Show Yourself a Little Love! 6 Self-Care Tips for Entrepreneurs
What’s the most valuable asset in your business?
I hope you responded with a resounding “I AM!” because you most definitely are.
You're the moneymaker, the golden goose, the headliner in your own business. You can't afford to burn out or be anything short of your very best. Like anything else you value, you need to take care of yourself!
You probably hear this all the time and have every intention of working out or eating better, but those good intentions keep getting pushed off, farther and farther down the priority list.
I'm here to implore you to start a new pattern! Self-care is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your business and your life overall. You can be so much more effective in your life and business if you have energy, a clear mind, and a general sense of well-being.
In my experience, here are the most effective (and basic!) self-care tips for entrepreneurs to stay healthy and at your best for your business.
1. Take time off
You need space from your business. Have you ever noticed how your best ideas seem to show up in the shower or while you're out walking around? That's because your mind is more open to possibilities when you're relaxed.
If you're going full throttle all the time, you never give your mind a chance to rest and generate new ideas. Working too hard also leads to burnout, which leads to lower production and lower profit, not to mention good old crabbiness. Not good for business or your health!
Start setting boundaries. Resolve to unplug by a certain time each day and designate certain days of the week as work-free days. If you want to REALLY reap the benefits of taking time off, I challenge you to mark a few days on your calendar to take off on a vacation or even a stay-cation. Your brain will thank you!
Remember, you are your number one business asset. Treat yourself like your most valuable investment. Click To Tweet
2. Take active breaks
Sitting is terrible for your health, and most of us don't have the best posture when we're sitting at computers anyway. Take plenty of breaks. Get up, stretch, or go for a walk. Make sure you're getting enough movement in your day. Take a fun exercise class, work out at home, do something you like just to keep your body working properly. No need for intense workouts every day if that’s not your thing; all it takes is a bit of movement here and there to reap incredible benefits.
3. Eat to fuel
When we're busy, it's easy to fall into a pattern of eating what's fast, easy, and comforting. This is okay sometimes, but when we're eating like this for weeks on end, it leaves us feeling pretty awful. Take an hour or so on the weekends to prepare healthy foods that are delicious and quick to grab throughout the upcoming week. This has been a game-changer for me! It's even okay to splurge for the pre-cut fruits and vegetables and other healthy convenience foods if it means you'll eat better. They'll likely more than pay for themselves in productivity and health.
4. Get some sleep
If you aren't consistently getting an adequate amount of sleep, chances are you aren't functioning at your full capacity. Your brain needs a good night's sleep because this is when it actually detoxes itself and stores information you've absorbed during the day, kind of like tidying up. If you aren't sleeping well, you probably find you have a hard time focusing and remembering things. You might feel foggy and less creative. That's because your brain isn't working correctly!
Make your bedroom cool and dark at night. Limit screen time right before bed and try to do something relaxing in the hour leading up to bedtime. Go to bed and get up at about the same times every day so your body can get into a good rhythm. If you're a parent, you've probably been told that it's important to get young children on a sleeping schedule. That doesn’t stop just because you’re an adult now!
5. Schedule time for fun
I only say to specifically schedule fun time because, for a lot of us, that's the only way we'll actually do it! Make space a few times a week to work on a hobby, spend time with friends, or go to a movie. If you've been busy for so long that you aren't even sure what to do for fun, try making a list of things you've been wanting to do that you've been putting off, activities you've been wanting to try, or anything else that strikes your fancy. Still no ideas? Google community events or activities in your area.
6. Treat yourself
You work hard, so make sure you're getting some fun perks! On a regular basis take yourself out to lunch, get your nails done, get a massage or buy flowers for your desk. Give yourself something to look forward to, get excited about, and add a little sparkle to your routine.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that working more and harder while neglecting yourself will produce better results in your business. There’s too much evidence that it won't.
How do you take care of your number one business asset?