5 Self Care Secrets For Small Business Owners

Starting a small business usually begins with a passion, a huge sense of optimism and a great ability to take risks. Transforming the germ of an idea or a novel concept into reality, achieving financial and business success and growing that small enterprise into a giant corporation are what you dream of when you set out on that journey. But as every small business owner knows, it’s a rocky road, filled with ups and downs, heartbreaks, challenges, sacrifices, broken relationships, plodding, back-breaking work, failures and successes. Not everyone who starts off in a garage can become a Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or an Elon Musk. In this article, we discuss the importance of implementing self care into your busy schedule.

What Is A Small Business?

Different countries have varying definitions for what they term a small business. Regulatory bodies, tax authorities, governments and employee strength are what set the parameters for defining this term. In Australia, there are more than 2 million companies that are listed as small businesses, they employ less than a certain number of people, have an annual turnover that should not cross a certain number or have assets that don’t cross a certain figure.

They may be sole proprietorships, partnerships, or sole traders with no employees. They may offer products or services and in general their priority is not quick and large-scale growth. This is where they differ from start-ups which prioritize rapid growth funded by angel investors or venture capital.

Small Business Challenges

Small business owners generally face a wide-ranging set of issues, based on the nature of their enterprise, personal issues and market challenges. It is important to have deep pockets and financial sustainability to face the long road ahead because loans are not easy to come by. Entrepreneurs may not have marketing or financial skills that will grow and sustain the business. Apart from cash flow issues, finding trustworthy and loyal employees is tough. The biggest hazard is if you burn out and lose your zeal and enthusiasm.

That’s why it’s crucial that you find the right balance between your work and personal life and the answer to this is to instill a regular program of self care into your daily life.

Five Self Care Secrets

Self care helps you to be at your very best, stay calm and alert, use your cognitive abilities, protect your relationships and ensure that your business gets the attention and time it deserves. For you and your employees to be part of a healthy work environment, a good culture is vital. Give your workplace a boost with self care gifts and products. Find out more here about the range of self care resources and gifts from the online wellness resource – Rest & Digest. Get out of a stressful work mindset and spend more time in a productive state of mind which will enhance productivity and build a happier culture at work.

1. Scheduling: This is the key to success, whether you’re a student, homemaker or entrepreneur. Chalk out a plan for the day, and prioritize the activities according to different categories such as Urgent, In The Next Hour, Today, This Week. Divide them into Personal and Work related. Make lists, use technology and set alarms. Don’t keep everything in your head and expect to remember. Having a set time-table keeps you in control, and prevents stress from building up. Use simple devices such as a Pomodoro timer to complete tasks. 
2. Sleep: Contrary to popular myths, successful small business owners don’t go for days without sleep. This is the surefire route to burnout, depression and failure. No matter what the issue, depriving yourself of adequate, good quality sleep doesn’t help. Ensure that you develop a sleep routine, take power naps if you have to and make sure that you are not disturbed unless there is a genuine emergency.

   To improve sleep quality, consider small, sustainable habits first (consistent bed/wake times, limiting screens, and a dark, cool bedroom). If you explore natural aids, some people use lemon balm for relaxation and sleep. Before you try it, review is lemon balm safe for sleep and anxiety to understand side effects, recommended dosages, and drug interactions (especially with sedatives and thyroid or anxiety medications). Start with the lowest effective amount, avoid mixing with alcohol, and stop use if you experience excessive drowsiness, dizziness, or digestive upset. As always, check with your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a health condition.

3. Nutrition: Make sure that you eat balanced meals that are simple to cook, contain fresh ingredients, fruits and vegetables, proteins, carbs and minerals. Avoid too much caffeine, processed foods and store bought items. Find time during the week to cook up a batch of stuff that you can freeze and use during your work days. If you know someone who provides healthy home-cooked meals, pay them to provide you with packed lunch or dinner. Healthy eating needs planning, so devote a chunk of time to getting it done. 
4. Exercise and Meditation: The easiest way to relieve stress is to exercise. Build up the rest and digest response and eliminate the fight or flight reaction that comes with stress. Keep it simple and do-able. A 20-minute brisk walk or run, a half hour of yoga or Tai Chi, followed by a refreshing shower gets you charged up for a day. 
5. Emotional Health: You are what you think, so staying positive, calm, grateful and emotionally connected with those who matter is the foundation of emotional health. Learn to set boundaries, avoid toxic relationships, find hobbies and pursuits that relax, and be kind to yourself. Give yourself a self-care hamper and pamper yourself occasionally.

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