I’m not alone in feeling a bit overwhelmed by what is going on around us – the corruption scandals, the water crisis, the war in Gaza/Iran/Ukraine/Somalia, petrol price increases, uncertainty about trade and increasing gender violence and roll-back of human rights.

Add to that the challenges closer to home – rising food and accommodation costs, personal safety, the impact of AI on our children and us… And then there is the burden of being a leader whose job it is to create physical and psychological safety for those around us.

It’s at times like this that we need powerful tools for self-care, before we even start to provide safety for others.

The ABC of leadership: Self-care starts like this

A: Acknowledge when you feel overwhelmed and make time with your leadership coach or psychologist to offload the burden

B: Block out information that is not materially important to you or your stakeholders, draining or anxiety-making. For example, social media, excessive news channels, and doom-scrolling

C: Cultivate an action mindset – by setting daily intentions, looking for gifts and opportunities in your challenges, making time for some fun each day and seeking time with positive people!

Lastly, focus your powers and talents on the places and spaces where you can make a difference, be it your own personal development, your family, business or community. In this way, you can create a sense of safety for yourself and enjoy the freedom to make a difference in the spaces you move in