Running a small business is hard work. You’re constantly on the go and never get a break. It’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities. But what if there was something that could help?
The best way to make sure your small business succeeds is by taking time for self-care every day!
Self-care is a necessary activity that often gets pushed aside when you’re in business. The benefits of self-care for small business owners are endless. It helps with stress management, boosts productivity, increases creativity, and encourages balance in life – all while making us happier people overall.
In this post, I share self-care practices to try daily to help you feel less stressed and more energized without sacrificing productivity!
What is self-care?
Self-care is taking care of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It’s knowing our limits and needs and doing what we can to meet them.
It can involve relaxing, taking a break from work, and just doing whatever makes us feel good. Self-care can be as simple as drinking tea mindfully or as elaborate as planning a trip abroad.
Self-care for small business owners allows us to take a moment to acknowledge our own needs so that we can continue being our best selves at work and outside of the office!
10 benefits of self-care for small business owners
There are many benefits of self-care. Here are ten ways that self-care for small business owners can help you feel less stressed and more energized without sacrificing productivity!
- Improves stress management
- Boosts productivity
- Increases creativity
- Encourages balance in life
- Acknowledges your needs
- Helps you handle criticism
- Recognize your accomplishments
- Enables you to make time for yourself when life gets busy
- Increases your determination
- Makes you a happier person overall
How to start incorporating self-care into your routine
Self-care shouldn’t be an afterthought, but something that keeps us healthy and happy in all aspects of life. Just like any other habit, self-care practices take time to incorporate into our lives. Start slowly by trying one new activity each week or month until they become part of your daily life!
Small daily actions make a huge difference in our lives. Try to incorporate these self-care practices into your daily routine for better stress management, productivity, and overall happiness!
Take a break
Often times we work best under pressure, but working constantly leads us down a path of stress overload. Make sure to purposefully take breaks from work every day – even if it’s just 15 minutes! You deserve it!
Set boundaries
Taking time out for yourself is important, but you also have to set boundaries with your clients and coworkers. Acknowledge that you can only do so many projects at once and make sure to communicate with the people around you about your limits.
Break up your routine
One of the best ways to de-stress is by breaking up your routine. Shake things up and try taking a different way home or switching up your usual coffee order. It’ll make you feel refreshed!
Incorporate meditation
Meditation is a great self-care technique that allows you to eliminate distractions and focus inward. It’s been proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase happiness.
Attitude of gratitude
Be thankful for all the things you have in your life! Whether that’s a job, family members, or friends – be grateful for everything you have!
Take time for you
You’re the only one who knows how to take care of yourself. Make sure to set aside time each week for activities that make you happy and recharge your batteries!
Unplug
Take a break from social media and e-mail once in a while. These distractions can cause stress and anxiety, so take time each day to unplug and enjoy the present moment!
Reward yourself
Do something nice for yourself now and then. Have your favorite meal after a long week or go see a movie on an extra busy day. Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy – it’s the little things that count!
Take care of your health
Self-care isn’t just about luxury, however. Sometimes the best self-care is taking care of your basic needs. Make sure you’re eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep each night, and drinking lots of water every day.
Delegate and outsource
No one can do everything themselves. If you’re falling behind on projects, take time to delegate or outsource some tasks that are taking up too much of your energy. You’ll be able to focus better knowing that someone else is helping you get things done!
Spend time with family and friends
Make time to see the people closest in your life. Your family and close friends are irreplaceable! Try to get together with them once or twice per week.
Learn something new
Self-care is about finding happiness in your life and education provides endless opportunities for fulfillment. Try to learn something new, such as a language or musical instrument. Learning something new is an amazing way to feel refreshed!
Be generous
Random acts of kindness are the perfect way to show others that you care. Provide food or shelter for someone in need, help carry heavy packages at the store, or offer some advice to a struggling friend. You’ll feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing that you helped out another person!
Be kind to yourself
We are often our worst critics. Make sure you’re giving yourself the same kindness and love that you give others! Remember that you’re awesome!
Spiritual growth
Self-care isn’t about doing something selfish. Instead, it’s about making time to grow as a person. Make time for spiritual practices such as yoga or meditation that allow you to reflect inward on your life.
Be silly and have fun!
Adults are meant to be silly! Try spending time with friends where you can act goofy or watch your favorite comedy. Laughing is great stress relief!
Treat yourself to a massage
Massages help you unwind and relieve stress. You deserve to treat yourself every once in a while!
Journal
Journalling is a great way to reflect on your day or week. Letting out your emotions onto the page is incredibly therapeutic!
Get moving
Exercise is great for releasing endorphins and relieving tension. Make time to do something active every day, even if it’s just a walk around the block!
Many people find relaxation through slow movements. Try incorporating meditative exercise into your daily routine like Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong!
Spend time in nature
Being outside is a great way to clear your head and improve your mood. Find time to spend in the sun or take a walk by the beach!
Take a bath
Baths are a wonderfully relaxing way to spend time for yourself. Light some candles, play your favorite music, and relax!
Explore new places
Traveling is one of the best ways to be mindful of this moment. Take time off work, explore somewhere new, and immerse yourself in culture whenever you can!
Be mindful of your thoughts
Negative self-talk can be extremely harmful to your mental health. Try to avoid putting yourself down by replacing negative statements with positive ones.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is an important aspect of self-care. Make sure you’re getting 7 to 9 hours of rest every night!
Drink tea
Take time to mindfully drink tea or another favorite beverage. Enjoy the flavors and aromas as well as the warmth from a hot cup!
Listen to music
Listening to music is a great way for many people to clear their minds. Let the lyrics of a song carry your thoughts away as you enjoy a calming melody!
Read
Reading is a form of self-care for many people. It can help you feel relaxed, calm, and entertained.
Take up a new hobby
Having a new hobby is one of the best ways to keep your mind active! Try something like cooking, painting, or even woodworking.
Try aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be an incredibly helpful tool for relaxation. Try diffusing lavender oil or burning a relaxing incense to calm your senses!
Plan a trip
Plan a trip with your friends or family! Try going on a cruise, backpacking through Europe, or camping out in the woods.
Conclusion: Self-Care for Small Business Owners
Self-care can be a challenge for many people, especially those who are entrepreneurs. The key is to find what works best for you when incorporating self-care into your life.
This article offers some ideas on how to incorporate self-care into your life even if you don’t have time or money to invest in it! Use this list as inspiration for ways to take good care of yourself today!
