Many new managers think that they need to sacrifice their well-being for that of the people they lead. But this is not true. To be a truly impactful and caring leader, you have to put yourself and your emotional fitness at the top of your priority list.

• What is emotional fitness? It’s the skill of creating a more supportive relationship with yourself, your thoughts and feelings, and other people.
• Greater well-being and happiness dramatically improves our productivity, creativity, and ability to make decisions and help others. Your well-being and emotional fitness are direct investments in you and your success.
• To build it, get into the habit of asking yourself: “How am I feeling right now?” Do this each morning, and it will eventually become more natural to check in with yourself throughout the day.
• Schedule mini fuel-ups to regain energy throughout the day. Even a short, 10-minute walk can boost your mood, improve focus and motivation, and reduce stress.
• Cultivate a daily gratitude habit. First thing every morning, pause and think of three specific things you’re grateful for. Then write them down. There is a mountain of studies that show how gratitude improves well-being and resilience.