5.5 Evaluate strategies to maintain and improve own wellbeing

This guide will help you answer 5.5 Evaluate strategies to maintain and improve own wellbeing

Looking after your wellbeing is not a luxury. For people in management or leadership roles within adult care, it is necessary for both personal health and effective leadership. Care leaders face emotional, physical, and mental pressures each day. Neglecting your own wellbeing can lead to exhaustion, poor decision-making, and a negative work environment.

This guide covers practical ways to evaluate, maintain and improve your wellbeing. You will learn how to build habits that help you stay healthy and manage stress over the long term.

Wellbeing in Leadership

Wellbeing covers many parts of your life. Physical health includes your diet, sleep, and exercise. Mental health covers stress management, focus, and emotional regulation. Social health considers your relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. You also need time to relax and pursue things you enjoy.

A leader’s wellbeing affects not only themselves but also their staff and the quality of care provided. Care staff often look to their leader as a role model. If you show self-care and healthy boundaries, staff are more likely to do the same.

In adult care, the unique challenges include:

• Long or irregular working hours
• High emotional demands
• Managing staff shortages
• Dealing with sensitive or traumatic situations
• Organisational change and regulatory pressures

Understanding these challenges is the first step to building practical strategies.

Common Threats to Wellbeing in Management

Risks to wellbeing in leadership roles can come from inside and outside the workplace.

Workplace risks can include:

• Excessive workload
• Staff conflicts
• Inadequate support
• Ongoing emergencies
• Paperwork pressures

Outside work, issues can include:

• Poor work-life balance
• Caring duties at home
• Lack of time for hobbies
• Insufficient sleep

Recognising these threats early can help you take positive action.

The Value of Evaluating Your Wellbeing Regularly

Regular evaluation means checking how you feel and function at work and at home. This helps you notice problems before they grow. Set aside time regularly to review your wellbeing and seek feedback from trusted colleagues.

You can evaluate your wellbeing by:

• Keeping a mood diary
• Using self-assessment tools, like the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale
• Monitoring common stress signs, like headaches, tiredness, or irritability
• Reflecting on job satisfaction and energy levels
• Seeking feedback in supervision or appraisals

Being honest with yourself helps you spot trends and set priorities.

Effective Strategies to Maintain and Improve Wellbeing

Many strategies work to maintain and improve wellbeing. The most effective ones are tailored to your needs, preferences, and working patterns.

Setting Clear Work-Life Boundaries

Good boundaries help you switch off from work and recharge. This might mean:

• Sticking to set working hours when possible
• Avoiding work emails or calls during time off
• Sharing on-call duties fairly among team members
• Being open with staff about respecting personal time

A clear boundary between work and home life supports healthy relationships and better rest.

Self-Care Activities

Self-care means taking time for activities that restore your energy and mood. Examples include:

• Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming
• Mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises
• Taking full breaks and annual leave
• Spending time outdoors
• Reading or creative hobbies

Even 10–15 minutes of gentle exercise or relaxation a day can help.

Building Strong Support Networks

Talking to others reduces isolation and stress. Find support from:

• Peer groups for adult care managers
• Regular supervision with a trusted senior
• Supportive friends and family
• Professional networks or mentors

Healthy workplace relationships build trust and help problem-solving.

Managing Workload

Taking control of your workload protects time for planning and reflection. You could:

• Delegate tasks where possible
• Use to-do lists and planning tools
• Break large tasks into manageable steps
• Review and adjust priorities daily
• Learn to say no when your workload is full

Effective time management means more focus, less stress, and better decision-making.

Learning and Professional Development

Continuous learning supports self-confidence and resilience. It can also prevent boredom. Actions include:

• Attending short courses or workshops
• Reading sector updates and research
• Engaging in reflective practice
• Seeking feedback and appraising performance

Setting aside time for your own development is as important as supporting staff training.

