Self-Care: The Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon for Business Success

Let's have a real talk about something we as entrepreneurs often push to the back burner—taking care of ourselves. I know, I know, your business is your baby, and it's tough to step away, even for a moment. But here's the thing: when you prioritize your well-being, you're not just doing yourself a favor; you're actually taking care of your business too.

Your self-care is not a luxury or something to get around to when you retire; it's a critical component of effective leadership and business management. It's smart business that adds value to your company.

Why Self-Care is Your Business's Best Friend

Think about it. Your business is a reflection of you. If you're running on empty, stressed out, and just about ready to snap, how do you think that's going to affect your decision-making, leadership, and the overall vibe of your company? Not in a good way, that's for sure.

On the flip side, when you're feeling good—physically, mentally, emotionally—you bring your A-game to your business. You make better decisions, lead with confidence, and create a positive environment for your team.

Five Simple Ways to Keep Your Sanity (and Boost Your Business)

So, how do you keep from burning out when taking a long vacation isn't in the cards? Here are some down-to-earth strategies that have worked for me and might just do the trick for you too:

1. Embed Self-care in Your Routine

You're used to how your schedule flows each workday, but how can self-care fit in? It's all about carving out time for yourself—even if it's just 10 minutes. Taking time in your day to intentionally pause to quiet your mind, journal, doodle, listen to a meditation app, do neck stretches, pretty much anything that's self-focused instead of work-focused can help you re-center and refresh. Try scheduling a self-care break on your calendar and having it notify you so that time doesn't slip away from you.

2. Move Your Body

Exercise isn't just good for your body; it's a game-changer for your mind too. Even on those days when it feels like you can't possibly squeeze in a workout, try to get some movement in. A quick walk, a stretch break, a dance party in your living room—whatever gets you moving. Personally, I do 15 to 30 minutes of Qigong (pronounced chi-gong), a moving meditation practice, whenever I'm in need of a release. It is something you can do in your office or living room and gets you breathing deeply and moving in ways that sync the mind and body leaving you refreshed and energized.

3. Stay in the Now

It's easy to get caught up in the "what ifs" of the future or the "should haves" of the past. But the truth is, the only moment you can truly influence is the one happening right now. Focusing on the present helps you make the best decisions for your business and keeps you grounded. Write "Stay Present" or "Right Here Right Now" on a post-it note and stick it on your desk or computer where you can see it regularly during your day. When you feel your mind spinning, look for that post-it-note to reset you on the here and now.

4. Unplug Occasionally

We're all guilty of falling down the social media rabbit hole or getting caught up in the 24/7 news cycle. But too much screen time can amp up your anxiety and distract you from what really matters. Giving yourself permission to unplug, even for short periods of time (an hour, an afternoon, a weekend day) can free up your mind for more important things. Watch how your creativity soars when you allow yourself to get bored. It's a game changer.

5. Build Up to a Real Vacation

Still don't think you can get away for a week or more? No problem. Even a day or two away from the grind can do wonders for your well-being. Use this time to recharge, reflect, and relax. Trust me, your business will still be there when you get back. As we develop your team's ability to handle your business so you can more fully disengage without worries, we'll carve out longer periods of time for you to get away. 

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, taking care of yourself isn't just about feeling good; it's about being the best leader you can be for your business. It's a continuous process that requires intentionality and commitment, but the benefits are clear: a healthier owner leads to a healthier business.

So, let's make a pact to put our well-being on the to-do list. Your business (and your sanity) will thank you for it. 

If any of the above resonates or feels daunting, working with a coach can help you find what suits you best. Taking one small step at a time is the key to success, and having an accountability partner by your side can help you stick with it. Your first step can be setting up a 30-minute coaching consultation to get the ball rolling. 

Sign up for a complimentary 30-minute session

---

Julie Edge Ph.D., is chief strategist and founder of Inside Edge Solutions LLC, a boutique strategy coaching and consulting firm serving business owners seeking less chaos and complication in their business and more thriving in their life—both personally and professionally. Connect with Julie on LinkedIn at @drjulieedge