Leadership today demands more than vision and decisiveness. It requires staying emotionally steady, mentally flexible, and grounded—often while navigating constant pressure and competing demands. Yet many leaders operate in a near-constant state of stress without realizing how much it influences their reactions, decisions, and overall health.

Burnout, irritability, poor sleep, and decision fatigue are often chalked up to time management or mindset issues. Growing research suggests something deeper is at play: These challenges are frequently rooted in prolonged nervous system dysregulation rather than a lack of resilience or discipline.

Understanding this connection is becoming essential for leaders who want to perform effectively without sacrificing themselves—or their teams. For this article, I spoke with Oxana Ali, a keynote speaker and consultant whose work bridges neuroscience, emotional regulation, and holistic health. Her insights offer practical guidance for managing stress, supporting nervous system regulation, and leading with clarity and balance.

Leadership stress is influenced in part by how the nervous system responds to prolonged pressure. The nervous system is designed to help the body respond to challenge and threat, but when pressure, uncertainty, and emotional demands are constant, it can stay activated far longer than it should. What’s meant to be a short-term response becomes chronic, quietly shaping thoughts, decisions, and........

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