Life as an entrepreneur can be very exciting, and busy. So busy striving to reach that next goal that we forget to slow down and look after ourselves. We rarely take time to refresh, relax, rejuvenate; and yet, it’s a vital piece of staying positive, motivated, and creative – all necessary for business growth.
So many women entrepreneurs are working in a cycle of “exhaustion” and “anxiety.” These two words were central to a conversation I recently had with two colleagues. While July is usually a time to catch up on projects that have been postponed, this year that hasn’t happened. Instead they are juggling the realities of actually growing their business and are face with increasing demands and the same 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week.
We can’t modify how much time we have in a day or a week. That is a constant. Nor can we really adjust the workload – unless of course we can delegate. However, there are simple changes that can help you re-energize, relax, and re-juvinate. Sometimes, it’s the small changes that have a huge impact
Here is a list of ten suggestions for how you can step back, relax, and rejuvenate in less than a day. Some of them, don’t even require that you set work aside.
Go to the beach, forest, or mountains to breath in the fresh air and de-stress. Bring your laptop for some internet free work?
Buy flowers and put them on your desk to brighten your day. Add some quiet music to the mix and see what added benefits that brings.
Create a quiet, refresh corner in your office where you can meditate or sit quietly for 10-15 minutes at a time. Your refresh corner might include: indoor electric water feature; a colorful and quiet fish tank; inspiring or mindful pictures or posters; a novel to immerse yourself in; an art easel or an adult coloring book; or, a yoga mat for stretching on.
Go to a coffee shop, a local park, or the library to do some work. A change in location can work wonders.
Browse through your public library’s business section for inspiration and new ideas. Pick up biography that makes you laugh. Either way, your mind is focusing on something other than your to-do list.
Take a half-day retreat with friends. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, some laughs, and a glass of wine.
Go for a drive. No destination. Just hop in your car, put on the tunes, and chill. Stop for an ice cream (or other decadent treat) to indulge yourself
Send the family away from your home to a local attraction: aquarium, science world, or other local activity. Then enjoy the quiet and relax. Curl up in your favorite chair with a nice cup of tea, take a long bath, nap… just relax. No housework or chores allowed!
Go for a walk or a bike ride. Get your blood moving. It’s good for you and will clear your mind.
Visit the spa and treat yourself. Get a manicure, a pedicure, a massage… whatever will relax you and make you feel pampered. You deserve it
Finding the balance between getting work done and looking after you is essential when it comes to remaining healthy as an entrepreneur. Try these ideas out. If you have other ideas, share them below in the comments. I’d love to hear about what works for you in the comments below.