The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and spring is officially here.

Springtime also brings time to renew, refresh, and recharge yourself, and by extension, your business. How? By taking care of yourself and scheduling time for self-care.

And while “self-care” might feel like just another trendy buzz word used to promote bubble baths, expensive vacation packages, or expensive candles, it actually is much deeper than that.

True self-care is essential if you are going to stay motivated, healthy, and productive.

In today's blog, we'll explain what self-care is and some strategies you can implement so you can take care of yourself and your business.  

What is self-care?

Despite what the internet would tell you, self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own well-being and happiness, particularly in times of stress.

It's intentional, meaningful and requires a great amount of self-respect, self-worth, and self-reflection. It's also one of the most effective ways to prevent burnout and show up as your best, most productive, and whole self.

Business owners and entrepreneurs need to know themselves well enough to know what they need and how to get it.

So, ask yourself:

• How am I doing?
• What do I need right now? In the next hour? In the next few days?
• How can I get the things I need?

After you've answered those questions, you can implement a plan and routine.

For example, maybe you know you do better if you start your day with a work out or a hot shower. So, instead of staying up late, you start going to bed an hour earlier to ensure you have enough energy and time to accomplish that act of self-care before your work day starts.

Whatever you choose, keep to your routine as much as possible and be kind to yourself along the way. 

3 Additional Self-Care Strategies for Entrepreneurs 

1. Set and practice boundaries

Setting and practicing healthy boundaries is essential for everyone, especially entrepreneurs.

As an entrepreneur, you set your own schedule which is a blessing and a curse. You often find yourself working all the time, but nothing seems to be getting done. Or, you are accomplishing so much each day, but there is no time to unplug and decompress.

Whatever your situation, here are some ideas on how to implement boundaries in your work and personal life:

• Implement time blocking on your calendar to work on specific projects
• Make or find a curated playlist that will help you focus
• Turn on Do Not Disturb on your phone to limit tempting distractions
• Only open emails during certain times in the day
• Limit the time you talk about work with your friends, family, and partner
• Engage (and stick to) non-work related activities 

2. Look for the positive

As a business owner, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your business, your workflow, and your output. And this can lead to focusing on what's going poorly, rather than what's going well. 

Instead, we encourage you to express appreciation for yourself, your business, and your team members. Give compliments, identify and call out successes, and encourage others to do the same.

No win is too big or too small as everyone needs encouragement and positive feedback.

3. Ask for help

This one seems so simple, but it's often the last thing entrepreneurs will do. We often think we have to do everything ourselves and asking for any type of help is a sign of weakness.

In reality, however, asking for help is a sign of strength and it's why you have employees, friends, and family to support you. You can also consider professional resources, like therapy, if you need additional and unbiased support.

The fact of the matter is, you will need help. And if you don't ask for it, the need will be revealed in ways that don't serve you or your business. Start flexing that self-care muscle and see how others can help you and vice-versa. 

Neglecting the needs of your mind and body will have a ripple effect on your business and those you do business with. While these tips are only the beginning, we hope you can start implementing them.

Like you did in the early days of your business, take it step by step and be kind to yourself. Nothing happens overnight, but the self-care journey is worth it, for you and your business.

Find out how we support all our clients in their business and in life by scheduling a consultation today. Let's go on this journey together!