Making Time for Self-Care (Even if You’re an Entrepreneur)
When most people are asked how they are doing, the common response is “busy, but well” or some variation thereof. It’s so easy to rush through life and forget what our bodies physically and spiritually need.
Entrepreneurs, especially, suffer from chronic busyness and lack of self-care because their companies rely on them to succeed. However, for every aspect of your life (including your business) to thrive, you need to be in tip-top shape. YaDa Chef strives to help people live healthier, more fulfilling lives. We’ve provided some practical tips for how entrepreneurs can get headed in the right direction:
Limit Your Stress
Stress is quite literally a silent killer. Left unchecked, it can lead to cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, joint, and mental issues. While there are many upsides to forming a business, the liability it could pose can keep even the most tranquil people up at night. To alleviate some of the stress, consider putting up a liability shield by forming an LLC. This type of business structure protects your personal assets, can present many great opportunities, and can be advantageous when it comes to taxes.
The initial formation of an LLC can be done without hiring a lawyer (two cheers for avoiding some hefty fees). You can either form the LLC by filing the required paperwork yourself or hire a filing service. Either way, since each state has different rules and regulations regarding formation requirements, do some required research — typically with the state’s Secretary of State — to know what is needed.
It Takes a Village
The saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Your business is much like your child. It takes time, energy, focus, learning, and development. It also takes a village. You are only one person with finite time and resources. To focus on what you do best and still leave time for yourself, bring in help. If you don’t love data entry, hire someone to do that work. If you’re not the best at doing taxes and keeping the books, hire an accountant or bookkeeper to ensure they are done right and relieve some of your stress.
Find What Relaxes You
Relaxation is easier said than done. After all, you have a lot going on, and it can be difficult to distract your mind from what you “should” be doing. Nonetheless, it’s essential to take the time to find the thing that will indeed relax you and bring your mind into the present.
All things are not relaxing to all people. For instance, many find meditation to be the key to relaxation, even for just five minutes. Others find meditation to be dull and tiring and prefer activities like gardening, crafting, reading, taking long baths, or playing a musical instrument. Whatever activity you choose should take you into the present moment, help you slow down, and allow you to relieve any and all stress.
From the Inside Out
This a drum that’s been beaten before, but it’s worth beating again: It’s imperative to focus on your health. This means your physical, mental, and emotional health. If it concerns your body, it’s important — and it’s worth taking the time and effort to figure out what you can improve and how you can improve it. From the moment you wake up until you lay your head down, examine what you can do to make life better:
Could you wake up earlier for some quiet time and a healthy breakfast?
Could you add more greens to your meal?
Is it possible to drink more water?
Could you take a mental health day here and there?
Would a workout before dinner be possible?
Can you get eight hours of sleep?
Whatever it may be, take those baby steps to a better and healthier you.
Taking a step away from the hamster wheel will energize you and make you more productive. It seems counterintuitive that taking time for yourself can help your business, relationships, and energy levels — but it does. You will find your entire life more prosperous if you reduce the stress, find relaxation, and improve your health.