As a female leader, you have to learn to manage it all. You are the lead visionary, top decision-maker and the person your team relies on for support and guidance. If you show up daily at your best, with a clear head, centered and rested, stress is automatically lessened.

Put yourself first. Think about when you are on an airplane and you are instructed to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. That is exactly the advice to follow as you lead a team and an organization.

Great leaders have dedicated health and wellness practices in place and they don’t let anything interfere with those practices. Starting your day with a meditation practice, gratitude exercise, jog in the park or yoga at the studio with friends can impact how you react to stress throughout the rest of the day. 

Be aware of your food and drink intake. Caffeine and sugar are nice for an energy boost, but too much can affect your stress management. And don’t forget the simple method of controlled breathing. 

Take three deep breaths when transitioning between activities at work. Between meetings, before checking email, before a phone chat with a client, take the time to breathe, let go of any stress from the past activity and get into the moment of the work you are about to do. 

When you take care of yourself, you ultimately take care of everyone else. A healthy and positive leader funnels that energy down to their team and their clients, creating a business built on joy and passion, not stress and overwhelm.