Being a small business owner is both rewarding and challenging. While handling finances, marketing, inventory, sales and a million other responsibilities, it’s easy to neglect taking care of yourself. It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being for your business’s long-term success and health. To get you started, here are a few tips.
Define Your Work Hours: By setting clear start and end times for your workday, you can create a separation between your personal life and work. You can truly disconnect, recharge and spend time on the relationships that are important to you.
Delegate and Outsource Whenever Possible: Ask for help when you need it. Delegate tasks to employees if you have them. If you’re a one-person enterprise, consider hiring a freelancer, a part-time helper or a friend to help free up some of your time and focus on the things you do best.
Disconnect Regularly: Research suggests that being constantly bombarded with information and contacts can negatively affect your performance at work and increase pressure and anxiety. Some things can wait until tomorrow.
Make Self-Care a Priority: Make sure time for improving yourself isn’t left to chance. Block out time in your calendar for activities that refresh and keep you healthy, including a short walk, reading or an exercise class.
Identify Activities You Enjoy: Discover what de-stresses and recharges you by experimenting with different activities.
Take Mini Breaks Throughout the Day: Get up and move around every hour to stretch your legs and clear your mind. Take a stroll outside, stretch or meditate for a few minutes.
Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: This is often the hardest for most of us. However, when well-rested, you’re more productive, focused, and able to deal with stress more effectively. The same goes for eating nutritious meals and snacks and avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive caffeine.
Although these tips come from a marketer, not a healthcare expert, it is easy to see the improvements in your mind and body when you move your body and clear your mind daily. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s an investment in your business’s future. You will be better equipped to run your business, serve your customers, and thrive if you prioritize your well-being.
Scott Rainone is the managing partner of Fahrenheit Strategic, based in Ravenna, Ohio. The marketing and digital strategy firm connects public and private companies and organizations to their most important audiences. Connect at teamfahrenheit.com to grow your business with focused marketing, branding and social media strategies.
