The busy small business owner doesn’t have time for self-care, right? In most cases, you’d be correct. However, you definitely should prioritize self-care or, more accurately, work-life balance. It has a lot of benefits to having balance, and it can help prevent burnout.
Work-Life Balance for Small Business Owners
But what does work-life balance actually look like when you are a busy entrepreneur? Take a look at the details.
Set boundaries
This is essential, and you see it repeated for a reason. Set boundaries by saying “no” or “I’ll do it another time.” Sure, work is important, but it will be there in the morning. Spend the time you want and need with your loved ones, and don’t put that aside just because your business might benefit from it. Your business benefits most from your most productive self, and that starts with setting healthy boundaries around it.
Be realistic in the goals that you want to achieve this year
We all want to achieve great things in the upcoming year as hard-working entrepreneurs, but that starts with setting realistic goals that you can actually reach. They should be logical and focused rather than lofty and hard. Your future self will thank you at the end of the year.
Make time for those in your life that miss you
This is essential! Your family and loved ones need you more than your business does, as hard as that may seem at times. Make sure that you spend time with them regularly and focus on the idea of creating dedicated time with them every single day. Keep in mind that our little people will be older people and move from the home sooner than later and likely the reason you started your business was so that you didn’t have an 8-5 job keeping you away from them.
Resist the urge to work “just a bit longer”
We all want to add on 10 minutes here or 1 hour there. This is a slippery slope, and you’ll be back to 60-hour work weeks before you even really notice it. Set your strict work schedule and stick to it so that you can keep your balance firmly in check. If you need to work longer one day, take it off another. Learning the importance of time management, early, is super helpful in this one.
Take lots of breaks — especially when you can’t afford them
Yes, it sounds strange, but it’s essential. If you have a chaotic day or week, take a lot of breaks to give yourself room to stretch, move around, and generally get away from the thick of it for a little bit. Pick natural breaking points so that you don’t feel that work is calling you and making you feel anxious. The longer the day, the more breaks you’ll need to add to it! Plan healthy snacks and meals, too, so that you keep your energy up through the tough times. Sometimes these little breaks give your brain (and body) the break it needs to refresh your mind and give you a fresh set of eyes on daunting tasks.
All of these tips are designed to help remind you just how important the quality of work-life balance is. But, it’s also intended to help you see just how simple it is to achieve those goals. When you are hunting for a way to make your new year as healthy as possible, start with understanding the importance of this balance and make room for it. Not sure just how to do that? A business coach can help you to integrate it in easier than you’d think! Contact Team Stetzel at (281) 217-4951 with any questions you may have. Keep in mind that we offer a variety of business coaching services for individuals, top level executives, companies needing help with teams via our small groups, mastermind groups and more. Let us help.
