7 Unexpected Self-Care Practices Every Entrepreneur Should Be Doing

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7 Unexpected Self-Care Practices Every Entrepreneur Should Be Doing

If you've been around the internet long enough, you've probably read an article or two about self-care.

Most self-care for entrepreneurs focuses on eating well, staying active, and minimizing stress as a business owner. Those practices are important, no doubt, but true self-care goes beyond simple habits.

When you're an entrepreneur, self-care also means taking care of yourself financially, mentally, and emotionally. It means learning how to balance business ownership with life ownership and be resilient in the face of failure.

Are you ready to take control of your wellness? These are the unexpected self-care practices that keep entrepreneurs at the top of their game.

Don't drain your savings to start a business

You have a business idea you're certain will pay off and a 401(k) flush with funds. As tempting as it may be to tap savings to chase your dreams, robbing your future self is never a smart move. If you don't have the cash to start a business without draining your savings, apply for microloans, crowdfund, start your business part-time, or adapt your business to a low-capital approach.

Pay yourself first

Running a business is stressful enough when you're getting paid. When you're not taking a cut, morale can feel impossible to maintain. Yet more than half of all small business owners go months without paying themselves, according to Reuters.

Not only should you pay yourself as a business owner, make sure you're saving for retirement too. This takes planning, but your future self will appreciate it.

Protect your wallet

It doesn’t matter how much you save if you fail to protect your finances from business liabilities. While a sole proprietorship is the easiest business structure for entrepreneurs, it leaves your personal finances exposed. An LLC isn't just a smart business move, it's also great for peace of mind. Stressed by bureaucracy? Forming an LLC in Massachusetts is easy to do and you don't need a lawyer when you use a step-by-step online service.

Get a real office

Before entrepreneurs can achieve work-life balance, they need to optimize their workday. When you're productive at work, it's easier to “clock out” at the end of the day. If your business is based at home, get a dedicated workspace where you can accomplish focused work. This can be a home office or a co-working space. Wherever you work, make sure you’re creating a distraction-free space that inspires productivity.

Pursue a hobby unrelated to work

Now onto the balance side of the equation: Your work may be your passion, but it’s important for entrepreneurs to have a hobby that’s just for fun. A hobby provides purpose and builds self-esteem separate from your identity as an entrepreneur. This creates resilience that gets you through hard times in business. Hobbies also help entrepreneurs think outside the box and stay creative.

Do things for others (for free)

As a business owner, you’re all about closing the sale. However, it’s a thin line between ambition and greed. Embracing fair trade, keeping your ego in check, and staying open to feedback are business practices that keep you down to earth as an entrepreneur, but what you do off the clock matters too. Volunteer, donate, mentor, and get involved with your community as a way to give back and stay connected to your vision, not just your bottom line.

Tend to your relationships

Finally, entrepreneurs must make time for others. It’s easy to get frustrated, feeling like family and friends don’t “get it,” but the truth is, your loved ones just want to spend time with you. If you struggle to make room for others in your busy schedule, try weaving quality time into those healthy self-care habits we mentioned above. Cook healthy meals together, get active outdoors as a family and plan quality downtime where you can be present with the people you love.

As a former professional athlete, personal trainer, and now business owner, Nick knows all about the role of self-care in achieving greatness. When you need to find balance in business, contact Blueprint Wellness to learn how a stronger, healthier, more financially sound you can help your business achieve new heights.

By: Melissa Howard melissa@stopsuicide.info