CEO work-life balance: Leading in the boardroom and at home
As a CEO or C-suite executive, you’re no stranger to the relentless demands of leadership. From navigating complex business decisions to managing high-performing teams, your days are filled with challenges and opportunities. When it feels like we’re juggling a hundred different balls while walking on a tightrope? Yeah, those days.
You’re at the helm of a fast-paced company, making big decisions left and right, and trying to keep everyone motivated and on track. Meanwhile, your inbox is overflowing, your calendar is packed with back-to-back meetings, and your phone won’t stop buzzing with urgent notifications.
Sound familiar? It’s the CEO life in a nutshell – exhilarating, challenging, and downright exhausting at times. CEO Magazine lists the top 3 tactics for CEOs is delegating, confidently letting your team do more, and stepping back for clarity but they don’t address your personal health.
In the pursuit of success in the corporate world, it’s easy to prioritize the needs of the business over your own health and personal happiness. Just don’t forget, you are one of the most important people to your corporation but as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. Neglecting your health not only affects your personal life but also impacts your effectiveness as a leader it affects your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
The CEO’s work-life rollercoaster: Riding the waves of stress
As decision-makers, CEOs are tasked with navigating uncertainty, making tough choices, shouldering the consequences, and the pressure can feel suffocating at times. The constant juggling act between strategic vision and operational execution leaves little room for self-care.
Let’s get real for a moment and talk about the elephant in the room – stress.
A survey conducted by Stanford Graduate School of Business found that 91% of CEOs reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress, with 55% describing their job as “highly stressful.”
As a CEO, you deal with more than our fair share of it daily. From navigating market uncertainties, managing team dynamics, putting out fires left to right, and everything in between, the pressure can feel suffocating at times. You are in a fast burnout. Ignoring the signs only perpetuates the cycle of stress and diminishes your ability to lead effectively.
According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 72% of CEOs report experiencing mental health concerns, with stress and anxiety topping the list. A staggering 96% of senior leaders report feeling burnt out at work, with 33% experiencing high levels of stress regularly.
Let’s not even get started on the sleepless nights spent tossing and turning, replaying the day’s events in your mind, and worrying about what tomorrow might bring. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, CEOs are twice as likely to experience sleep disturbances compared to the general population. It’s enough to make anyone feel like they’re on the edge of a breakdown.
The high cost of neglecting your health
The impact of neglecting yourself and stress extends far beyond the boardroom– it’s not just a mental game. It takes a toll on your body, too. I’m talking about headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, you name it. Over time, chronic stress can lead to more serious health issues including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, decreased immune function, and even depression.
Research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that CEOs have a 25% higher risk of heart attack than their non-executive counterparts!!
It is not just your physical health that suffers – your relationships can take a hit, too. The pursuit of happiness takes a backseat to the demands of leadership. Ever find yourself snapping at your spouse or kids after a particularly stressful day at the office? I get it. That’s not exactly the picture-perfect family life we imagined when you set out on this journey.
According to a CEO.com survey of 256 respondents, “executives spend nearly 58 hours per week at work, averaging between 10 and 11 hours per day”. They also spend between six and seven hours a night sleeping, leaving six to eight for other activities. No wonder you are dragging and not feeling good!
Why is your health important to the whole corporation as the CEO?
As a CEO, your well-being is not just a personal matter – it’s essential for the health of your organization and the people you lead. Think about it: when you’re at the top of your game physically, mentally, and emotionally, you’re better equipped to tackle the challenges of leadership with clarity, creativity, and resilience. Your decision-making improves, your productivity soars and your ability to inspire and motivate others becomes second nature.
Beyond the boardroom, taking care of yourself pays dividends in your personal life, too. Whether it’s having more energy to spend quality time with your loved ones or pursuing your passions outside of work. Maybe it is simply feeling more present and engaged in every moments.
While the journey to better health may require some upfront effort and commitment, the rewards – both now and in the years to come – are immeasurable. It’s an investment worth making, for yourself, your loved ones, and your legacy. The benefits are endless.
Striking a balance: Navigating the CEO and Executive’s dilemma
So, what’s the solution?
So how can you strike a balance between leadership and well-being in a high-stress environment that never seems to slow down?
For starters, it’s about recognizing your health is your most valuable asset. You need to REFILL your cup. In other words, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Your health deserves the same level of attention as your business goals. It must be your top priority that is a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Secondly, seek support. Just as you rely on your team of trusted advisors and mentors, lean on me. As your health professional I can provide individualized guidance and confidential accountability. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength that fosters connection and growth!
Walking the talk: Embracing a holistic approach to your health
I’m here to offer support and guidance as you navigate this CEO dilemma. I understand the challenges, the pressures, and the highs and lows of leadership. By prioritizing your health, you can unlock your full potential as a leader to live a life of fulfillment and purpose.
Through individualized programs tailored to your specific needs, we’ll explore holistic solutions to support your health and happiness. From personalized nutrition plans to stress management techniques and beyond. Together we’ll create a roadmap to help you achieve your goals in finding balance in the boardroom and life.
My approach is rooted in compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping you thrive – both personally and professionally. So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you, I’m here to help. Because you deserve to lead a life that’s not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.
Let’s have that conversation-
Reach out and start your journey today. When it comes to finding balance in the boardroom and life, you don’t have to go it alone. Just imagine where it will lead your team once you find your balance!
LET’S CHAT and until then, here’s to leading with heart, wisdom, and the best health possible.
Copyright Scientific Nutrition, LLC 2024
References:
Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2019/12/96-of-senior-leaders-report-feeling-burned-out
Stanford Graduate School of Business: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/stress-levels-ceos-crisis-mode
Journal of Occupational Health Psychology: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/ocp/ocp0000133
