Kelly Swingler’s Post

As a founder and CEO, I've experienced the exhilarating highs and exhausting lows of leading a growing organization. Burnout creeps up slowly, disguising itself as dedication and hustle, until it consumes you entirely. To avoid burnout and maintain peak performance, it's crucial to cultivate self-awareness and prioritize self-care. For me, the path to reclaiming my well-being began with small, intentional steps: blocking off time for daily exercise, delegating tasks to my capable team, and disconnecting from work at a reasonable hour each evening. As I prioritized my own well-being, I noticed a profound shift in my leadership style, becoming more present, focused, and resilient. To my fellow leaders who may be teetering on the edge of burnout, remember that your well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and cultivate a support system, so you can avoid the pitfalls of burnout and lead with greater clarity, resilience, and impact. Your organization's success is directly tied to your own well-being. When you invest in yourself, you invest in the future of your team and your mission. #LeadershipWellness #AvoidBurnout #SelfCare #WorkLifeIntegration #ResilientLeadership

𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁: 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 ✅ Are you a high-achieving leader caught in the relentless cycle of demands and dwindling satisfaction in your role? I get it. The journey at the top can be isolating, with the constant pressure to perform leading to burnout. This isn’t just about a dip in productivity; it's about the real threat to your health, your team’s morale, and the organization's reputation. But here’s the crucial part: not addressing burnout can spiral into health crises, impaired leadership, and a demoralized team culture, eventually eroding your hard-earned professional standing. Brain-Based solutions unlock the hidden rules driving you. 🧠 Understanding the role of the vagus nerve, as explained by Dr. Stephen Porges, is crucial in addressing burnout. This nerve, part of the autonomic nervous system, controls our response to perceived threats, influencing your leadership and social interactions. 🎯 Engaging the Parasympathetic System: The first branch of the vagus nerve focuses on relaxation and digestion. It acts as a brake when we're moving too fast. Techniques like calming breaths and deep abdominal breathing activate this system, helping leaders to slow down and feel more composed. Step on the brakes to navigate the curves. 🎯 Find meaning and purpose in your work: Identify examples of when you are doing things that are most fully being myself. There is a pattern that can reveal your purpose and how to live a meaningful and successful life. Mobilizing your deep identity makes work meaningful. 🎯 Encouraging Regular Breaks and Downtime: Creating a culture that values work-life balance is essential. Leaders should be encouraged to take regular breaks and sufficient downtime to rejuvenate. 🎯 Professional Development and Coaching: Investing in professional development and coaching can provide leaders with effective stress management strategies and tools to find fulfillment in their work. By applying these methods, you can unlock the rules that are driving you and transition from burnout to a renewed sense of purpose and effectiveness. Have you been on the brink of burnout? What strategies brought you back to peak leadership performance? Share in the comments below. 👇 #BurnoutCombat #LeadershipRenewal #BrainBasedStrategies #StressManagementMatters #PurposefulLeadership

Vulnerability is actually strength. ‘It’s lonely at the top’ may well be a terrible cliché, but it is important that it is used. Talking with many CEOs, I know that sometimes there is a flipside to the rewards that come with success - and loneliness can be one of them. Although it's another cliché, perhaps asking yourself the question, ‘How am I really doing’ can create the space for some much needed reflection. #mentalhealthawareness #culture #leadership #ceo

🚫The Perils of Pretending to Be Something You’re Not 🚫 Pretending to be an extrovert when you're an introvert—or vice versa—can lead to resentment, exhaustion, and even burnout. Sustaining your mental and physical energy isn’t about fitting in; it’s about creating space where you can thrive by embracing who you truly are. When you operate in alignment with your natural energy, you not only perform better but also avoid the emotional and physical strain of trying to be someone you're not. 🔑 Takeaway: Authenticity leads to sustainable success. ♻ Share with your network 👉 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dZvqgqkJ #AuthenticLeadership #SelfAwareness #EnergyLeadership ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 🚀 Hi, I’m Christina, an Energy Leadership Coach & Resilience Expert. I help HR Leaders & their teams harness the power of their energy levels to master stress and boost sustainable performance while avoiding burnout. 🔥 📅Book a consultation today to find out how I can support you and your team burn bright without burning out. https://lnkd.in/d3b494KB

