Prioritizing You: Self-Care for 7 Cups Leaders

Hello, leaders and aspiring leaders!

Holding roles on 7 Cups can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also lead to exhaustion if we don't prioritize our well-being and strike the balance between what we do here and what we do for ourselves. Remember the motto: you can’t pour from an empty cup. 

In honor of Self-Care Awareness Month, I present you with some tips to help you find that sweet spot between giving your all and taking care of you:

Managing:

• Schedule it in: Just like you schedule chats, block out dedicated self-care time in your calendar. Whether it's a meditation session, a walk in nature, or simply reading a book, treat it with the same importance as your leadership duties.

• Batch similar tasks: Group similar leadership tasks (like reviewing applications or responding to emails) into specific time blocks. This will help you stay focused and avoid context switching burnout.

• Sharing is Caring: The Power of Teamwork: One of the most common traps for leaders is the urge to do everything themselves. While it might feel satisfying to be the one in charge, it's also a surefire way to burn out. Remember, leadership isn't about micromanaging or taking on all the responsibilities; it’s unrealistic and it also doesn’t allow others to step up to help and gain experience. Being willing to share the load is how we work smarter, not harder..

• Collaboration = together, we achieve: Create opportunities for your team to work together on projects. Collaboration not only boosts productivity but also strengthens relationships with each other, not to mention it’s how 7 Cups operates. No one does anything alone. Check out this post I made exploring examples of how you can collaborate with your peers!

Setting Healthy Boundaries:

• Know your limits: Be honest with yourself about how much you can handle. Don't feel obligated to take on more than feels comfortable. Saying "no" is a sign of strength and self-respect.

• Communication is key: If you need a break from listening chats or leadership duties, let your fellow leaders and the 7 Cups team know. Clear communication fosters a supportive environment for everyone.

• "Offline" time matters: Set clear boundaries around your personal time. Log out of the platform when you're finished for the day and resist the urge to check in constantly. There’s never anything so urgent here that you have to be “on call” or have to rush back online.

• Be aware of how long you spend on 7 Cups. Most applications for roles have a general estimate of how much time is needed to perform the role. Use that as a measurement in combination with other roles you may be holding.

• Self-Compassion Is a Thing: Don't be your own worst critic! Celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge the challenges. Remind yourself that taking care of yourself is essential for effective leadership. 

Leading by example starts with taking care of yourself first. By prioritizing self-care, you'll be a more resilient, effective leader. One of our core values is Have fun and keep full.

So, lead with a full cup!

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And if you're serious about honing your skills, consider enrolling in the Leadership Development Program.