As a recovering perfectionist, people pleaser, and corporate marketing escapee, I am no stranger to run-ins with burnout and overextending myself when it comes to running my own business. But one thing I have noticed is this: The more I work on building self-awareness, I’m able to course correct myself if I begin heading down the path of stretching myself too thin.

Entering what was a very demanding marketing role in my early 20s, I used to take pride in saying yes to all of the new and exciting challenges, taking on as many projects, and helping as many people as I could. Don’t get me wrong–it was very exciting getting to travel all over the world, following the trajectory to be a CEO of a major corporation and the perks of fancy business meals and airline status.

Even though I am grateful for this experience and all that it taught me, I knew, deep down inside that this lifestyle was not sustainable.

Being an entrepreneur can be both rewarding and challenging. On one hand, you have the freedom to be your own boss and pursue your passions. On the other hand, you are responsible for every aspect of your business, from finances to marketing, and everything in between. With so much on your plate, it's easy to neglect your personal needs and well-being. This is where self-care comes in.

Self-care refers to the intentional actions we take to care for our physical, mental, and emotional health. As an entrepreneur, it's important to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In this blog, we will discuss some self-care tips for entrepreneurs.

Protect Your Mornings with a Routine

Green coffee cup with steam rising from it, sitting on a wooden table with a bed and crumpled white bedsheets in the background out of focus

Starting your day off with a routine can set the tone for the rest of the day. A morning routine can help you feel more organized and focused, which can be especially beneficial when running a business. Your morning routine could include activities such as meditation, yoga, exercise, journaling, or simply enjoying your cup of coffee while gazing out the window.

Whatever it is, make sure it's something that makes you feel good and sets a positive tone for your day. One of my favorite things to do is read a few pages of a book while I’m sipping on my morning tea. Oftentimes, it’s just the inspiration I need.

Get Some High-Quality ZZZ’s

Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. It's essential for our bodies to rest and recharge. As an entrepreneur, it's easy to work late into the night or get up early to get a head start on the day. However, lack of sleep can lead to decreased productivity, increased stress, and even health problems. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate your body's internal clock.

Legs wearing athletic pants and multicolored running shoes walking on a skinny line of pavement surrounded by green grass

Take Breaks (and away from the computer)

It's important to take breaks throughout the day, even if you feel like you don't have the time. Taking a break can help you recharge and return to your work with a fresh perspective. Breaks don't have to be long, even just five minutes can make a difference. Try taking a short walk, doing some stretching, or simply stepping away from your computer screen to give your eyes a break. I know it can be super tempting to eat at your desk (which I am still guilty of some days), but try to be more mindful about enjoying your meals instead of scarfing down your food as quickly as possible.

Feminine hands kneading dough on a flour covered wooden surface. The person is wearing a blue shirt and blue apron.

Carve Out Intentional Time for Hobbies

When you're running a business and working on what you love, it can be easy to let your hobbies fall by the wayside. However, making time for other activities that you enjoy will help reduce stress and improve your mood. Whether it's painting, playing an instrument, cooking, or hiking, set aside time for other activities that you're passionate about. Engaging in hobbies can also help you generate new ideas and creativity for your business.

Three hands cheers'ing together three coffees (two hot with latte art, one iced) over a wooden table with two black plates sitting on it

Connect with Others

Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn't have to be. Connecting with others, whether it's friends, family, and especially fellow entrepreneurs, can provide a sense of community and support. Schedule time to catch up with friends over coffee or attend networking events to meet other entrepreneurs in your industry.

Having a support system can help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and provide a listening ear when you need it most. I can attest that some of the most pivotal moments and decisions in my business have occurred when I am in an environment with other entrepreneurs.

Feminine hands writing in a pink, open planner, sitting on a wooden table. The woman is wearing a blue sweater and the photo is cropped starting at her shoulders

Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

Boundaries are one of my absolute favorite topics! When you're an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to separate your work life from your personal life. Setting boundaries has been a game changer for my business and overall mental health. Establish working hours and stick to them. Communicate your boundaries with clients and employees, and stick to them as much as possible. Remember, it's okay to say no sometimes, and it's important to prioritize your personal needs and well-being.

Schedule Time Off

Taking time off, whether it's a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, is essential for our mental and emotional health, especially when it can be hard to fully “turn off” as a business owner. You don’t have to plan something extravagant or spend a lot of money. Set up an afternoon spa day at home for yourself / take a walk, etc.

As an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to step away from your business, but it's important to prioritize your personal needs and well-being. Planning ahead and delegating tasks to employees or contractors can help ensure a smooth transition while you're away.

If you run a business, we would love to hear about a self-care tip or hack that you’ve discovered to be helpful along your journey. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts!

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