💢 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁: 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 Are you a high-achieving leader caught in the relentless cycle of demands and dwindling satisfaction in your role? ♻️ I get it. The journey at the top can be isolating, with the constant pressure to perform leading to burnout. This isn’t just about a dip in productivity; it's about the real threat to your health, your team’s morale, and the organization's reputation. But here’s the crucial part: not addressing burnout can spiral into health crises, impaired leadership, and a demoralized team culture, eventually eroding your hard-earned professional standing. Brain-based solutions unlock the hidden rules driving you: Understanding the role of the vagus nerve, as explained by Dr. Stephen Porges, is crucial in addressing burnout. This nerve, part of the autonomic nervous system, controls our response to perceived threats, influencing your leadership and social interactions. 🔆 Engaging the Parasympathetic System: The first branch of the vagus nerve focuses on relaxation and digestion. It acts as a brake when we're moving too fast. Techniques like calming breaths and deep abdominal breathing activate this system, helping leaders to slow down and feel more composed. Step on the brakes to navigate the curves 🔆 Find meaning and purpose in your work: Identify examples of when you are doing things that are most fully being myself. There is a pattern that can reveal your purpose and how to live a meaningful and successful life. Mobilizing your deep identity makes work meaningful. 🔆 Encouraging Regular Breaks and Downtime: Creating a culture that values work-life balance is essential. Leaders should be encouraged to take regular breaks and sufficient downtime to rejuvenate. 🔆 Professional Development and Coaching: Investing in professional development and coaching can provide leaders with effective stress management strategies and tools to find fulfillment in their work. By applying these methods, you can unlock the rules that are driving you and transition from burnout to a renewed sense of purpose and effectiveness.🔐 Have you been on the brink of burnout? What strategies brought you back to peak leadership performance? Share in the COMMENTS below.⬇️ #leadership #BurnoutCombat #LeadershipRenewal #BrainBasedStrategies #StressManagementMatters

🔥 From Burnout to Breakthrough: How We Reignited Our Team's Spark 🔥 Ever seen a star player lose their shine? It's like watching a light dim, slowly but surely. Recently, I noticed one of our key team members, always a powerhouse of energy and ideas, starting to slow down. The signs were subtle at first—less of that infectious enthusiasm, a quiet where there used to be laughter. Performance was still strong; help was given willingly, but the warmth was fading. Here’s what we did: I decided it was time for a real talk. Not a performance review (performance was still outstanding), not a pep talk, but a heart-to-heart. We sat down, and I just listened. Really listened. What came out wasn't just a venting of pent-up frustrations or tiredness—it was a rediscovery of what made work meaningful for them. We made a pact that day, not just to work together but to support each other actively. We set clear, mutual commitments to prevent burnout and to reconnect with our passions—both in and out of the office. And the results? A few months later, we were not only celebrating hitting our targets but also celebrating the return of our team's spark. There was genuine joy in our successes and a newfound appreciation for the balance that sustains high performance. To all the leaders out there: If you notice someone losing their spark, take a moment. Engage genuinely. The impact you can have by simply offering your presence and understanding can turn burnout into a breakthrough. Curious about the signs of burnout and how you might be the catalyst for change? Let’s open up this crucial conversation—your insights could be the lifeline someone needs. #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #BurnoutRecovery #WorkplaceCulture

BURNOUT! Today, I had the pleasure of attending the Thames Valley #CIPD coffee and connect event, with 💚 Sherry White where we delved into a crucial topic: Burnout. It was incredibly insightful to engage in meaningful conversations about the impact of burnout on individuals and organizations alike. As a leadership and well-being coach, these discussions reinforce the importance of addressing burnout head-on. It's not just a buzzword; it's a real and pressing concern that requires our attention. The pressure to excel professionally often comes at the expense of our well-being. Burnout isn't just exhaustion; it's a state of chronic stress that affects every aspect of our lives. During today's session, we explored strategies to prevent burnout and cultivate environments where well-being thrives. From creating open communication to leading by example, there are countless ways leaders can support their teams in prioritizing self-care. I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals who are committed to creating healthier workplaces. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we lead. I'd love to continue the conversation here. * How do you prioritize well-being in your leadership role? * What strategies have you found effective in preventing burnout within your team? MySerendipity Coaching Managers and Leaders to Inspire Lasting Change Contact us: https://lnkd.in/dpXf7WN #WellBeing #Leadership #BurnoutPrevention #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare #EmployeeWellness #LeadershipCoach #HealthyCulture #OpenCommunication #CIPD #humanresources

