If you’re reading this right now, chances are you’re an entrepreneur who is feeling drained and overwhelmed. You’re probably up to your eyeballs in emails, project work, client calls and the dozens (and dozens!) of other things that go into running and growing your business.
Oh, and let’s not forget the endless ideas that we creative types have on tap. It’s both a blessing and a curse because our minds just don’t stop spinning.
Are you with me? Thought so. Now comes the important question.
Are you gonna sit back and let this continue to happen?
You need to be your most energetic and productive in order to stay in control and keep your business running like clockwork. When you neglect to make your health and sanity a priority, you start to wear down. You become increasingly stressed, overwhelmed, lethargic and completely unable to show up every day with your A-game.
You don’t have time for that.
What’s scary is until you change this pattern and start to take better care of yourself… it will only get worse. Before you know it, you’re totally run down, you’re getting sick way more often and you just can’t keep it all going.
I’ve been there myself, and it got to a point where I had no choice but to change my ways and make self-care a priority. I strongly (with lots of love and care) encourage you to make self-care one of your priorities so that you can manage your business, personal life and health like a rock star!
Here are 3 important self-care tips for entrepreneurs.
I stick to these in my own life, and I’m telling you, each one makes a huge difference!
Get Good Sleep
Getting a good 7-8 hours each night allows you to perform at peak levels. You’ll have less stress, better health and make fewer mistakes. Enough said.
Exercise
Set aside some time each day (or at least several days a week) for your favorite exercises. Sometimes just getting outside for a walk is enough to make the difference. On those days when I sooo don’t want to do it, I’m always much happier when I stick to it and make it happen.
It’s not only good for your body, but it’s great for clearing your mind! You regain that much needed focus that helps you master the rest of the day.
Quiet Your Mind
Like I said, our minds are always going. When our thoughts get too cluttered, that overwhelm is never far behind. Never. Here are some of my favorite recommendations for getting some mental peace and quiet.
- Exercise (see above).
- Get your to-do list on paper. You’ll free up a lot of brain space and the constant mental reminders will no longer be necessary.
- Self-reflection. I am all about this one! Consider giving meditation or journaling a try. You connect with yourself on a deeper level which is healthy and leads to more focus and productivity. For me, it always brings me back to my why… my purpose.
- Unplug. Designate time (every day if you can) to step away from your cell phone, laptop, email, etc. Make it your time to decompress… to breathe. Take advantage of this opportunity to do other things: walk your dog, read to your kids, have a great (in person) conversation with a friend or partner, get a spa treatment… sooo many options.
Are you ready to make self-care a priority?
It sounds like it should be easy, right? But it’s not. Prioritizing self-care takes practice and commitment. There will definitely be an adjustment period, but the better you get, the healthier you’ll be… and you’ll keep those distractions from creeping in and cluttering your mind.
Whether you’re crawling into bed early, exercising, quieting your mind or doing something else for yourself, truly designate that time for you. Fight the temptation to sneak a peek at those emails, texts, etc. This is your time.
Don’t let overwhelm take over your life. Incorporate these practices into your every day routine, and watch what happens. I’m predicting better health, less stress, sharper focus, better control and more joy. You’ve managed to get through every challenge and live another day, so I know you can do this! I believe in you!
xoxo,
Amber Vilhauer
