So I'm in the process of interviewing 100 women around their experiences and challenges of being leaders and what do you think most women say when I ask them what tip or trick they use to support them in their leadership? Drum role please... Taking time for themselves! From getting enough sleep, to exercise, to meditation, to quality time with their family, leading females contribute taking care of themselves as key to their ability to perform at their best.

This sounds so simple and yet for people who are on the go, this takes effort. This is especially true for those who have "control freak" or "must do it myself" or "just one more thing" characteristics which I must say I fall prey to more than I care to admit. And, if you are anything like me, these moments of taking time to myself looks like seizing the moment of when my 7 month old daughter is napping.

As I write this, I am laying in a hammock that my husband so lovingly strung under a shady tree in our backyard. I am enjoying the breeze, slowly swinging as I flip through the latest Conde' Nast Traveler. I exhale deeply and be with the presence of nature around me. It took my husband's gentle demand that I appreciate this moment for myself to be here... than in the distance I hear her... "waa waaHHHH!" My daughter has woken up from her nap and in that instant, my moment for taking time for myself has passed and it is game on for the mom in me!

Consider this: Taking time for yourself can massively improve your efficiency in your business and increase your quality of life. What are you doing to take time for yourself, to nurturing and honoring your body's need to relax and rejuvenate?