While creating or running an online business, it’s so easy to prioritize doing whatever it takes whenever it’s needed over your own self-care.
But what good is meeting your goals if you’re tired and burnt out when you get there?
I get it and I’ve definitely been there. It’s easy to put yourself last when life gets hectic. But the truth is, taking care of yourself should be your number one priority…Even when you’re busy, on a deadline, or when you’re days away from a huge launch.
Think about it this way — When the flight attendants do their safety demonstrations, they alwaaays tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.
Girl, you need to be alive and breathing in order for your business to be growing and thriving. Put your oxygen mask on first and THEN help your clients and team members.
With these four simple self-care habits, you will become your best entrepreneurial self and set yourself up for even greater success…
1. STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE
Have a heavy workload, deadlines to meet, and a never-ending to-do list? Feel like you honestly just don’t have time for a break?
You are definitely not alone, girl!
But frankly, working every day, all day without taking time to yourself will, without a doubt, put you at risk for an epic burnout.
So, if you tend to wake up, get straight to workin’, work late into the evening, and then repeat 6-7 days a week, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
We aren’t meant to be task rabbits that output results all day, every day without taking a break. Our bodies and minds need time to recharge while having the space to be creative and get inspired.
The key? Create a schedule that balances work and life and then stick to it!
For example, if you have a big project you’re working on, block out your schedule including time for the project and time for rest… and stick to it! Once your work time is up for the day, take a break and relax!
As an entrepreneur, it is so crucial that you develop your schedule with intention and caution while prioritizing self-care. It is your job to protect your mind, creativity, and inspiration to get refueled!
2. TAKE A TECHNOLOGY BREAK
While working online, you likely spend the majority of your day either on your laptop or your phone. So, when you take your much-deserved breaks, it’s important that you also take a break from technology.
Whether you turn your phone to silent, put it on do not disturb, keep it in a different room, or turn it off completely, having time away from technology is crucial to truly relaxing.
I’ve found it extremely beneficial to take a break from technology entirely on Sundays. That means not checking my social media, email, or texts for an entire day!
You may not have to make your technology break that extreme, but be sure to set boundaries for yourself that make sense for you and your needs!
I absolutely love my day away from technology as I’m able to fully recharge, be present with friends and family, and just relax without tensing up every time a notification goes off.
Plus, after my technology-free day, I find that I am soooo energized and inspired with a creative urge to jump back into killing my girl boss goals!
3. PRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL, EMOTIONAL & PHYSICAL HEALTH
Being a small business owner is haaard work and if anyone told you otherwise…well, they’re just wrong 😉
When it comes to building or running a business, work can very easily come first and your self-care last. But it is so important that you prioritize yourself and leave a little time for feeding your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Here are a few ways to prioritize your mind and body:
For the Mind:
Get ready in the morning. Spend time doing your morning routine, building your confidence, and enjoying that warm cup of coffee.
Write in your journal on a daily basis to help you work through your thoughts, fears, and emotions. Include things you’re grateful for and self-affirmations. Here’s the one I use!
Read books that bring you joy, encourage you, and help you escape from your to-do lists. Need some recommendations? Check out some of our faves!
Spend time with friends and family who inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
For the Body:
Pay close attention to what you’re putting into your body. Try to eat healthy to keep your skin clear, your mind fresh, and your confidence boosted. Stay on track by meal prepping and setting yourself up for success from the get-go.
Move your body and get active. This is especially important since you likely spend the majority of your day sitting at your desk working. You don’t have to get fancy, just move your body during your breaks and get those endorphins pumpin’.
Spend time pampering your skin, nails, and hair. There’s just about no greater feeling than giving yourself a little TLC and strutting out the bathroom with exfoliated skin, a fresh coat of nail polish, and some freshly washed hair!
Get high-quality sleep! Prioritize and protect your sleep schedule. Waking up feeling groggy and exhausted will only hurt your productivity and creativity for the day!
4. KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Ever find yourself saying yes to too many things and your to-do list continues to get longer and longer? As an entrepreneur, you must know, understand, and respect your limits.
You don’t have to say yes to all the things for all the clients. Allow yourself the permission to slow down and not take on any more work. Be honest with yourself and your schedule.
Don’t be afraid to tell your client that your schedule is full for the day. By being realistic with what you can accomplish in one day and setting boundaries around that, you’ll be able to accomplish so much more while also prioritizing your own self-care.
Know your limits and stick to them! You are the only one who can say when enough is enough.
Whether you’re building or running your online business, you know that putting in hard work and long hours is necessary to achieve success in your business.
However, if you aren’t careful and don’t prioritize self-care, you’re likely to face extreme burnout. Trust me, I’ve definitely been there!
Discover what brings you joy and puts your mind at ease, prioritize your health, and protect your mental space.
Most importantly, don’t forget to put your oxygen mask on first! 😉