There are thousands of websites and blogs dedicated to the topic of self-care. Some of them sell products, but most of them just try to sell us on the idea of self-care.
And it looks like we’re not buying it. From reports on the stress level of most Americans, to studies documenting pervasive levels of sleep deprivation, to increasing preventable health conditions, it is clear that we’re not taking care of ourselves.
And entrepreneurs are particularly susceptible. I once heard someone say, “I love being an entrepreneur. I can work whatever 80 hours a week I want.”
Yes, it’s a lot. A lot is riding on your work–your relationships with your current clients, your reputation and your livelihood!
And yet, we also know that we do our best work when we’re rested, we do some of our best thinking when we allow our mind to wander as we exercise, bake, or do something else we enjoy.
So here are a few tips to build more self-care into your life.
- REST: In the Christian and Jewish traditions, many people take one full day of rest to spend time remembering who they are beyond their work, connecting with their Creator, their friends and family and themselves. This practice takes discipline and trust.
- BLOCK TIME: Set aside blocks of time in your day (each day!) for writing, thinking, strategy, planning. This will also help you to say no to meetings or other tasks during that time.
- LOOK AT YOUR PRICING: Revisit your pricing strategy to determine whether you need to make adjustments so that you can work more reasonable hours and still meet your financial goals.
- BUILD AN ADVISORY TEAM: This could be made up of mentors, people with expertise in your field, close friends. This group can provide valuable advice and guidance, and serve as a sounding board to share some of the weight of your decision-making. Ask this group to meet with you regularly and ask them to hold you accountable to your goals, including self-care.