The importance of gratitude in leadership wellness.
During this season, there is a larger emphasis on reflection and appreciation for the things we are thankful for, but do we ever wonder how this impacts our leadership effectiveness and overall wellness? Here are some of our thoughts on why gratitude is important to your leadership wellness:
Gratitude improves your health. This article by the Group Health Collective highlights the different benefits of gratitude on health which include improved sleep quality, reduced stress, improved mood, and strengthened connections and relationships.
Gratitude reminds you to pause and be present. The ability to identify what you are grateful for moves you to a place where you slow down and reflect on what is around you and what you are responding to. Stepping back, and taking a breath allows you to gain clarity on where you are and where you want to go. This is essential to your effectiveness as a leader. Forbes discusses why the Power of the Pause is your secret weapon in leadership and for a more intimate dive into how the Power of the Pause has impacted health and leadership, we highly recommend grabbing a copy of Dr. Stone's The Power of the Pause for this season - she doesn't hold back!
Gratitude breeds intentionality. When you reflect on what you are grateful for, whether that be in or outside of the office, it refocuses your mind to what you value and find important. This in turn will allow you to stay clear of the distractions that come your way and ensure that you are intentional with your energy, effort, and outputs.
Gratitude is just a stepping stone to the larger pyramid of leadership wellness. As Q4 comes to a close, we challenge you this season to take a moment to pause, reflect, and make conscious decisions, and to live & lead well. Let us know what you’re most grateful for in the comments below!
