As female entrepreneurs, we tend to live by the motto of “go hard or go home”. We tend to everyone else and forget about our own self-care.
But not prioritizing self-care is the quickest way to burn out. What is self-care though? I know it can be quite the buzzword these days. I’m not talking about bubble baths + spa days (although, you are more than welcome to incorporate those in as you please!), I’m talking more about taking care of yourself from a mental and an emotional point of view. I’m talking about carving out time in your chaotic schedule of designing a flourishing business so you can take time for your mind and body to rest.
“I just can’t anymore!” – It’s a phrase I’m sure we’ve ALL uttered as tears stream down our faces as we enter into hour 80 of work for the week. You are exhausted and feel like you can’t go on anymore. I feel like it’s a myth that many of us entrepreneurs tell ourselves…that if we aren’t working hard, then we are hardly working and our business may somehow implode.
But I’m here to tell you that the hustle ≠ a better business. Your worth is not defined by the sum of the hours you work. But when you take time for some self-care and work on your mind, body, and soul, you will find that your life and your business will flourish more than you could have ever imagined.
And I say all this from personal experience! My perfectionist tendencies have lead to quite a few burnouts in my entrepreneurial lifetime so far. But I’ve had time to hone in on the self-care practices that have impacted my life and my business for the better.
1. Set boundaries.
When you are self-employed, it’s easy to always want to answer just one more email. Or spend just another hour working on that project while you have the momentum. But if you are constantly burning the oil from both ends you will head straight down the road to burnout. Creating boundaries will allow you to grow a more sustainable, profitable business. You really don’t have to answer that text from a client at 11 PM at night. Or if you prefer to keep your client interactions off of social media DMs and in your CRM so it’s all in one place, it’s okay to tell your client that. Boundaries are not meant to manipulate others around you but to support you in being the best version of yourself in your business.
2. Schedule rest into your day.
I understand. It’s tough to take a break when your to-do list seems endless. It might seem backwards, but if you keep pushing like the Energizer Bunny, you’ll run out of steam eventually. Plus, for many of us—especially if we’re perfectionists—we only feel like we can rest once every task is crossed off. But the problem is, we keep adding to that never-ending list, so we never really get to rest. That’s why it’s important to schedule in time for rest on your calendar—put it in first, before anything else. And then stick to it!
3. Get adequate sleep.
And while we are on the concept of “rest”, don’t skimp on bedtime! Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Prioritize sleep hygiene by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and minimizing screen time before bed.
4. Eat nourishing, whole foods.
As someone who loves her sweets, I can vouch that you might get a quick fix, but it will be immediately chased with a huge crash and you won’t want to do any kind of work! Fuel your body with nutritious foods – such as non-starchy veggies, high-quality protein, high-quality fats, and whole-food carbs – which will help to provide you with sustained energy throughout the day. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can lead to energy crashes.
5. Move your body.
Exercise is a great way to get the blood pumping to re-energize you! And if you can do it outdoors with some sunshine + fresh air, that’s a bonus! Research shows that it can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and allow for better concentration. I know for me personally, it’s also when I tend to brainstorm some of my best ideas!
6. Learn to say no.
If it’s not a “hell yes!” then it’s a no. Analysis paralysis is a real thing and it will absolutely drain you of every last drop. Being able to make decisions, and doing so quickly + efficiently will save you time and all the mental drama. And don’t worry if you get it wrong…you are still farther ahead with a lesson learned than you were sitting there stifled by indecision.
7. Ask for help.
Okay, so this is one that I’ve always struggled with personally. I always hated to impose on someone. Or to appear like I didn’t have my shit together. But none of us have our shit completely together. And none of us know everything there is to know. It’s okay to ask for help. Most people actually really enjoy being able to help someone out. And then you can work through a problem much more quickly and efficiently.
8. Connect with a supportive network.
Having a strong community to support you through the ups and downs of being a business owner is essential. Whether it be to problem solve (refer to #6 about asking for help), or you just need a good vent or a pat on the back for a job well done, we can all use encouragement and emotional support from time to time.
9. Practice mindfulness.
Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine to reduce stress and increase focus. My favorite mindful practice is to journal. Being able to get that jumbled mess that is inside my brain out on paper is so, so helpful for me. It helps me work through problems and clean out the clutter in my head so I can clearly focus on my work tasks for the day.
10. Celebrate your small wins daily.
So often as entrepreneurs, we are so focused on bridging the gap between where we are and where we want to be, we forget to relish in the gains that we have made. No matter how small or silly, I always take a moment to make a note of 3 wins I have had for the day. If you can shift your mindset from your so-called “failures” and realize how many “wins” you actually have had, it will boost your morale and motivate you to keep pushing forward.
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When you allow time for self-care, you will reap the benefits of enhancing your productivity, preventing burnout, improving your decision-making skills, fostering more creativity and innovation, and building resilience. Being a small business owner or creative entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. But if you take time to take care of yourself, you will see your business flourish beyond your wildest dreams!
Want a more personalized approach to incorporating self-care into your daily life so you can watch your business thrive? Sign up for a FREE phone consultation with me, your personal certified life + empowerment coach and we will chat more about how 1:1 coaching will help you create a unique game plan to help create a life + business you love with less stress + more joy!
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