Smile, laugh and breathe

Taking time out to smile, laugh and just breathe is something all successful people do and in particular for leaders to be seen doing. Remember the saying about all work and no play?
In the workplace, it is not only important for staff motivation to remember people’s names and greet them personally, but also taking a few minutes to have a laugh and a joke can work wonders.
If there really is no time in the schedule to socialise, some leaders use other techniques – such a including a regular joke in emails or pinning it on staff notice boards. A fun photo can also convey that you are human.
There is some scientific evidence that exercising the smile muscles regularly can actually create a more positive mood.
Fresh air and exercise are also good for decluttering the brain.  A long walk with the dog can do wonders for creating thinking time as well as for recharging the energy.
Taking time to relax both with colleagues and alone is as important for leaders at any time but perhaps more important when things are stressful and business problems seem overwhelming.
Most crucially it can help to put things in perspective and arguably also to find creative solutions to problems.