Wellbeing for business leaders is often overlooked because your time and energy are directed at keeping everything and everyone else afloat: customers, staff, operations, deadlines, and more. But if your own well-being is running on empty, it is only a matter of time before things begin to feel overwhelming.
As a business leader, taking care of yourself is not self-indulgent; it is essential to your ability to lead effectively, make informed decisions, and support your team. And yet, so many leaders push their own needs to the bottom of the list.
What you’ll learn
- Why business leaders often neglect their well-being
- How neglecting wellbeing can affect your business and team
- Practical, realistic ways to look after your own wellbeing
- How to recognise when you need support and what to do next
- Where to find simple tools to help, even if you are short on time
Let’s explore why your well-being matters and how you can protect it without needing a spa day or a drastic life overhaul.
The problem: Why wellbeing for business leaders often takes a back seat
You probably know what you should be doing: resting, taking regular breaks, getting outside, and eating well. However, real life rarely makes those things easy.
Many business leaders experience pressure that affects their well-being:
- A strong sense of duty to keep going no matter what
- Pressure to appear strong and resilient at all times
- Guilt for stepping away even briefly
- Overwhelm caused by constant decisions and switching between tasks.
Focusing on well-being for business leaders is vital to avoid burnout and maintain clarity.
When you are spinning plates all day, it is natural to think, “I will sort myself out later.” But that ‘later’ often does not come. According to a 2022 survey by Mental Health UK, 56% of business leaders have struggled with their mental health, and 1 in 5 said they have experienced panic attacks due to work pressures.
Another report found that nearly 40% of SME leaders rarely or never discuss their well-being with anyone. That silence can lead to burnout and ultimately affect not just your health but your business too.
Why it matters: You cannot support others if you are running on empty
If your energy and clarity are low, it becomes harder to:
- Spot problems early
- Support your team when they need you
- Make confident, well-balanced decisions
- Set a positive tone at work
You might find yourself reacting more emotionally, becoming short-tempered, or feeling like you have lost perspective. That is not weakness but exhaustion.
Your well-being has a ripple effect. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of your business and your people.
How to recognise when your wellbeing as a business leader needs attention
It is not always easy to spot when your well-being is suffering. Watch for signs such as:
- Constant fatigue
- Increased irritability or anxiety
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feeling unmotivated or disconnected
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
If you notice these signs, it is important to reach out. This could be to a trusted friend, a peer network, or a professional. Remember, asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.
What you can do: simple, realistic ways to protect your wellbeing
You do not need to overhaul your entire routine. Start with small, consistent steps that are easy to build into your day.
Here are a few practical ideas:
1. Create micro-breaks
Don’t wait for time to appear. Schedule it. A five-minute breather between meetings, a quick walk around the block, or a proper lunch break away from your desk can reset your head and reduce stress.
Stepping away from your desk can also help you get perspective on a problem. With fewer distractions, you may find the answer surfaces naturally when you’re simply thinking it through.
To help calm your mind quickly, try this 5-minute guided breathing exercise from the NHS.
2. Talk to someone you trust
Many leaders feel they have to hold everything in. But talking helps, even if it is just a check-in with a friend, peer, or partner. Share how you are really doing. Chances are, someone else has felt the same way.
3. Use tools that reduce your mental load
Look for ways to simplify repeat tasks. Whether it is software that tracks holidays, a calendar that automates meeting scheduling, or an inbox system that reduces clutter, small wins add up and free mental energy for bigger decisions.
4. Notice your energy patterns
Are you sharper in the morning? Better after lunch? Protect your best energy by reserving that time for your hardest tasks and avoid cramming your day with back-to-back meetings.
5. Set boundaries and honour them
It’s tempting to work longer and be constantly available, especially when others rely on you. But your long-term impact is greater when you protect your time, even in small ways. That might mean no emails after dinner, blocking a focus hour each day, or taking one full day off a week without checking in.
6. Manage your email, don’t let it manage you
Constant notifications drain focus and make it harder to stay present. Try turning them off and checking your inbox just a few times a day at times that work for you. Some leaders even include their email hours in a footer or auto-response to set clear expectations.
This small shift helps reduce interruptions and gives you space to concentrate on work that really matters.
Final thoughts
There is no perfect formula for balance. Some weeks will feel tougher than others. But if you consistently put your well-being last, something eventually gives, and it is often you.
Taking care of yourself is not about being selfish. It is about being sustainable. Your business needs you at your best, and that starts with treating your well-being as essential, not optional.
If managing time off is adding to your mental load, The Holiday Tracker can take care of it for you.
It’s an easy way to track holidays and sickness, spot patterns, and give your team the tools to manage their own leave.
Start your 7-day free trial today — and take one thing off your plate.
Sources
- Mental Health UK, 2022 Survey: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/
- NHS Breathing Exercises: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-relaxation/
