As a small business owner, you’re used to constant challenges and small setbacks where your business is concerned. Normally, it’s your personal life that helps balance any emotional demands you may experience as an entrepreneur. But taking care of yourself? Too often, this goes by the wayside as you chase the next project.
Here I share some strategies that can help you to take care of yourself in times of stress.
Step 1: Name it and own it
Taking care of yourself while feeling like it's all on you is HARRRRRD.
Admitting to yourself out loud when you are having trouble coping is the first step.
Get your true feelings out in the open. When the heat is on, it’s normal to feel great and on top of things one day and then to feel like things are overwhelming and rotten the next.
It’s OK to feel unsure, sad or lonely as you make your way on your business journey. By naming it and owning it, you can start to feel some relief.
Step 2: Take a break from the news (with kittens)
Technology gives us live updates on the latest wars, embargos, fires and hurricanes. This calls for a different kind of self care:
- Do yourself a favor and turn that part of your tech off.
- Put your news alerts on snooze.
- Give yourself the gift of a break from the bad news cycle.
You don't need news updates every single hour of the day. Your brain and emotions will thank you.
In fact, if you start looking at pictures of kittens and puppies instead of the news, your sense of well-being will improve. Promise.
Step 3: Use music to soothe your inner beast
Depression is no joke. Take it from someone who has been there, clinically. Keeping mentally healthy requires forethought and deliberate planning.
Music is a beautiful example of that. It can lift your mood. It is connected to memory in a very strong and positive way.
Choose to listen to radio stations or streaming sites that have calm or uplifting music.
Your sound of choice could be:
- Classical music
- Yacht rock from the 70s
- Loud and bopping hip hop from the 90s
Whatever clears your mind and gets your foot tapping, tune in.
Step 4: Go for the Disney ending
Think back to childhood when you used to watch the same movie over and over again. Or have the same story book read to you night after night.
Ever wonder why you enjoyed that so much?
The answer is simple: experiencing a story with a defined sense of right and wrong, that has a completely predictable ending gives us comfort and stability.
Age doesn’t matter — we all need the same soothing from time to time.
Find some tried-and-true movies, TV shows or books that you know are going to give you the happily-ever-after experience.
No matter what's happened, your soul needs to feel that ‘everything will be alright.' We just need to give it time (and a few Disney flicks).
Step 5: Plan an outing
Running your own business can leave little time for keeping social connections healthy.
Take control by scheduling just one outing each week.
Take a friend to a movie, have a picnic in the park, reconnect with family members who've drifted out of your life. Love live music or archeology or book readings? Follow whatever it is you love and put it in your diary.
You will begin to see your mental health momentum build as you treat yourself to simple pleasures.
Step 6: Alter your space(s)
Don't be afraid to rearrange the furniture so you can create what the Danes call hygge.
Hygge is a Danish concept that promotes coziness, comfort, and contentment in everyday life.
So taking command of your spaces and make them as inviting and enjoyable as you can.
Tired of being indoors? Get out and:
- Go for a short walk
- Listen to the birds
- Do anything that makes you relax
- Admire the flowers
It doesn’t have to be long, but make it count.
Step 7: Know when you need a professional
Sometimes, even with all of the tips and tricks to help us deal with stress, there will be times when it’s clear we need help from people who are professionally trained to deal with mental wellness and health.
Taking care of yourself can also look like making an appointment with your family doctor or a trained counselor.
Prolonged changes in sleeping habits, eating habits and loss of enjoyment in regular activities are all signs that it’s time to call in the pros.
Taking care of yourself is more important than ever
The challenge of starting and running a small business can deliver a daily dose of stress. But you don't have to be a prisoner to it. Use the ideas above to rediscover balance.
Above all, keep your chin up.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about taking care of yourself
Still have questions? The answers may be here.
What does it mean to take care of yourself?
Taking care of yourself entails paying attention to your physical, mental, and emotional needs in a way that promotes overall well-being and balance in your life. It involves recognizing when you need to rest, recharge, and nourish yourself
How do you take care of yourself?
To take care of yourself, you can start by prioritizing self-care activities such as:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating nutritious foods
- Exercising regularly
- Engaging in activities that bring you joy
- Setting boundaries
- Seeking support from loved ones or a therapist
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation
- Taking breaks when needed
What is the importance of taking care of yourself?
