If you’ve been online at any point in the last 6 months, you’ve probably heard about the importance of self-care. This new buzzword is literally everywhere you look, from self-help gurus to our favourite instagrammer.
I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, the pictures of shopping bags and a Starbucks cup, captioned with the line ‘because I matter’. Now, don’t get me wrong, fancy lattes and shopping trips are sometimes exactly what the doctor ordered, but…lets be honest, sometimes the doctor overestimates the time and money we have to spend.
And if you’re anything like me, all this ‘self-care’ talk is also actually kind of stressful.
It’s just another task
I mean, now I have this whole other To-Do list. And it’s not cheap either, I’ve got to get the bottle of wine for my bath, the overpriced pumpkin spice bath bomb, pay for yoga classes, go shopping, see a therapist and stay open and present.
Okay, so the last one is free, but it’s still a LOT of extra things that I’m expected to do, and this is supposed to help me? I don’t know about you, but I’m in the business of making my lists shorter, not longer.
Self-Care for Entrepreneurs
So, I’m gonna be honest, it’s still technically a list, BUT there’s only 4 points, they’re all free, and I promise, they DO help.
These 4 simple rules of self-care can be followed by anyone, with any budget and I guarantee they will help more than that overpriced bath bomb (not throwing shade though, bath bombs are, well, the bomb).
Nutrition
It’s been said a million times, but you really are what you eat, and the more that you nurture and love your body now, the better it will take care of you in the future.
Finding a schedule and a plan that works for you, with minimal effort is the name of the game. It doesn’t have to be a huge diet shift. If it seems like too much at first, you can even just focus on making small changes, like ordering a salad instead of fries or grabbing water instead of coffee.
And, when you make these choices, try to keep track of how you feel, I bet you’ll start noticing changes in your mood and productivity that will soon make it easy as pie to make the right choice.
TIPS
- Avoid processed food
- Avoid white flour and sugar
- Drink 8 glasses of water
SLEEP
The amount of sleep that everyone needs varies, and sometimes it can take a little guesswork to figure out your sweet spot. Thankfully, there’s an app for that, which will analyze your sleep patterns, and give you advice on how to improve your sleep quality – which may actually mean less hours in bed.
One I recommend is called Sleep Cycle. It even has a super cool alarm system that wakes you up while you’re in your lightest sleep cycle – leaving you feeling way more refreshed throughout the day.
It may seem like a small change, but it can have a huge effect on your productivity, leaving you with more time for yourself (and those bath bombs).
TIPS
- Try to get up and go to sleep at the same time every day
- Download a sleep app to help you keep track
- Avoid TV right before bed
Exercise
Now, I did poke a little fun at yoga earlier, but it can be a great option, if that’s your jam. There are also cheaper, and just as effective ways to get your exercise in. Even going for a 20 minute brisk walk around your block will loosen you up, and might even help you get through that creative block. Plus, exercising means you’ll be more likely to fall into a deeper sleep – which will lead to a better night, and then an even better morning – see how it’s all connected?
TIPS
- Walk around your house during business calls
- Take a brisk 20-minute walk 1-3x a day
- Find an activity that you love – maybe even with a friend (self-care double whammy anyone?)
Connection
Speaking of connection, this one can have a huge affect on your self-care, as well as your bottom line. No one wants to be the lonely entrepreneur, but without scheduling in some connection time, before you know it, that’s exactly where you’ll be.
Although meeting up with someone in person has a multitude of further benefits, sometimes life is busy, and calling or texting is our only option.
This means that even spending 20 minutes talking to a friend or family member can help you feel connected, motivated and stave off that dreaded cabin fever. Plus, maybe they’ll have some input on a project your currently working on that can help boost your bottom line. Connection is integral to human beings, and even a tiny bit of effort can make the biggest difference.
TIPS
- Reach out to a friend or family member a few times a week
- Get involved with an entrepreneur group (you might even meet a new client)
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you will ever do, but it doesn’t have to be work. Even the smallest changes can lead to huge outcomes, and at the end of the day, without you, there wouldn’t really be a business anyway.
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