SELF CARE WHEN YOU'RE A BUSINESS OWNER

 

 

As a business owner myself for over 24 years, I know first hand the pitfalls of work taking over your life. Any working parent knows that when you add children, partners, pets, homes to run, friends to see etc etc, the person at the bottom of the pile is inevitably you. But then, when you add being the business owner into the mix, it’s on another level.

When it’s your own business, your ‘baby’ its almost impossible to switch off most of the time and there’s not really any such thing as clocking off time which can inevitably cause problems in your home life. 

Why is self care important? 

Self care is the act of self-initiated care that improves your physical, mental, social & emotional well-being. Practicing self care allows you stay in tune with your mind & body and develop a routine of nurturing habits to maintain good overall health. Neglecting aspects of your wellness overtime could lead to more serious physical or mental health issues.     

 

What is basic self care?

Basic self care generally refers to meeting the basic needs of your well being. This may include the daily ritual of getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and finding ways to move your body.

 

What are 5 things you can do for your self care daily?

Developing a self care routine takes time, as does building any habit. You can start small by adding one or more of these to your daily routine, take a short walk, call a friend, read a chapter of a book, eat your lunch outside instead of at your desk or apply a face mask.

 

What does good self care look like?

The best self care for you is the version that meets your specific needs. Be in tune with your physical, emotional, mental & social needs to determine what good self care looks like for you. Be consistent in your efforts to nurture yourself alongside caring for your business or others.

 

BOUNDARIES

This is where I’ve immediately failed in the past but I’ve made significate changes recently which was vital for my mental health.   

Set strict times for when you reply to clients, if someone messages at 11pm and you reply, they will match that energy and expect you to reply at all hours.

Just say NO if you do not want to do something. It's okay to say NO.

 

 

WATCH YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA INTAKE

Unfollow accounts/people who drain your energy, protect your scrolling energy & mental health, be conscious about the content you are consuming and how it makes you feel, go for good vibes only.

 

 ALL WORK & NO PLAY!

Planning days off for your own special occasions is essential for a happy life. But also just a day off with no plans can be just as beneficial, or even more so sometimes. If you’ve nothing to look forward to or no rest days to completely switch off, burn out is inevitably going to happen.

 

 GET OUTSIDE IN THE FRESH AIR

For me, getting a dog was the best thing we ever did,

 Getting a dog is not for everyone but a daily walk, however short, helps you breathe in the fresh air, clear your head and gives you time to think!

 

 GO TO BED & GET UP AT SIMILAR TIMES EACH DAY

Yes, business owners, you NEED sleep to function.

 

DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE

Yes, sometimes it’s important to just stop, take a minute & breathe!

 

EXERCISE

‘but I just don’t have enough time to exercise!!!!’ It’s so easy to use this excuse but you must make time. There’s nothing more important than regular exercise for both your physical & mental health, especially when you lead a stressful life.

 

EAT WELL

Like exercise, your eating habits are vital for your physical and mental health. Eating lots of sugary treats give you a rush of energy initially but this ends with a big crash later in the day. Likewise, not eating and living of endless cups of coffee alone is not sustainable. Planning ahead for the week is essential to ensure you’re eating good wholesome food & not just grabbing high calorie low nutritious snacks. 

 

ENGAGE IN HOBBIES AWAY FROM YOUR BUSINESS

Switching off from your own business is almost impossible. There’s always a thousand jobs to do and there’s a constant stream of e mails, messages, phone calls with no consideration of the day or time. When you take time to participate in a hobby such as a fitness or dance class, a choir or drama group, you completely switch off from your work & even if it’s only a couple of hours a week, for those hours you’re not available to be checking your phone every 2 minutes.

 

CREATE A WORKSPACE YOU LOVE

My surroundings at home are so important to me for a happy life and this is important when you’re working too. Whether you work from home or at the workplace, ensure your desk or workspace is a place you want to be. Make sure your desk is tidy and organised first and foremost, add a few homely touches such as a plant, framed photos, have matching accessories for an aesthetically pleasing look. Also, make sure the lighting is good as good or bad lighting can have a big effect on your day.

 

 TREAT YOURSELF AND PUT YOURSELF FIRST SOMETIMES – YES, YOU DESERVE IT!

Being the best mum, wife, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, boss, confidant always comes first & we always put ourselves at the bottom of the pile whilst we spin so many plates for others. But just now & again, take a day for you & treat yourself. It’s good for the soul & let’s face it, when you’re happy so is everyone else. 

 

GRATITUDE

Practicing gratitude daily is something I find really works for me. I just find 3 things I’m grateful for & 3 things I envisage each morning before I start my day and it puts me in a positive mood. 

 

MEDITATE & TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Meditate, self care, gratitude, manifest, exercise, socialising, relaxing…. whatever works for you is vital to take as much care of your mental health as your physical health.

 

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY…

Be proud of how far you have come and be kind to yourself.

 

...and repeat!