It can be hard out here for CEOs, especially those of us who battle with our mental health, but I find this to be odd since so many of us also spend time reading and doing things to keep our minds sharp. Yet, as I wrote in “She Was Fine Until She Wasn’t,” the shift from being up to being down can occur as a build-up and then quietly take over. Reflecting upon my recent bout of depression, I realized two things that we should focus on mindfulness and intentionality. These two practices help us battle mental health pitfalls, which is essential because people depend on us.
For those who may be unfamiliar, mindfulness is when you take a moment to pause, breathe, and tune into yourself. It’s about being aware of what’s happening in the here and now instead of letting your mind wander to past mistakes or future stress. It’s like hitting the reset button for your brain, giving yourself permission to just be. And when we practice mindfulness, we’re more intentional with how we respond to life’s ups and downs, helping us stay grounded and keep our mental health in check.
I am very self-aware. I question my thoughts and feelings to better understand myself and how I respond to things and people around me because too much of the wrong things can trigger a negative spiral. I am mindful of how I think and feel, because “whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.” – Laurie Buchannan. I do not believe in inflicting pain upon myself.
On the other side, intentionality is about making choices with purpose. It’s when you actively decide to show up for yourself, your goals, and your well-being instead of just going through the motions. Think of it like having a clear map for where you want to go and taking deliberate steps toward it, whether that’s focusing on your mental health, setting boundaries, or choosing positivity. It’s about saying, ‘I’m going to take control of this moment and make it count’—no autopilot, just real, purposeful action.
I am intentional about checking in with myself in case I need to address something. I make sure whatever I choose is good for me and something that can benefit my future.
To sum it up, maintaining mental health as a CEO requires us to be both mindful and intentional in everything we do. These practices help us stay grounded and focused on our well-being, which ultimately benefits the people and businesses that rely on us. By taking the time to reset and make purposeful decisions, we can navigate the challenges of leadership with strength and clarity.
Enjoy a mindful minute, friend! Click here.
