As an Interim Manager, you’re constantly juggling multiple hats, focusing on crisis management, organizational change, and operational improvement. It’s about balancing the high-pressure stakes with personal resilience, all while keeping burnout at bay. The self-care we promote is about the simple, everyday choices that keep you in prime mental and physical shape.
- Establish boundaries. As an Interim Manager, you’re parachuted into complex situations. It’s critical to draw a line between work hours and personal time. Your personal time is as important as your professional commitment as your health is not an area to compromise on. Remember that a healthy body fuels a healthy mind.
- ‘Micro-Pauses’. These are not coffee breaks or lunch hours. They are brief moments of respite, taken every hour or so, to reorient and refresh. A well-rested mind is a productive mind, so a simple 3-minute breathing exercise, or even a short walk around the office, can do wonders.
- The ‘Art of Delegation’. There’s no glory in shouldering all responsibilities as overcommitment is the freeway to burnout. Delegate, supervise and watch how not only your workload reduces, but your team’s capabilities grow.
- ‘Emotional Detox’. At the end of the day, take some time to process your feelings and emotions. It could be journaling, meditating, or simply talking to a friend. You could connect with fellow Interim Managers to share experiences, solutions, and perhaps a few laughs. After all, shared burdens are half burdens.
- Invest in continuous learning. Dedicate time to upskilling and reskilling. This not only enhances your professional value but also provides a mental break from routine tasks.
Investing in yourself isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. As interim managers, you are in high-stress, high-stakes roles. If you’re not in our best condition, you can’t bring your best to the table. Make self-care a priority, not an afterthought.