Recognising Stress and Seeking Help

Everyone faces stress. Spotting early warning signs in yourself is key. Common signs include:

• Changes in mood, appetite or sleep
• Short temper
• Trouble focusing
• Withdrawn behaviour

If you notice these signs, talk to someone you trust. You may also use:

• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
• Counselling or talking therapies
• GP services

Taking early action helps manage issues before they escalate.

Using Organisational Policies and Resources

Most care organisations have policies that support wellbeing. Make sure you know what is available.

Examples of support include:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Occupational health services
• Stress and resilience training
• Wellbeing champions or committees
• Mental health first aiders

Taking advantage of these resources shows staff that looking after wellbeing is part of your workplace culture.

Make sure you lead by example in following procedures. For instance, do not skip breaks or annual leave. This sets a positive tone for your team.

Monitoring and Reviewing Wellbeing Strategies

You need to check that your strategies work. Reviewing helps you see what to keep, what to change, and what to stop.

Regular checks might include:

• Tracking sickness absence
• Noticing your mood and energy over several weeks
• Reviewing feedback from supervision
• Setting small goals and celebrating success

Adapt your approach if you feel strategies are not working. Always listen to your mind and body. If you feel tired or overwhelmed, take action quickly.

Leadership and the Link to Wellbeing

As a leader, your behaviour shapes team culture. If you take good care of yourself, staff feel permission to do the same. This leads to:

• Higher morale
• Fewer absences
• Safer, better-quality care

Simple leadership actions include:

• Talking openly about mental health
• Encouraging staff to prioritise their own wellbeing
• Checking in with team members
• Sharing successes and strategies together

A “wellbeing culture” is part of outstanding leadership.

Reflective Practice

Reflective practice means regularly thinking about your actions and choices. It helps you learn from experience and make better decisions next time.

Ways to reflect include:

• Keeping a journal
• Speaking with a peer or mentor
• Asking reflective questions, such as:
  • What went well today?
  • What could I have done differently?

Reflection encourages you to spot early signs of poor wellbeing and take timely action.

Balancing Physical and Mental Health

Physical and mental health are linked. If you neglect one, the other suffers. Consider the following:

• Sleep: Poor sleep affects mood, decision-making, and your immune system. Stick to a regular sleep routine.
• Diet: Eat balanced meals, avoid skipping meals, and stay hydrated.
• Movement: Regular movement helps most people feel happier and less tired.
• Breaks: Take frequent, short breaks to help you recharge.

If you notice persistent low mood or physical symptoms, seek medical advice.

Using Role Modelling

Staff watch managers closely. The example you set has power. If you model self-care, healthy communication, and kindness to yourself during mistakes, staff will follow.

You encourage staff to:

• Speak up about their worries
• Ask for support when needed
• Take rest seriously

Role modelling healthy behaviour is one of your most powerful tools as a leader.

Dealing with Setbacks

Challenges happen. Sometimes, strategies that worked before will not work in a new situation. If your wellbeing dips:

• Pause and review what is happening
• Adjust routines or try new activities
• Reach out for support

Remember, wellbeing is an ongoing process, not a one-off event. Flexibility and self-compassion help you get back on track.

Creating a Personal Wellbeing Plan

A personal wellbeing plan makes actions easier to follow. It can include:

• Clear working hours and break times
• Weekly activities you enjoy
• A list of supportive contacts (such as friends, peers, or an EAP)
• Short- and long-term health goals
• Simple reminders to take breaks or move during work

Review this plan monthly. Adjust it when your circumstances change. This keeps wellbeing a top priority.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating, maintaining, and improving your wellbeing as a leader in adult care supports your health, happiness, and performance at work. Regular self-checks, clear boundaries, and open communication all make a difference. Seek out support and make use of available resources. Your wellbeing makes a direct impact on your team and the people you care for.

Never be afraid to review your strategies and make changes. You set the standard for your team. By putting your wellbeing first, you create the best conditions for safe, compassionate care.