Entrepreneurship seems to be defined by stress, pressure, long hours, and time away from loved ones. A New York Enterprise poll revealed that most small business owners work more than 50 hours per week.
While the pressures of running a business are integrated into your day, it doesn't mean you have to succumb to them. Your health and happiness are paramount to the success of your business. Now is the best time to start implementing low- or no-cost strategies for self-care to ensure that you are up to the task of running your company.
1. Streamline Your Business Operations
You can consider creating a “doing business as” name for your company, also known as a DBA. It allows you to conduct your operations under a different identity than your personal or formal business name. Suppose you decide to expand into additional products or services and want to use an alternate business name and you cannot obtain a domain for your business. In that case, you can easily sell your product or service under a separate name.
If you have repetitive or time-consuming tasks you perform regularly, consider automating them. One example is automated invoicing. You can set up an email system to alert customers of upcoming invoices several days before the due date. Then, you can follow up on the due date with an email that allows customers to click through and pay. Late payment notices can be sent at set times after the due date. You can use automation for many business tasks, and anything you can automate saves you time so that you can focus on self-care.
2. Meditate Regularly
Entrepreneurs spend much of their workday in a state of high concentration. With many duties to perform and oversee simultaneously, your focus is on your work for extended periods. Without time to unwind, you can quickly become mentally fatigued. Meditation can help you reduce stress, improve sleep, and eliminate distractions.
There are many methods to choose from, but meditation is essentially about gaining awareness of your thoughts and emotions while removing yourself from judging them. You can start simply. Find a comfortable position on a chair or cushion, close your eyes, and focus on breathing. You can repeat a mantra or phrase that inspires you or visualize an outcome you desire. Five minutes of meditation each day can be beneficial if you're strapped for time. Be patient with yourself if you find it difficult; meditation is a learned skill and can take time to master.
If you have the space and want to go all out, consider transforming one of your spare rooms into a full-blown meditation space. You can completely transform the room into whatever brings you peace and joy. Just remember to keep notes and receipts if you make major changes, as these alterations may boost the overall value of your home should you decide to put it on the market.
3. Include Fitness in Your Routine
Long hours, changing schedules and business travel can make it easy to neglect exercise in favor of other duties. However, regular workouts can enhance skills necessary to successful entrepreneurship, such as focus and concentration. According to a study in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, high-intensity exercise can even improve memory.
If you're not accustomed to working out, start small. Find time in your schedule to commit to exercise regularly and add it to your calendar. Use apps and smartwatches to help you stay motivated; you can even dress up your new watch with cool watch bands. Mornings are optimal because you can get it out of the way, although contrary to popular belief, evening exercise can help you sleep as long as you finish 90 minutes before bedtime.
Caring for yourself may seem like a luxury when running a company, but it's a vital part of your workday. Taking time for yourself can pay dividends in the long run by helping you become a more proficient business owner and feel better about yourself.
Are you ready to rejuvenate the last half of 2021?
If making yourself a priority, being accountable for your goals, and reaching them while learning to balance between personal and business life with absolute health sounds like what you need get in touch with Sol Pineda Wellness and Book a Complimentary Discovery Session or sign up to take part in the Next Group Coaching: detox of your mind, body, and soul. Email hello@solpinedawellness.com to learn more.
Article By Michael Stephenson
Comments