Entrepreneur, are you one?
As an entrepreneur, you’re probably very passionate about your work. While that’s great, it also means you may have trouble stepping away from your desk and taking a break. According to the Harvard Business Review, entrepreneurs are at a higher risk of burnout because they tend to be socially isolated, face uncertainty, and are more dedicated to work.
Incorporating self-care into your everyday life will help you avoid a possible downward spiral.
Recognize the signs of burnout and know when to seek help.
Entrepreneur Burnout
If you’re already feeling burned out, it’s often best to seek professional help. How can you know it’s time to get help? The insider describes the symptoms of burnout, including irritability and loss of interest in work. You might also seek assistance if you want to make improvements, such as enhancing productivity. Therapy isn’t just a solution for when something is wrong — it’s about generally improving your life, both personal and professional
Incorporate exercise and healthy cooking into your daily routine.
Workout For Female Entrepreneurs
Regular workouts can help you maintain a healthy weight, minimize the risk of health issues like diabetes, and improve your mood. Motivate yourself to exercise using a fitness tracker or smartwatch to monitor improvement over time. If you splurge on a smartwatch outfit it with accessories like a screen guard and a strap.
Healthy eating is another critical component of self-care. Nutritious foods keep your body and mind healthy and give you the fuel you need to focus on business. The UCLA Integrative Medicine department explains that certain foods, like chamomile and citrus fruits with vitamin C, can even help reduce stress.
Embrace relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
Relax, Madam Entrepreneur
Of course, it requires more than eating the right foods and exercising to address stress. As a business owner, you likely face varied stressors in your work life every day. Finding ways to cope is critical. As Psychology Today explains, stress presents physical dangers, such as increased heart rate, gastrointestinal issues, and tense muscles.
The American Heart Association offers some tips to help manage stress, including meditation, practising yoga, going for a walk outdoors, and listening to music. You can also try positive self-talk to reframe a negative attitude. For example, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” tell yourself “I will do the best I can.”
And don’t overlook your home’s cleanliness and organization. Decluttering and cleaning up can go a long way towards mitigating stress. Look at areas that need to be addressed, as well as items like furniture and curtains that could use a deep clean. For that job, search online for “upholstery cleaning near me” and use Angi.com to read up on customer reviews of local companies that specialize in this type of cleaning. Your furniture may still be under warranty, which means you won’t have to shell out a lot of cash to get the job done right.
Carve out more time for yourself.
Make Time For You
A big component of self-care is simply making time for it. If you’re going to cook a healthy meal or exercise, you need to set aside at least 30 minutes. Look for ways to make more “me time” in your schedule.
Outsourcing is one solution. There are many small jobs, like bookkeeping and appointment scheduling, that you can likely entrust to another person. Hiveage offers a comprehensive guide to outsourcing for entrepreneurs. For example, how can you know what to outsource? They recommend focusing your energy on tasks that are a profitable use of your time. The guide further provides tips on where to find freelancers, such as Fiverr, Upwork, and 99Designs.
You can also tap into online tools and services that help you more easily manage your time or reduce tasks. Sites like Asana and Trello can help with project management, while platforms like QuickBooks or FreshBooks help automate accounting needs.
Enjoy The Journey
Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey but it isn’t always easy. Self-care is critical if you’re going to sustain a thriving business. You are your company’s most valuable asset and if you burn out, your business will suffer. Implement the above tips to maintain your well-being.
Have a great day!