TheresaWhere does happiness come from?
It’s a question we all ponder at some point in our lives. But if you’re a Creative CEO, this question likely has an even deeper meaning for you.
Why?
Well, to start, 30 per cent of CEOs work a six-day or seven-day week and 51 per cent say they experience high stress levels on a regular basis.
Then there are the other realities of CEO life: less sleep, less leisure time to spend with family and friends, constantly being connected to your tech and devices outside of the office, etc.
All of this contributes to routinely feeling drained, uninspired, and dissatisfied.
If you can relate, you’re likely desperate to lessen work-related stress and live a more balanced, joyful life— and thankfully, there is a way to do it.
You just have to find and follow your happiness streams.
What are Happiness Streams?
As CEOs, we’ve all heard of revenue streams. Happiness streams are much the same! They’re the sources of joy that contribute to our lives. And, again, just like revenue, the more we diversify the happiness streams in our lives the more likely we are to be happy.
What Kinds of Happiness Streams Are There?
There are 5 key categories of happiness, which I like to call the “5 P’s”. They include:
1. People
Positive relationships with our close friends and loved ones provide us with a sense of belonging. They have also been proven to lesson the likelihood of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
2. Places
80 per cent of travelers say that taking a trip has a positive effect on their mental health. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to leave the country—or even your city— to uplift your spirits. In fact, you can start small by inviting more natural light into your home or investing in a comfy lounge chair where you can cozy up with a good book.
It’s also a great idea to get outdoors for at least 20 minute a day. Try visiting a scenic beach or taking your dog to the park.
3. Purpose
Nothing is better for the soul than serving a purpose. Write down three life aspirations that aren’t related to your job. What do you want to be known for outside of work? How can you align your actions with these goals and live each day with your purpose in mind?
4. Pleasure
Pleasure can be found in anything we enjoy. It could be indulging in a relaxing massage, inhaling the fragrance of fresh-cut flowers, or listening to your favorite music.
5. Physical Health
Exercising and eating nutritious foods has been shown to significantly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and negative moods.
The Role of Happiness Streams in Stress Management for CEOs
There is no quick fix when it comes to dealing with stress as a leader. Instead, you must work to create a sustainable lifestyle shift.
The more you focus on finding fulfillment and joy in your personal life, the more capable you will be of managing work-related stress.
Too often, we seek out business books and other forms of guidance to teach us how to be a better CEO when what we really need is to become a more carefree and contented version of ourselves.
How to Get Started
Choose two of the five happiness streams listed above to focus on. Then follow the steps below:
- Determine what each happiness stream looks like to you. (I.e. If you chose “People”, it may look like hosting a backyard BBQ for your inner circle.)
- Write down two activities you can do in the upcoming week to align with each of your chosen happiness streams. Schedule them in your calendar.
- After you have completed the activities, write down how you feel. Do you feel less anxious? Less irritable? More motivated? Keep track of how these positive effects impact your performance at work.
Repeat these steps as often as possible.
Did You Know?
My Consultant to CEO Accelerator program is an exclusive online course that is specifically-designed to help creative founders RECONNECT with their purpose, REFINE their processes, and REGAIN control as a leader.
If you’re ready to stop Googling work-life balance tips and start shifting your mindset in a meaningful way, this program is for you.
GET STARTED TODAY