It's important to take care of yourself, as ignoring your own needs can lead to burnout, substance abuse and other harmful outcomes.
Self-care is essential for maintaining good health, preventing burnout, reducing stress, improving mood, increasing productivity, and enhancing overall quality of life.
By investing in self-care such as regular breaks, self-compassion and firm boundaries, you will be better equipped to handle life's challenges and responsibilities. You are also more likely to avoid serious mental, physical or emotional issues.
What are the 7 pillars of self-care?
The 7 pillars of self-care are:
- Physical self-care entails taking care of your body through proper nutrition, exercise, sleep and hygiene.
- Emotional self-care requires acknowledging and processing your feelings, practicing self-compassion, and seeking emotional support when needed.
- Social self-care involves nurturing your relationships, setting boundaries with others, and seeking social support.
- Spiritual self-care is based in a genuine connection with your values, beliefs, and sense of purpose through practices like meditation, prayer, or nature walks.
- Intellectual self-care is accomplished by stimulating your mind through learning, creativity, problem-solving, and engaging in activities that challenge you intellectually.
- Professional self-care can involve setting boundaries at work, seeking a healthy work-life balance, and pursuing professional development and growth.
- Environmental self-care means creating a safe, organized, and peaceful environment that supports your well-being.
Why is self-care important?
The road of life is long and it’s easy to overdo it. Self-care is important because it allows you to recharge, refocus, and rejuvenate yourself. This ultimately leads to increased resilience, better mental health, improved relationships, and higher productivity.
Why do I struggle to take care of myself?
Struggling with self-care can stem from various factors such as societal expectations, perfectionism, guilt, low self-esteem, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing how to prioritize oneself.
It's essential to identify and address these barriers to cultivate a sustainable self-care practice.
What is caregiver burnout?
Caregiver burnout refers to the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion experienced by individuals who care for others, often at the expense of their own well-being. It is crucial for caregivers to practice self-care and seek support to prevent burnout and maintain their health and vitality.
How money dysmorphia can hurt your mental health and finances
Money dysmorphia is a term used to describe distorted beliefs or perceptions about money, leading to unhealthy financial behaviors and negative impacts on mental health. These beliefs can be modified through financial education, therapy, and healthy money management practices.
What is cabin fever?
Cabin fever refers to the feeling of being cooped up or isolated for an extended period, often resulting in feelings of restlessness, irritability, and boredom.
The entire world came to understand cabin fever during COVID-19, when we were isolated from each other and our regular routines.
Engaging in self-care activities, connecting with others, and creating a stimulating home environment can help alleviate cabin fever.
What is self-care and self-compassion?
Self-care and self-compassion go hand in hand, and involve treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance.
Many of us are quick to judge ourselves harshly.
Practicing self-compassion involves being mindful of your thoughts and emotions, reframing negative self-talk, and nurturing yourself with love and compassion.
Why time off is so good for your health
Taking time off is crucial for your health as it allows you to rest, recharge, and reset -- both physically and mentally.
Time off helps prevent burnout, reduce stress, improve productivity, boost creativity, and enhance overall well-being.
What is Hygge, and why is it good for your well-being?
Hygge is a Danish concept that promotes coziness, comfort, and contentment in everyday life.
You can bring hygge into your life by:
- Creating warm and inviting home and work environments
- Practicing self-care rituals
- Savoring simple pleasures
What are some effective self-care strategies for stress management?
Effective self-care strategies for stress management include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mindfulness meditation
- Physical activity
- Spending time in nature
- Journaling
- Listening to music
- Practicing yoga
- Setting boundaries
- Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist
How can I create a self-care routine that works for me?
To create a self-care routine you will actually follow, start by identifying activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment.
Experiment with different self-care practices, establish a routine that fits your lifestyle and preferences, and prioritize consistency and self-compassion in your self-care efforts.
How can I create a simple self-care routine at home?
Creating a simple self-care routine at home can involve activities such as:
- Taking relaxing baths
- Reading a book
- Practicing yoga or stretching
- Cooking a nutritious meal
- Listening to calming music
- Decluttering your space
- Engaging in a creative hobby
It can also be as simple as taking a moment to breathe and unwind in a quiet place.
