Prioritising self-care as a business owner
As a busy business owner, you are no doubt used to a never-ending to-do list and making the most of every available minute.
It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day running of your business and forget to take care of yourself. I 100% get this! I love what I do and have always found it so difficult to switch off fully. When you love what you do, you’ll never work another day – this really resonates with me. However, self-care is crucial for both your physical and mental health as neglecting it can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
Here are five ways to prioritise self-care as a busy business owner, that work around your schedule.
1. Schedule non-negotiable self-care activities (this has been a game changer for me)
One effective way to prioritise self-care is to schedule activities for yourself that you simply can’t miss or reschedule.
This means blocking out time in your calendar for a weekly yoga class, or an evening walk in the same way you’d set aside time for a meeting. When a self-careactivity is planned it can be easy to put it off once another task comes up as you’re constantly putting business first. By treating these activities as non-negotiable, you are prioritising your health and wellbeing alongside your business needs. This might sound like a mad thing to do but trust me, it’s an absolute must!
2. Make healthy habits a part of your routine
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, some of the most effective self-care practices are those that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. The better they integrate into your lifestyle, the easier it is for you to maintain these habits.
Pick your goals and start small, you can then build this up as and when you feel comfortable. Make a conscious effort to eat healthily and drink plenty of water, try to get enough sleep every night, and get up from your desk and stretch regularly throughout the day. Creating healthy habits that become a part of your daily routine will help you to prioritise your own wellbeing without disrupting your schedule.
3. Learn to say no – this one I used to be really guilty of!
As a busy business owner, you’re probably used to juggling multiple tasks and taking on more than your fair share of responsibilities. However, saying yes to everything can lead to burnout and stress. Learning to say no – whether that’s declining an invitation to a social event or turning down a work project that you don’t have the capacity for – is an important part of prioritising your own self-care.
Don’t be afraid to say no to things that aren’t a priority for you, or that don’t align with your values or goals. Take a look at your workload and perhaps even delegate a few tasks that you don't enjoy. You don’t want to stretch yourself too thin, taking on less allows you to put effort into the tasks that are most important to you.
4. Build a support system
As a business owner, it’s easy to feel like you have to do everything yourself. But building a support system – whether that’s hiring a virtual assistant, delegating tasks to your team or seeking advice from a mentor – can help take the pressure off and free up time for your own self-care. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the demands of running a business can provide you with the support and encouragement you need to prioritise your own wellbeing. It also allows you to take time off with the peace of mind that everything is under control.
I’m now able to fully switch off when I go on holiday as I know my team are in control. Prior to this, I wasn’t able to. Work was constantly on my mind and if an email came in, I responded. I felt guilty for taking time off, for not being there for my clients so to have an amazing support system in place has helped me out immensely.
5. Disconnect from technology
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to feel like we’re always on call, connected to our phones and laptops 24/7. However, taking a break from technology can be an important part of self-care. This might mean turning off your phone and disconnecting from emails for an hour or two in the evening, or taking a weekend break and leaving your laptop at home. Notifications can be distracting, disrupting not only work but also your time for yourself. By disconnecting from technology, you can recharge your batteries, clear your mind, and give yourself the space you need to focus on your own wellbeing.
Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially when you’re a hard-working business owner. Ensure you prioritise your wellbeing by scheduling non-negotiable self-care activities, making healthy habits a part of your routine, learning to say no, building a support system, and disconnecting from technology. By prioritising your own self-care, you’re not only investing in your own health and wellbeing, but you’re also setting yourself up for long-term success in your business.
A VA can help you with a variety of tasks, taking the pressure off and allowing you to focus on running your business. If you’re looking for an awesome team to take the weight off your shoulders let us step in and help you to run your business seamlessly! Book a consultation call with me today to learn more.
