Self-Care for Entrepreneurs

As a new mom and business owner, I am aware of how self-care can fall on the list of to-do items that never gets done. We push it to the bottom as other items are prioritized over it. In this world of social media and technology we are becoming busier and busier. We are almost always connected to some sort of device (smartphones, Bluetooth, iPad and Apple watches). Part of being a business owner is making sure you are on top of your emails and connected with your social media following. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because you were away from your phone. We want to be available for customers, spouse, kids, friends, parents… without thinking about the most important person, you! 

As an entrepreneur, working on your business is a 24-hour, seven days a week job. Every moment not taken up with family and life commitments is used planning, cultivating ideas and preparing. An important part of being an entrepreneur should be looking after ourselves. Burnout is a reality as we navigate what it means to be a woman, in business, in the 21^st century. 

We Need to Take Back Our Self-Care 

What is self-care? Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. Self-care refuels us, rather than takes from us. It isn’t a selfish act but in fact one of the most important things we can do to be successful in business, and in life.

If you don’t take care of yourself first, it’s difficult to give fully to your family and career. It is key to living a balanced and fulfilled life.

It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or be expensive. Start with five to 15 minutes and then build up to a longer period of time. Self-care will look different for each person and that’s okay! We are all unique and what relaxes and refuels one person may stress another out. Find what works for you.

“Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world”

Lucille Ball

Block off some time each day and treat it like a date or appointment with yourself. Do not be late and do not be distracted while you’re practicing whatever it is you’ve chosen. Be intentional and purposeful. 

Here are some ideas on what you can do for self-care:

• Get a massage 
• Go to a yoga class
• Go to the spa
• Say no to extra obligations
• Go to a coffee shop 
• Watch a feel-good movie
• Listen to a podcast
• Get a babysitter for a few hours
• Go window shopping
• Read a book
• Go for a walk
• Take an exercise class like spin or kickboxing
• Take a moment to re-center yourself on what your goals/intentions are for the year
• Ask your partner for a long hug
• Breathe. Deeply. Slowly.
• Make yourself a hot drink
• Hydrate yourself with water
• Eat nourishing food
• Take a long hot shower
• Take a nap
• Go outside and sit in the sunshine
• Treat yourself to lunch on a patio on a warm sunny day
• Read inspirational quotes
• Journal your thoughts and feelings
• Meditate
• Ground yourself. Bare feet on the earth.
• Take a social media/email break
• Lunch/activity with your girlfriends
• Date night with your spouse
• Bubble bath with candles

Even when there are 100 emails to get to and spit up on my shirt, I need to remember that self-care will make me a better mom and business owner. It’s okay to take a step back to refocus and refresh. You might even get an amazing idea from that mental break. I usually get the most inspiration when I’m going for a walk or taking a long hot shower.

Whatever it is you decide to do for self-care, do it intentionally and do it with love. You are worth taking care of. Your family and your business will thank you for it.