10 Ways HR Leaders Say They Prioritize Their Own Mental Health

While soaring rates of mental health concerns among employees are well-documented, one group of employees is often overlooked when it comes to the mental health challenges they face: HR professionals.

Busy and stressed-out HR leaders are not only dealing with their personal lives and struggles, but are tasked with efforts to manage and enhance the mental well-being of their employees, along with other key workplace priorities. 

That’s why, many HR leaders told SHRM, it’s vital for them to focus on their own mental health.

“My days are consistently filled with high-priority tasks and fast-paced decision-making, which makes it extremely important to create an intentional routine around mental wellness,” said Tiffany McGowen, senior executive vice president of HR and talent acquisition at software firm Paycom in Edmond, Okla.

Amy Mosher, chief people officer at Charlotte, N.C.-based software company isolved, agreed, saying that without prioritizing their own mental health, HR professionals simply cannot be effective leaders. 

“Put your own mask on first. It’s a part of my role to communicate vision and manage expectations for equitable performance for our business and all of our employees. I do not believe I can do that effectively if I am distracted by my own mental health issues,” she said. “If we do not take good care of our own needs, it is difficult to assist others with their needs authentically.”

So how do HR leaders prioritize their own mental health? What tips do they recommend to other HR professionals? Here’s what they told SHRM.

Carve out time for yourself in the morning. “I’m an early riser and usually wake up about an hour before the rest of my family,” said Cheryl Yuran, CHRO at Absorb Software in Rochester, Mich. “I guard this time fiercely — it’s my space to think clearly and prepare for the day. Whether I’m working through tough challenges, developing new ideas, planning talks, or rehearsing presentations, this is when the bulk of my deep thinking happens. It gives me clarity, a sense of calm, and a head start on tackling the meaningful parts of my day.”

Start the day with something positive. “I engage in something positive every morning,” said Mindi Cox, chief people officer at HR services firm O.C. Tanner in Salt Lake City. “Before showing up to be a resource for others, I know I need to fill up my cup as best I can. For me, this looks like habit-stacking throughout my morning: exercise — sometimes as quick as 15 minutes if I have early meetings; a positive podcast while I am getting ready; a gratitude practice; and vocal expression of my intentions for the day in my car on the way to work.”

Prioritize physical activity. “I make physical activity a daily priority,” McGowen said. “Whether it's a morning workout or using a walking pad at my desk, staying active is essential for my overall health and productivity.” 

Yuran added that she makes it a point to walk at least twice a day. “Whenever possible, I head outside, but on cold or rainy days, the treadmill will do,” she said. “These walks are more than just physical exercise — they’re mental resets. I often listen to audiobooks or music, but sometimes I let my thoughts wander freely. It’s a simple ritual, but it’s grounding.”

Set boundaries. “Effective prioritization and setting clear boundaries have helped me create balance in my life, allowing me to be fully present for the big moments inside and outside of work,” McGowen said. 

Travel. “Travel, when I can fit it in, also helps me recharge — especially when I can spend time outdoors,” said Wes Burke, CHRO of Care.com, a caregiving platform company based in Austin, Texas. “Whether it’s hiking, walking, or just being outside, nature keeps me grounded. It’s not perfect, but building [that time away] has helped me show up stronger in every part of my life.”

Book time for yourself and your personal life. “I prioritize my mental health by prioritizing my time and aligning it to what I truly want to be doing at that moment,” Mosher said. “I book time with my family or to do personal things in the same way I book time to do work-related things. I manage and prioritize my personal time as effectively as my work time. I feel like this gives me a sense of peace and stability.” 

Mosher also said she’s given up on the misconception that there will be balance without effort. “Instead, I focus on making decisions about how to spend my time doing exactly what I want to be doing at that moment. No one’s handcuffed me to the desk at work or at home. If I am working, I take accountability that it’s a decision I’ve made,” she said. “If I am spending time with my family or on myself, I own that choice. It removes a lot of guilt that I’m not spending time doing what I ‘should’ be doing and has relieved a significant amount of anxiety in my life, which has improved my mental health.” 

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. “Lately, I have also had to be more intentional about when to engage in projects that might require more emotional energy than I have at that moment,” Cox said. “This has led to some re-prioritization, or I’ve asked for grace on a deadline because I did not have the headspace or heartspace that the project deserved. Asking for time or acknowledging that I need to regroup before tackling something felt like admitting weakness at first. However, after being honest with myself about needing additional space or time to approach things with the right level of calm and capacity, the outcome is always better. This type of introspection can positively impact our relationship with employees, as they are more likely to trust leaders who acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses.”

Connect with colleagues and workers on a personal level. Being professional is important, but so is connecting with workers on a personal level, McGowen said: “These human conversations help me stay grounded and energized, even on the most challenging days.”

Burke agreed, saying it’s important to bring a pragmatic lens to emotionally charged situations and use humor, when appropriate, to keep things light. “I encourage my team to do the same, and we talk often about the power of vulnerability and showing up authentically,” he said. 

Spend time with people away from work. Yuran said a big part of her well-being comes from staying connected to a small circle of friends who have no ties to her work. “Their energy is light, fun, and uplifting,” she said. “We don’t dwell on daily frustrations. We laugh, we support each other, and we keep things in perspective.”

Take time to reflect. “I try to keep myself and my team grounded in what we’re trying to achieve,” Burke said. “We use a practice called headwinds and tailwinds — quarterly look-backs and look-aheads — to reflect on wins and challenges. It creates space for open, honest dialogue.”