Strategies Women in Leadership Use to Avoid Burnout

As International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on the triumphs of women worldwide, it is essential to acknowledge the untold stories behind their success. Women in leadership roles often walk a fine line between professional ambitions and personal commitments, all while navigating the pressures of being multi-faceted individuals. Their paths, though inspiring, come with significant challenges, including the constant battle against burnout. To understand how these women maintain their energy and balance, we look into the strategies they employ to thrive both at work and in life.

Women leaders share their secrets to achieving work-life balance

1. Prioritization over Perfection

For Sonal Bansal, Director and Head of Marketing at Shashvi Remedies Pvt. Ltd., achieving balance doesn’t require perfection—it’s about making deliberate choices every day. She believes that the key to managing a high-stakes career and personal life lies in prioritization. Sonal delegates tasks at work and sets clear boundaries at home, allowing her to focus on what matters most. Importantly, she makes her mental and physical well-being a priority. Her day begins with meditation and goal-setting, which aligns her energy and sets a clear direction for the day. Flexibility is another cornerstone of her approach; unexpected challenges are inevitable, and the ability to navigate them with grace is crucial for maintaining balance.

2. Letting Go of Guilt

Nikita Luthar, Brand Ambassador of Natural8 India, shares a similar outlook, emphasizing that achieving balance is not about trying to have it all, but about understanding what truly matters. She stresses the importance of setting clear boundaries and practicing self-care. For Nikita, delegating tasks and being flexible in the face of various demands is essential to avoid burnout. Women often feel the pressure to be "superheroes," but Nikita’s approach is about intentional decision-making that promotes overall well-being. This mindset allows her to manage both her professional and personal life effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Resilience and Adaptability

Shweta Baisla, CFO and Whole-Time Director at Sona Machinery Ltd., views balance through the lens of resilience and adaptability. For Shweta, time management is vital, but so is setting realistic expectations. She focuses on creating a well-rounded life that allows her to lead teams, negotiate deals, and spend quality time with family. Shweta also emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and prioritizing mental well-being. Her personal practice of “Kaizen”—aiming for just 1% improvement each day—helps her stay grounded and avoid burnout. Each morning, she dedicates 20 minutes to planning her day, ensuring that she manages priorities effectively without overloading herself.

4. Workplaces Must Play Their Part

Rani Garg, Director at Zeon Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., believes that the workplace environment plays a significant role in helping women leaders avoid burnout. She asserts that progressive companies don’t just hire women—they actively support their growth and well-being. Rani advocates for equal pay for equal work, as well as workplace policies that recognize the unique challenges women face, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and maintaining work-life balance. She calls for organizations to embrace gender-neutral learning and development programs, ensuring that women have the resources they need to succeed without facing undue stress. Rani’s belief is that workplaces must listen, adapt, and act to create environments where women can truly thrive.

5. Embracing the Imperfect Flow

Aakriti Periwal, CEO & Founder of Unireach Education and Director at Jayshree Periwal International School, challenges the idea that balance requires a rigid routine. She explains that constantly chasing the perfect balance can actually lead to greater imbalance. Instead of focusing on creating a perfect day, Aakriti embraces the flow of her day, adapting to whatever is most important in the moment. She uses the Pareto Principle—focusing 80% of her efforts on the 20% of tasks that have the most significant impact. Her approach, much like the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finds beauty in imperfection and flexibility. By embracing this dynamic approach, Aakriti maintains her calm amidst the chaos of a demanding entrepreneurial life.

6. Prioritizing Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout

Dr. Tanvi Tijoriwala, a naturopathic doctor based in Canada, underscores the importance of self-care in preventing burnout. She advocates for daily practices such as yoga or meditation to rejuvenate the mind and enhance focus. Dr. Tijoriwala also emphasizes the necessity of building a robust support system, both personally and professionally. Networking and mentorship are key in helping women leaders manage the challenges they face. Additionally, she encourages women to delegate tasks without guilt, whether at work or home, to protect their mental well-being. By adopting these strategies, women can sustain their energy, reduce stress, and achieve harmony in their personal and professional lives.

Conclusion: Balance as a Dynamic Process

The overarching theme across these strategies is that balance is not a static state to be achieved but a dynamic, evolving process. Women leaders don’t aim for perfection; instead, they make deliberate, mindful choices that align with their personal values and priorities. Through practices such as setting boundaries, embracing flexibility, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating resilience, these women demonstrate that true success is about navigating challenges with purpose and grace.

On this International Women’s Day, it’s crucial not only to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women but also to create environments—both in workplaces and at home—that enable women to thrive without the risk of burnout. By championing support systems, advocating for fair workplaces, and prioritizing well-being, we can help women leaders continue to inspire and excel in every aspect of their lives.