Burnout and the Danger of Neglecting Self-Care as Leaders I recently spoke with a fellow entrepreneur who shared how challenging this past summer had been. The reason? She hadn’t prioritised her own self-care. What struck me wasn’t just that she had experienced burnout—after all, running your own business can be incredibly demanding—but that I hear this same story far too often from leaders at all levels. As leaders, we’re often “all in.” We dedicate ourselves to supporting others, striving for excellence, and taking responsibility for things that may be beyond our control. But in the process, we leave very little space for ourselves. One phrase I hear repeatedly, and one that I resonate with personally, is: “I care too much.” While others may set clear boundaries and walk away when they’ve done enough, many leaders struggle to do the same. We push on, believing that more is expected of us. But why do we find it so hard to set those boundaries? In some cases, it’s the external pressure from those who lead us. A lack of role models at senior levels can make it difficult to challenge this culture. There’s often an unspoken expectation that leaders don’t need time for self-care, and that asking for it is a sign of weakness. But sometimes, the pressure comes from within. It’s shaped by past experiences, perhaps rooted in childhood or earlier stages of our careers. We believe we must be perfect in all that we do, endlessly resilient, and constantly achieving. We rarely allow ourselves the time for reflection or restoration. And then there’s the issue of vulnerability—the fear of admitting that we are human, that we need time to recharge, reflect, and regroup. It’s time we change this narrative. As leaders, we need to be the role models our teams deserve. We must set boundaries and take a stand for our own well-being. Imagine confidently saying, “I won’t be able to meet that deadline as I work a four-day week, but I’ll have the report to you first thing on Monday.” Or better yet, delegating: “I’ll ask Ben to handle that in my absence, as I trust his ability to deliver the same quality service.” Nowhere is it written that you must do everything without compromise. And if that’s the expectation where you are, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate your future.

🌟 Embracing Burnout: The Unconventional Path to Exceptional Leadership 🌟 Hello, LinkedIn family! Today, let’s talk about a topic that many shy away from but that I believe is essential for any aspiring leader: BURNOUT. Yes, you heard me right! 💪🔥 In our fast-paced world, we often glorify the hustle culture and push ourselves to the limits. But here’s the secret: experiencing burnout can actually enhance your leadership skills! 😮 1. Empathy on Steroids: When you’re running on empty, you develop a profound understanding of what it means to struggle. This newfound empathy allows you to relate to your team on a whole new level. Who needs a wellness program when you can lead by example? 2. Creativity Unleashed: As your brain fizzes out from exhaustion, you start thinking outside the box—sometimes literally. Those late-night existential crises? Pure gold for brainstorming sessions! 3. Decision-Making Under Pressure: Nothing hones your decision-making skills like a 3 AM panic attack about deadlines. You learn to prioritize, delegate, and most importantly, make choices with the finesse of a squirrel in traffic. 🐿️🚦 4. Building Resilience: Overcoming burnout builds character. After you’ve crawled through the ashes of your ambition, you emerge as a phoenix, ready to face any challenge—preferably with a side of caffeine! 5. Networking Opportunities: Burnout can lead to some unforgettable connections! Whether it's bonding over shared sleepless nights or commiserating about our love-hate relationship with our to-do lists, you'll create alliances that last a lifetime. So, fellow leaders, let’s embrace the chaos! After all, if you’re not experiencing burnout, are you even trying hard enough? 🔥 Let’s turn this burnout into a badge of honor and watch our leadership skills soar! 🚀✨ hashtag #BurnoutToBrilliance #LeadershipJourney #HustleHarder #WellnessIsOverrated

Let's talk about leader burnout. It's real and it's tough. We're often so focused on supporting our teams that we forget to look after ourselves. Here are a few signs and solutions to keep in mind: Recognize the Signs: - Constant exhaustion, even after rest. - Feeling detached or cynical about work. - Difficulty concentrating or feeling like your efforts don't matter. Understand the Impact: Burnout doesn’t just affect us; it trickles down to our teams, impacting morale, productivity, and the overall work environment. Solutions to Consider: Prioritize Self-Care: It’s not selfish; it’s essential. Whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or simply taking breaks, make time for activities that recharge you. Delegate and Trust: You don’t have to do it all. Share responsibilities with your team. It builds trust and develops their skills, too. Seek Support: Whether it’s from mentors, peers, or professionals, talking about burnout can provide new perspectives and coping strategies. Remember, tackling burnout isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about creating a healthier, sustainable way of leading. Have you faced burnout as a leader? How did you manage or overcome it? #burnout #leadership #selfcare #changemanagement