This week I want to talk about looking after yourself.
Let's start by saying that self-care is not a luxury or an act of self-indulgence. Self-care is a priority, it means taking care of yourself so that you stay healthy, you can do your job, you can help and care for others around you, you're thinking straight and you can do all of the things that you need to accomplish in a day. It is literally the act of maintaining yourself.
I have seen so many people, both friends and clients, running their businesses staying up late at night to get things done, waking up at silly o'clock to get ahead of the day, missing meals, not sleeping properly, not seeing friends and family as often as they should... sound familiar?
In the stress and pressure of looking after a business, it is so easy to forget to look after yourself as well.
But I am here to tell you that you need to.
Your business will benefit from it if you do.
If you do any internet research, you will very quickly find that studies repeatedly link physical health to mental health, and mental health to productivity and creativity. Self-care, therefore, has a positive ripple effect.
Entrepreneurs who want to avoid burning out need to strive for a sustainable work/life balance that prioritizes well-being. Let me share with you some self-care tips that are easy to fit into a busy life!
Just breath.
There are proven benefits to mindful breathing, including coping with anxiety and stress. Full abdominal breaths help slow the heart and stabilize blood pressure. If you have trouble remembering to breathe deeply, practice yoga or other guided meditation or breathing exercises through an app or podcast until it comes naturally.
Allow yourself some 'me time'.
Pick a time of the day to allow yourself some quality 'me time' that has absolutely nothing to do with business. Whether it be a quick meditation session, a workout or a lunch break where you cook your favourite food. You are giving yourself some time out to refresh your mind, meaning you will be more focused when you go back to work.
You gotta get some sleep.
It is incredible how much better you feel after a good night's sleep. Lack of sleep is proven to reduce your decision-making ability and creativity. You might think you're being more productive by staying up late to get more done, but you need to build a routine that includes better sleeping habits. If you can’t seem to get your eight hours in, a good 20-minute disco nap makes all the difference.
Socialize with the outside world.
There is a whole world out there, I promise! Don't make yourself feel guilty by taking time out of work to go and do social things, you need these interactions and experiences outside of your work world to maintain a healthy mindset. Set up a brunch with a friend or take a day out somewhere! You will feel so much better for it afterwards.
It is easy to forget the value of self-care as a business owner, but if you don’t take care of your health, then your business will feel the effect of it. Be the kind of boss you always wanted to be.
What are your favourite methods of self-care? Share with me in the comments!
L x
Laura Mackenzie
Creative Virtual Assistant at Kelp Collective