Self Care for the Self Employed

To people working as employees, being self-employed sounds like a very relaxing gig.  No boss!  No one giving orders and giving out if you don’t arrive at your desk until 9:05.  But those of us who are our own bosses know better.

We’re far more demanding than any other boss could be, and we work crazy schedules without breaks when work demands it.  And for many of us, work is ramping up to be very, very demanding right now.  We joke about IV coffee drips, but the reality is that to meet the demands of a thriving business in peak season, we need to meet the demands of our own minds and bodies.  It’s one thing to push yourself to your limits in your 20s, but after that, it comes at a high price.  Running yourself down now is likely to make you more vulnerable to viruses, anxiety and a host of other ailments that will knock you down when you need to be at your best.

If your company sees a spike in trade for the Christmas season or at the end of the year, right now is the time to develop a proactive plan to take care of yourself.  Your individual needs vary.  Every person and every company is different.  But these tips can help any of us, and hopefully, also inspire you to think of other ways you can protect your own physical and mental health through the busy season.

How to Look After Yourself When You Have No Time

We’re inundated with tips about how to build our business and work more efficiently, but no amount of material success matters if your health is sacrificed to achieve it.  Here are some tips to keep you healthy.

1. 1. Set Boundaries and Schedule Breaks
      It’s easy to get caught up in work when you’re self-employed, but it’s essential to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge your mind and prevent burnout. Even short breaks can help you come back to your work with a fresh perspective and increased productivity.2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
      Incorporate mindfulness practices and meditation into your daily routine. Taking just a few minutes to practice deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall well-being. Apps like Calm or Headspace can be useful for guided meditation sessions.

      3. Socialize & Connect
      Being self-employed can sometimes feel isolating. Make an effort to socialize and connect with friends, family, or fellow entrepreneurs. Engaging in meaningful conversations and spending quality time with loved ones can boost your mood and provide valuable support during busy times.

      4. Learn to Say No
      As your business grows, you may face more opportunities and demands on your time. It’s important to learn to say no to commitments that will overwhelm you or negatively impact your well-being. Focus on what aligns with your priorities and goals.

      5. Create a Support Network
      Surround yourself with like-minded individuals or join a mastermind group where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes. Having a support network can offer valuable insights, motivation, and encouragement.

      6. Plan for Downtime
      Prepare for slower periods in your business and use them as opportunities for self-care. Plan ahead to have some downtime, whether it’s a vacation, a staycation, or a weekend retreat. Taking time to relax and recharge is vital for long-term success.

      7. Invest in Skill Development
      Continuously invest in your personal and professional development. Attend workshops, take online courses, or read books related to your industry and areas of interest. Expanding your knowledge and skills can make you more efficient and boost your confidence.

      8. Maintain a Hobby
      Engaging in a hobby outside of work can provide a sense of fulfilment and joy. Whether it’s painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or any other activity you enjoy, make time for it regularly to foster creativity and relaxation.

      9. Seek Professional Help When Needed
      If you find yourself struggling with stress, anxiety, or any other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy or counselling can provide valuable support and coping strategies.

      10. Celebrate Achievements
      Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your hard work and progress can boost your confidence and motivation to continue striving for success.

Two tricks make this achievable.  First, find something you like doing.  If you are looking forward to your exercise break every day, you are more likely to do it than if you dread it or feel self-conscious about it. Second, make it part of your routine.  If you can work it in before or after your main working hours, it will be much easier than creating a new break in your work day.

1. Watch what you put into your body. Yes, during the holiday season, we all like to indulge in more sweets and alcohol.  You don’t have to treat the season like Lent but watch it.  Try to balance the indulgences.  Drinking extra water helps.  On a night out, try to drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink.  If you have a party with lots of desserts one day, avoid sweets the day before and after.  When you are pressed for time, opt for a ready-made sandwich and salad instead of a stop at the chipper. But don’t beat yourself up when you do indulge.  Think of the big picture and how you can balance it with healthier food.
2. Delegate what you can. A good leader knows how to delegate and doesn’t spend time on tasks that can be successfully delegated. But work tasks aren’t the only thing you can delegate.  When your business is at its busiest, that is a great time to cut back on household and personal tasks as much as possible.  Treat yourself to a visit from a professional house cleaner.  Call around and find someone who will do a once-off clean or come weekly for a month or two. That will free up some time for you to exercise more and sleep more.  We’re all very aware of how great online shopping is for gifts and once-off purchases, but you can also buy your groceries online and have them delivered in many areas.  You can still comparison shop for the best deals, and you save quite a lot of time.  Grocery shopping is a lot of hassle for many of us, and if you live in an area where the shops will deliver, you can spare yourself the grief.
3. Declutter your workspace. Yes, it is work and it does take time.  But it also reduces stress and makes it easier to find everything.  In the long run, decluttering your office does save time.  And if you are heading into your busiest season, right now is the time to do this.  Yes, it will get cluttered again, but starting with a tidy, organised space is still better.  You’ll be going from clean to clutter instead of from clutter to chaos.

If November and December are your peak season, prepare now to take care of yourself through these months.  And plan to give yourself a nice break in January to recover and start the new year right.