We all need to unwind after a long day at work, but it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget about taking care of ourselves. If you’re an entrepreneur, especially one who has just started out and is looking at this as your full-time job, it’s important to carve out time every week to make sure you’re still doing what you can to take care of yourself, even amidst all the other responsibilities that are looming over your head right now. Here are some simple ways to do just that!
Why it’s so hard to relax
As entrepreneurs, we are always thinking about our business and how we can improve it. This can make us feel stressed and anxious, making it hard to relax. We may feel like we don’t have time for anything else besides work, but it’s important to make time for ourselves. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Make a list of things that help you relax, and make sure to schedule them for your week.
- Don’t forget to exercise! It’s not only good for your physical health but also your mental health.
- Take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Step away from your work and clear your mind. Consider what is going well with your company rather than what isn’t.
Watch funny videos on YouTube or read jokes to make yourself laugh. The more often you laugh during the day, the better it will be for your stress levels overall. When in doubt, reach out to a business development coach who might be able to offer support or advice in times of need.
Find time for you
Even though it may seem like there’s never enough time in the day, finding time for yourself is essential. Whether it’s taking a few minutes each day to meditate or going for a long walk once a week, carving out time for yourself will help you stay sane and focused. Here are a few ideas of how you can make time for yourself:
- Get up 15 minutes earlier each day and use that time to do something calming, such as reading or journaling.
- Take a break every few hours to stretch or take a quick walk around the block.
- Schedule one night each week as me time, where you can do something you enjoy without work obligations.
- Make sure to get enough sleep! It sounds simple, but when we’re busy working on our business or trying to balance family life and side hustle, it’s easy to forget that we need good quality sleep just as much as we need good food. Setting boundaries with your devices before bed can also help give your body the rest it needs so you feel refreshed the following day (and during your workday).
- Schedule me time into your schedule on Sundays, so you have some downtime throughout the week. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy — maybe go see a movie by yourself or spend an hour at a museum browsing through art exhibits — but these small breaks will help keep stress levels down and keep you motivated throughout the week.
Try a simple exercise program
Like most entrepreneurs, you’re always on the go and looking for ways to optimize your time. But what about making time for yourself? It’s important to remember that your physical and mental health is just as important as your business goals. Try incorporating a simple exercise program into your daily routine. Even just 30 minutes of walking or yoga can make a big difference in how you feel. And once you start to see results from working out, it’ll be easier to maintain your commitment. Start small with one or two days per week and work up from there if you want. Consider buying some new workout clothes or shoes (or anything else you need) to help keep you motivated!
Start by setting an alarm clock on your phone 10 minutes before your intended workout time. When the alarm goes off, get up and start stretching. Warm up with light jogging or jumping jacks, then do five sets of three different exercises at different levels of intensity: pushups, squats, lunges, planks, and wall sits. Take a quick break after each set, then repeat!
You may find that this exercise regime helps clear your mind so you can focus better at work during the day too!
Learn new things
We are constantly learning, whether we realize it or not. Every day, we experience something that teaches us a new lesson. However, sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to make time for ourselves. It’s important to schedule some time each day to learn something new. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a class, or exploring a new hobby, setting aside time for personal growth will help you feel refreshed and motivated. Even if your schedule is complete, you can always find fifteen minutes here and there to do something new. You don’t have to make significant changes right away; just set small goals like learning one word in a language that interests you or trying out an exercise video at home.
Hire help when you need it
You can’t do it all yourself–and you shouldn’t try to. Hiring help when you need it is one of the most brilliant things you can do for your business and your wellbeing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and assess what tasks you can delegate to someone else. Chances are, there are more than you think. For example, you might be able to hire someone to research potential vendors or handle invoicing so that you have more time to focus on marketing. Alternatively, if your schedule is too hectic now, consider hiring temporary help during periods of peak work so that your team can manage projects in a timely manner.
Set deadlines on weekends too!
Just because the work week has ended doesn’t mean your obligations have. In fact, for entrepreneurs, the line between work and play is often blurred. But you’ll quickly burn out if you don’t make time for yourself. So how can you achieve a better work/life balance? It starts with setting deadlines on weekends too! For example, set aside two hours of TV on Sunday night to decompress from your busy week. Watch an episode of something mindless like The Bachelor or The Walking Dead. You might be surprised at how much more energy you have Monday morning.
Find some mental space at home
It can be tough to find time to focus on your well-being when you’re constantly on the go, but it’s essential to make time for yourself. One way to do this is by setting aside some mental space at home. Dedicate a corner of your room to relax, and make sure to keep it tidy. Put away any work materials or anything that stresses you out. Light a candle, put on some calming music, and take a few deep breaths. This space should be for you and only you. When you need a break from work, come here and allow yourself to relax and recharge
Have a mentor
Stress is a common theme among entrepreneurs. We often wear our stress as a badge of honor, but it can take a toll on our physical and mental health if we’re not careful. That’s why having a business coach and mentor who can help you manage your stress levels is important. Here are seven ways a mentor can help you stay well while running your business:
- Help you set boundaries between work and personal life
- Encourage you to take breaks and vacations
- Listen to your concerns and offer advice
- Help you develop a support network
- Remind you to take care of your physical health
- Help you find balance in your life
- Be a sounding board for your ideas 8. Offer an outside perspective
- Give constructive feedback about the company culture and environment
- Promote self-care by modeling healthy habits
- Provide you with the hope that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel