Self-Care in Leadership: Lessons from Lt Col Amanda Pelkowski

In the latest episode of the "Leading with Heart Podcast," host Christina welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Pelkowski, an influential Air Force officer. Known for her candid and motivational social media presence, Amanda shares her career journey and the importance of self-care in leadership roles.

Amanda's Background and Career Journey

Born and raised in Colorado, Amanda entered the Air Force Academy in 2004 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in English. Despite an initial interest in engineering, she pivoted to English, balancing her technical coursework with literature. Her career journey is anything but traditional, taking her from Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas to assignments in Hawaii, South Carolina, and the Pentagon. She's been deployed to Iraq, UAE, Turkey, and Afghanistan, bringing a wealth of experience that she deeply values.

The Cornerstone of Effective Leadership: Self-Care

Self-care is a central theme of this episode. Amanda stresses that as one rises in leadership, responsibilities increase while personal time decreases. She advises focusing on high-yield activities that maximize the benefits of self-care, rather than aiming for perfection.

“Self-care doesn’t need to be perfect. It just has to be effective,” Amanda shares. This practical approach includes integrating brief but impactful activities like 15-minute workouts to manage stress and maintain physical health.

Managing Time and Prioritizing Self-Care

One key tactic for managing time is to set oneself up for success before the week begins by preparing everything the night before. Amanda also emphasizes hydration, aiming to balance caffeine intake with water by drinking a gallon each day to manage stress and maintain overall health.

The Challenges of Command

Command roles can be isolating, burdened with difficult decisions. Amanda recounts a cautionary tale of a leader who neglected self-care to the point of hospitalization, underscoring the risks of burnout. She highlights the importance of small moments of self-care, such as five-minute painting projects or habit stacking activities during a commute or workout.

Amanda’s support system, including her husband, helps her prioritize mental and physical health. She also finds time for activities like running and engaging in a women's running club to maintain social connections.

Prioritizing self-care, treating oneself like an athlete, and making wellness a daily non-negotiable are essential for effective leadership. Amanda’s insights offer powerful reminders to integrate self-care into busy schedules.

Follow Lt Col Amanda Pelkowski on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanda.pelkowski) for more inspirational content and practical self-care tips. This episode serves as a heartfelt encouragement to seek help and support in navigating the challenges of leadership, ensuring one leads with heart and resilience.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over on Instagram, or in my Facebook community!

RESOURCES:

Connect with Amanda:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amanda.pelkowski

Join the Strong and Resilient Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336774597179247

SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode51