Don’t skip over self-care just because you are a busy business owner. You can weave it into your daily schedule with the right tools and information. Neglecting self-care is a quick trip to burnout. Adding self-care to all areas of your life, including your work, is the proper framework to follow if you design a successful and optimal self-care plan.
Here are six self-care strategies to follow for the busy entrepreneur or small business owner:
- Outsource Where Needed Most
No CEO ever does everything themselves. Instead, a CEO spends their time on planning and organizing, not doing the tasks. So if you want success as an entrepreneur, figure out what you can outsource and start sooner rather than later.
- Stick to Specific Work Hours
Successful business owners don’t need to work all day long, every day. You must separate your work and personal life. You don’t have to work the normal Monday through Friday schedule or even work 8 hours a day to be successful, but it is best if you choose a plan that allows you to get the work done while putting your personal life and home life at the forefront, so nothing is neglected.
- Use Automation and Tools
Don’t try to waste a lot of time for no reason when it comes to running your business. There are skilled professional tools available that help you get more done in less time through automation. For example, email automation, form automation, bill pay automation, and so much more can help you get more done in less time without so much stress.
- Schedule in Real Breaks
When you create your calendar, don’t just list the things you need to do without really thinking about how long it takes you to get what you said you needed to do. For example, if you want to work out at the gym and write two thousand words for your novel, what plan will ensure this can realistically happen? How long is the drive to the gym? How long does it take you to set up your writing area? When will you take a break, and how will it all fit into your day? If you don’t schedule things realistically, including breaks, it won’t happen.
- Change up Your Work Environment
If you feel less than energized and lack motivation, you might want to change up your work environment a bit. First, however, ensure it is designed for productivity. While the coffee shop may sound like a fun time, it’ll likely slow you down, so allow for extra time for completing tasks when you work in environments that may distract you.
- Find a Support System Within Your Niche
Using your business as an excuse to avoid self-care will only harm your success as a business owner. Self-care plays a role in your business whether you see it or not. A negative attitude, for example, can have a negative spiral effect on your work and results. If you are neglecting yourself, you are neglecting your business. In other words, the more you take care of yourself, the more you are taking care of your business.
Just because you’re a business owner doesn’t mean you need to work 90 or more hours a week. Instead, you can design your day and your life to work as much or as little as you want to or need to maintain your health and the productivity level required.