--- title: "CEO to CEO: Self-Care Measures" id: "42074" type: "post" slug: "ceo-to-ceo-self-care-measures" published_at: "2018-04-01T09:30:07+00:00" modified_at: "2026-03-16T21:39:53+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2018/04/01/ceo-to-ceo-self-care-measures/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2018/04/01/ceo-to-ceo-self-care-measures.md" excerpt: "What self-care measures do you take to stay mentally sharp?" taxonomy_category: - "Executive Leadership" taxonomy_post_tag: - "AssociationsNow" - "C-suite" - "Leadership" - "self-care" - "wellness" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "Association CEO / Executive Director" - "Executive Team" taxonomy_persona: - "Executive Leadership" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » CEO to CEO: Self-Care Measures ### Peter Angood, M.D. *President & CEO, American Association for Physician Leadership, Tampa, Florida* Organizational culture is driven by leadership that is living proof of best corporate behaviors. In this era of integrated personal and professional lifestyles, remaining sharp—physically, psychologically, emotionally—is critical for success. I use a combination of routines for physical activity, periods of personal reflection with mindfulness practices, and a coupling of avocation activity with socializing among family and friends. I also step away from electronics and digital devices. ### Debra Wentz, Ph.D. *President & CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc., Trenton, New Jersey* I devote time away from work every day to exercise, pet my two cats, talk to friends and family, and take bubble baths. For longer breaks, I recharge by totally changing environments and spending time in Paris speaking a different language and being surrounded by different stimuli. All this leads to a fresh approach and mental acuity. ### Mary Jane Cobb, CAE *Executive Director, Iowa State Education Association, Des Moines, Iowa* During a stressful time at work, a trusted colleague asked, “How do you take care of yourself?” When I hesitated before answering, he pointed out that as CEO, I am a resource of the association, and taking care of myself is a legitimate part of the job. This simple statement made me more comfortable scheduling time for what I need to stay healthy. I work out with a trainer to keep my body and mind moving, and I play video games to keep my mind sharp. ### Kate Penn *CEO, Society of American Florists, Alexandria, Virginia* I practice hot yoga three to four times a week, which provides a cardio benefit as well as mindfulness, both of which are shown to be good for brain health and mental acuity. On my non-yoga days, I do some form of cardio, either elliptical or cycling. And I’ve started meditating—for just 10 minutes—using an app called Headspace. *(Illustrations by Monica Hellström)* [ASAE Staff](https://associationsnow.com/author/asae-staff/) [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/asae-staff/) Tags: [#C-suite](https://associationsnow.com/tag/c-suite/) [#Leadership](https://associationsnow.com/tag/leadership/) [#self-care](https://associationsnow.com/tag/self-care/) [#wellness](https://associationsnow.com/tag/wellness/) **Stay Informed** [Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/) , *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day. ## You Might Like - [VideoSmarter Board Management for Associations: An OnBoard ShowcaseJuly 24, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/07/24/smarter-board-management-for-associations-an-onboard-showcase/) - [VideoAmerican Geophysical Union: Standing Up for Science: AGU’s Year of Action for Scientists and SocietySeptember 24, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/09/24/american-geophysical-union-standing-up-for-science-agus-year-of-action-for-scientists-and-society/) - [VideoInt. Society for the Study of Xenobiotics: ISSX Africa: Transforming Science, Connecting WorldsSeptember 24, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/09/24/int-society-for-the-study-of-xenobiotics-issx-africa-transforming-science-connecting-worlds/) - [VideoAssociation for Financial Counseling and Planning EducationSeptember 24, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/09/24/association-for-financial-counseling-and-planning-education/) ## Comments **Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/) [Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2018%2F04%2F01%2Fceo-to-ceo-self-care-measures%2F%23comments) to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/) !