Leaders: looking after yourself


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During the COVID-19 crisis, it’s more important than ever for leaders in frontline organisations to take time out to look after themselves. However, such roles are likely to attract self-sacrificing people – those who are willing to work beyond their natural limits in order to help others. This could lead to feelings of anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion.

If this sounds like you, then this brief guide could help. Designed by the NHS, it includes information on how to spot when you’re approaching your limit, some quick exercises to help you in the moment when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and ways of understanding and reflecting on your mental wellbeing when you have a moment of respite.

While this was created for leaders in the NHS, it might be useful for those in other essential roles too.

You can choose to make an account on the Our NHS People site, even if you do not work for the NHS. This allows you to track your progress through this guide and many others, and lets you return to the place you left off if you have to stop part way through a section. Click here to create an account or log in. However, you do not need to make an account to access it if you’d prefer not to.

To see the full list of guides available from Our NHS People, click here.

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NHS England and NHS Improvement
NHS England and NHS Improvement

NHS England and NHS Improvement aims to better support the NHS and help improve care for patients.

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