Self care for entrepreneurs.
Even though entrepreneurs make up 16% of the US workforce, it is still considered a pretty unique career choice. It requires you to be disciplined, decisive, intentional, and a little bit daring to put yourself out there.
I know for myself, I do better with a bit of structure in my life. And when I started my first business, I knew I had to create the structure in order to keep my mental health in check and continue building my business.
Here are a few things that worked (and still work!) for me:
Make a morning routine.
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but taking intentional time for yourself at the start of the day sets you up for success. Whether it’s taking time to read your book, practice yoga, go for a walk, or sit in silence as you drink your coffee, allow yourself to wake up in a way that feels good for you and prioritizes healthy habits.
Set a regular work schedule – and stick to it.
Working for yourself gives you the freedom to set your own work schedule…but that can come with some challenges. Especially if you don’t have employees, you are only accountable to one person: yourself!
Following a regular work schedule is better for you in multiple ways:
You’ll be more productive.
By having an official start time to your day, you can force yourself into focusing in on work and saving personal tasks and chores for later.
You won’t get burned out from working all the time.
Taking breaks is necessary! Give your brain some time to rest, spend time doing other activities that fill your cup.
When you’re determining your schedule, choose what works for you! Don’t feel boxed in to the normal 9 - 5 if that isn’t ideal for you.
The hardest part is sticking to it. But after a few weeks of making it a habit to work on a regular schedule, I think you’ll find that you feel more productive while working and have more time to spend doing the things you enjoy. All while still knocking out your to-do list!
Connect with other entrepreneurs.
Finding people you can relate to is important in all aspects of life. Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs is just like having co-workers at a job; you can bond over shared experiences (both good and bad!), you can problem-solve together, and you can dream up your next big ideas!
Making adult friends has its challenges, but there are many ways to find business friends:
Make friends with your neighbor at an art or craft fair.
Join an entrepreneurship or small business owner Facebook group.
Connect on social media through commenting or sending a DM.
Having a close circle of small business owner friends truly saved my sanity, and I cannot recommend it enough!
What self-care practices work for you?
I’m always curious what people do to make themselves feel like a human while balancing work, family, and just life. Leave a comment below or send me a message and let me know!