Hustling. Working late into the night. Problem-solving constant setbacks as your business grows.
These are just a few aspects of being an entrepreneur.
With such a crazy lifestyle, it’s no surprise that it’s difficult for business owners to find time for personal care. But did you know that some simple self-care tips can actually help entrepreneurs become more successful? It’s true!
Keep reading to find out more about self-care for stressed out business professionals. We’ll reveal seven great self-care ideas for busy entrepreneurs. Let’s dive in.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care has become somewhat of a millennial buzzword in the past few years. But what does it mean, exactly? And why does it matter?
Let’s break it down and help you get your life together mentally, physically, and financially.
The term self-care describes any action which a person can take to promote their health. This includes both physical and mental wellness. Self-care also prevents illnesses and promotes healing.
Although misguided people may advertise lavish indulgences as “self-care” rituals, true personal care isn’t just about treating yourself. It’s about making time in your busy schedule to address your total wellness and how you can improve it.
While this may sound like a tall order, it’s not as difficult as it seems. Use the following tips to get started on your path to wellness. In no time at all, you’ll see the difference that self-care practices can make in your life as an entrepreneur.
1. Focus on Your Physical Wellbeing
Have you been neglecting your physical health? Whether you need to hit the gym, improve your skincare routine, reconsider your eating habits, or target other issues like hair loss, focusing on your physical wellbeing is an important part of self-care.
Even if you have busy days, it’s vital that you reserve some time to care for your physical health. Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of physical wellness activities that take thirty minutes or less:
- Do a morning or nighttime yoga routine
- Meditate
- Use a face mask
- Stretch
- Go for a run, bike ride, or swim
- Drink some green juice or eat a salad
- Get a quick massage
- Drink a full glass of water
- Take a nice, long shower
- Use a foam roller to stretch and relax your muscles
- Take a short nap
As you can see, some of these activities only take a couple of minutes to complete. Even the busiest entrepreneurs can make time for physical wellness.
2. Get More Sleep
Experts recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. But it’s important to figure out which amount works for you. Only some people can function optimally on seven hours of sleep, while others need more.
Getting the right amount of sleep for you will help you become more productive as an entrepreneur. Plus, you’ll feel better, too.
Improve your sleep quality by enforcing a strict bedtime schedule, decreasing your caffeine consumption, limiting screen time and snacks for an hour before bed, and switching your phone to silent mode while you rest. These simple actions will allow you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper sleep.
3. Stay Social
The crazy schedule of an entrepreneur leaves very little time for socializing. But even if you feel too busy to spend time with loved ones, it’s not a good idea to cut yourself off completely. After all, human interaction is important for every person’s health.
Plus, socializing is an important part of being an entrepreneur. When you’re out and about, you never know who you’ll meet and what connections you’ll make. So, make time to get out there and have some fun!
4. Support Your Mental Health
Did you know that entrepreneurs are more likely to experience mental health issues than the average person? From anxiety to depression and mood swings, these conditions are common and nothing to feel embarrassed about.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them seriously. Even on your busiest days, taking the time to nurture your mental health is vital to entrepreneurial longevity.
If you’re not sure where to start, try journaling. It may feel silly at first, but taking even five minutes at the beginning or end of each day to check in with your mental health will tell you a lot about where you’re at.
If you feel bogged down by any mental health condition, no matter how big or small it seems, consider enrolling in therapy. Counseling has many benefits for entrepreneurs.
5. Keep Your Home and Office Clean
Your office should inspire your creative flow and make you feel productive. Your home should invite and relax you.
If these spaces look cluttered, messy, or dirty, your psyche will suffer (and so will your work). To prevent this, schedule a quick time every day to clean up. By cleaning a little every day, you’ll avoid messy build-up and time-consuming deep cleans.
6. Spend Time Outdoors
Did you know that spending time outdoors can relieve stress and anxiety? That’s why it’s an important part of any self-care routine.
Make time in your busy schedule for a hike, a walk in the park, or even just a quick stroll around your neighborhood. You’ll feel surprised at how much nature can inspire you, no matter what industry you work in.
7. Take Time Off
It sounds contradictory, but taking time off actually increases your workflow and productivity. Because when we’re overworked, our ability to function suffers.
So, schedule yourself a guilt-free vacation. Or take a couple of days off from work. Your mind and body will thank you.
Overall you need to create a weekly plan and annual schedule including your work routine, vacations, and a few days here and there for down time.
Make Time for These Self-Care Ideas
Self-care for entrepreneurs is vital to their success. If you’re an entrepreneur, use the self-care ideas above to enhance your health and productivity.
By focusing on your physical and mental wellbeing, you’ll find that you can achieve more each day. And by taking time off and spending more time outdoors, you’ll experience the mental clarity that will help you move even further in your career.
Want to read more great articles like this one on entrepreneurial self-care? Check out our everything entrepreneur page for tons of tips and information.