Put Your Own Mask on First: The Essential Case for Self-Care in Local Government Leadership

In the world of local government, where the stakes are high and the needs of communities are ever-growing, officers and elected members often find themselves at the coalface of public service. The pressure to deliver, to support, to lead, and to respond can be relentless. And in the midst of this, one critical truth is too often overlooked: you cannot serve others effectively if you are running on empty.

This post is a call to action. A gentle but firm reminder that putting your own mask on first—prioritising your wellbeing—is not selfish. It is not indulgent. It is, in fact, an essential component of sustainable, effective leadership.

The Myth of Self-Sacrifice

There is a deeply ingrained culture in public service that equates self-sacrifice with virtue. Many local government professionals wear their exhaustion like a badge of honour. Long hours, skipped meals, missed family events—these are seen as signs of dedication.

But let’s be clear: burnout is not a badge of honour. It is a warning sign.

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” – L.R. Knost

When we consistently put others first at the expense of our own health, we are not being noble—we are being unsustainable. And the consequences are serious: stress, anxiety, poor decision-making, absenteeism, and ultimately, a diminished capacity to lead and serve.

The Oxygen Mask Metaphor

The metaphor of the oxygen mask on an aeroplane is well known, but it bears repeating. In the event of an emergency, passengers are instructed to put on their own oxygen mask before assisting others. Why? Because you are no good to anyone if you are unconscious.

This metaphor applies perfectly to leadership in local government. If you are depleted—emotionally, mentally, physically—you cannot support your team, your colleagues, or your community effectively.

Reframing Self-Care as Leadership

It’s time to reframe self-care not as a luxury, but as a leadership imperative.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde

When you take care of your own wellbeing, you model healthy behaviour for your team. You create a culture where it is safe to rest, to set boundaries, and to seek support. You become a more resilient, empathetic, and effective leader.

The Mindset Shift: Permission to Prioritise Yourself

Many local government professionals struggle with guilt when it comes to self-care. They feel they are letting others down if they take a break or say no. But here’s the truth: you are not letting others down by looking after yourself—you are equipping yourself to lift them up more effectively.

Here are some mindset shifts to embrace:

• Self-care is not selfish. It is strategic.

• Rest is not a reward. It is a requirement.

• Boundaries are not barriers. They are bridges to better performance.

• Saying no is not a failure. It is a form of focus.

Practical Strategies for Putting Your Mask on First

So how do you actually do this in practice? Here are some practical, actionable strategies tailored for the realities of local government work:

1. Schedule Non-Negotiable Recovery Time

Block out time in your calendar for rest, reflection, and recovery—just as you would for a meeting. Whether it’s a walk, a lunch break, or a quiet hour to think, treat it as sacred.

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day… is by no means a waste of time.” – John Lubbock

2. Set and Communicate Boundaries

Let your team know when you are available—and when you are not. Encourage them to do the same. Respecting boundaries fosters mutual respect and trust.

3. Delegate and Empower

You don’t have to do it all. Empower your team by delegating responsibilities and trusting them to deliver. This not only lightens your load but also builds capacity within your organisation.

4. Practice Reflective Leadership

Take time to reflect on your values, your purpose, and your impact. Journaling, coaching, or peer support groups can help you stay grounded and aligned.

5. Invest in Your Development

Attend training, read widely, seek mentorship. Personal and professional growth is energising and helps you stay resilient in the face of challenges.

6. Prioritise Physical Health

Sleep, nutrition, movement—these are the foundations of wellbeing. You don’t need to run marathons, but regular walks, balanced meals, and adequate rest can transform your energy levels.

7. Seek Support

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a coach, a therapist, a colleague, or a friend—talking things through can provide clarity and relief.

Creating a Culture of Care

Leadership is not just about what you do—it’s about what you enable others to do. When you model self-care, you give your team permission to do the same. This creates a ripple effect throughout the organisation.

“As a leader, you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. It’s not a luxury—it’s a responsibility.” – Arianna Huffington

Encourage open conversations about wellbeing. Celebrate people who take time off. Build systems that support mental health and work-life balance. These are not soft issues—they are strategic priorities.

The Cost of Ignoring Wellbeing

Let’s be honest: the cost of ignoring wellbeing is high. Burnout leads to:

• Increased absenteeism

• Higher turnover

• Reduced productivity

• Poorer decision-making

• Lower morale

And perhaps most importantly, it leads to a loss of purpose and passion—the very things that brought many into public service in the first place.

Real-Life Examples

Case Study: A Chief Executive’s Turnaround

One local authority chief executive shared how she hit a wall after years of overwork. “I was constantly tired, irritable, and disconnected from my team. I thought I was being strong, but I was actually becoming ineffective.” After taking a short sabbatical and working with a coach, she returned with renewed energy and clarity. “Now I prioritise my wellbeing, and my team is thriving because of it.”

Case Study: Embedding Wellbeing in Team Culture

A district council introduced “Wellbeing Wednesdays”—a weekly hour where no meetings are scheduled, and staff are encouraged to take a walk, meditate, or simply rest. The result? Improved morale, reduced sick days, and a stronger sense of community.

A Message to Local Government Professionals

To every officer, every councillor, every team leader and chief executive reading this: you matter. Your wellbeing matters. Your energy, your clarity, your emotional reserves—they are not infinite. And they are not optional.

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You are doing vital work. You are holding communities together, navigating complexity, and making a difference. But you cannot do this if you are burnt out.

So please—put your own mask on first.

Final Thoughts

Let’s normalise rest. Let’s celebrate boundaries. Let’s champion self-care as a leadership strength, not a weakness. Because when you are well, your team is well. When you are energised, your community benefits. And when you lead from a place of wholeness, you lead with wisdom, compassion, and impact.

“You owe yourself the love that you so freely give to other people.” – Alexandra Elle

This blog post was sponsored by RPNA, who help local authorities to deliver projects and implement changes efficiently. They offer expertise in areas like leadership, wellbeing, technology, and commercial acumen, ensuring excellent value for money and meeting key priorities.