward effective mental health self-care required replacing the old, unsustainable model of grinding until I broke, with a commitment to consistency. I realized that continuously running short sprints only forces a long recovery period later. Instead, much like a marathon runner aiming for a sustainable pace, I shifted my focus to consistency and presence.

This shift involves intentional boundary-setting, recognizing that the 24/7 nature of being a modern CEO demands clear guardrails. For instance, I now deliberately limit my major travel days per month—a vast departure from the three weeks a month I once traveled—to ensure greater presence at home and a less intensive schedule. I try to control stress outside of work by being thoughtful about things like not sending emails on weekends, even if I work then, so my team knows they should disconnect from work outside of business hours.

This proactive approach extends to how we structure work itself. We employ a hybrid philosophy that intentionally creates space for human connection—understanding that remote work and reliance on video calls stripped away the essential “chit chat” and personal connection time that happens organically in an office setting. While remote work is convenient, leaders must recognize they have to create space for intentional interaction through hybrid models. In our case, we have offices in areas where our talent is located, enabling in-person collaboration.

One study found that “hybrid working improved job satisfaction and reduced quit rates by one-third. The reduction in quit rates was significant for non-managers, female employees and those with long commutes.”²

Small Habits that Restore Clarity

Beyond the structural shifts, strengthening my resilience relies heavily on integrating small, seemingly insignificant habits into my daily routine that act as powerful restorative micro-breaks.

One practice is mindfulness—learning to recognize when my internal battery is running low and pulling the emergency brake before exhaustion hits. When retained information drops off significantly after consecutive virtual meetings, taking even short breaks can dramatically improve retention. I combat “always-on” thinking by scheduling my meetings for 45 to 50 minutes instead of the traditional hour, ensuring a mandatory 10-minute reset between sessions. During that time, I might step outside, open the shades, or go onto an outdoor patio for a few moments, literally changing my physical environment to reset my mind.

Studies have shown, for example, “Taken together, significant effects of mindfulness-based interventions [MBIs] were found for several positive outcomes in cancer patients and survivors, with the strongest evidence found for mindfulness skills. MBIs may play a key role in improving well-being in this population.”³

I’ve also learned that effective leadership requires personal preparation. Like preparing for a song by understanding its rhythm and structure, anticipating the flow of my day helps me manage stress by preparing for the demands of high-intensity meetings or difficult calls. By getting my focus down on paper—planning and prepping interviews or key strategy points—the spinning anxiety doesn’t happen in the background of my mind. This simple act of planning is a form of mental health self-care that ensures when hard days arrive, my brain is ready to engage thoughtfully.

By viewing mental health self-care not as an indulgence to recover from breakdown, but as a critical, ongoing practice to build long-term strength, I have become a more consistent and present leader. It reinforces the crucial leadership skill of being prepared for anything and understanding that sometimes, the most effective thing I can do for my team and my company is simply taking a moment to recharge my own mental battery.