By Lisa Saul, MD, TRUST President
Life is full of juggling multiple responsibilities, from guiding teams and managing projects to fulfilling commitments in our personal lives. It’s easy to lose sight of taking care of ourselves; however, self-care is necessary for sustained leadership and well-being.
The Unseen Cost of Neglecting Self-Care
Leadership roles often come with immense pressure. The drive to achieve can lead to long hours, increased stress, and, sometimes, burnout. Research consistently shows chronic stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health. As leaders, when we neglect our own needs, we jeopardize our health and effectiveness in our many roles. We cannot pour from an empty cup.
Self-care is more than just taking a break. Self-care is making time for activities that recharge us, such as spending time with loved ones, engaging in physical exercise or enjoying a quiet moment alone. By prioritizing self-care, we can cultivate resilience, creativity and the energy needed to lead with purpose and clarity.
The Role of Community in Self-Care
An often overlooked aspect of self-care is the importance of community. Leaders can thrive in environments where they feel supported and understood. Building and maintaining strong connections with other women in leadership can be a powerful form of self-care. These relationships provide a space to share experiences, seek advice and offer support.
This is where opportunities like the TRUST’s Well-being Retreat (November 7-8) become invaluable. The retreat is designed as a holistic experience that nurtures mind, body and spirit. Engaging with fellow leaders in a supportive environment allows participants to recharge, gain fresh perspectives and return to their roles with renewed enthusiasm.
Our Well-being Retreat is one excellent way to engage in self-care, but it’s equally important to cultivate self-care consistently throughout the year. This could mean setting aside time each week for reflection, engaging in mindfulness practices or ensuring schedules include activities that bring us joy and relaxation.
We must remember our well-being is not a secondary concern—it’s the foundation upon which our leadership stands. To truly thrive as a leader, we need to embrace self-care as a non-negotiable part of our lives, so we can lead with strength, resilience and authenticity.
I look forward to seeing you at the TRUST’s Well-being Retreat in November!
Lisa Saul, MD, serves as the 2024 TRUST President and is a wife, mother, physician and women’s health expert. Lisa is passionate about women in leadership and health equity. She is also dedicated to improving health outcomes for birthing people, with a particular focus on women of color. She was honored as a Mpls.St. Paul Magazine Top Doctor in 2022 and Minnesota Monthly Top Doctor in 2020.