Three Self-care Hacks for Solopreneurs
You had big dreams when you started your business: You’d never have to ask the boss for a day off again. You could work four-day weeks or finalize that new marketing presentation from a beachside cabana.
Reality is a bit different, isn’t it?
If you’ve managed to conquer your schedule and make your work-life balance dreams come true, feel free to stop reading. But if you find your schedule and your sanity slipping away, it’s time to reevaluate your approach.
Know your boundaries.
Email, text, and instant messaging make it difficult to ever be truly offline.
But there’s a problem with instantly answering every client message: It sets the expectation that you will be available 24/7/365. Establish your communication ground rules up front by presenting them as part of your contract. Will you be available at any time? Only during weekdays? Only during certain times? Put your boundaries in writing.
Plan for your life. What are the activities that make you feel good? Maybe you have to hit the pavement for an early morning run three days a week. Maybe a weekly manicure or monthly massage is the key to your sanity. It’s important to find the self-care practices that work for you and then stick to them.
Learn how to disconnect. The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) reports that nearly three in four Canadians spend at least three to four hours online every day. Imagine having even one or two of those hours back! If you’re not ready to lock the phone away, start slowly by disabling the constant phone notifications that trap you into the scrolling cycle.
Remember: You’re in charge of your time and how you use it. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; as a solopreneur, you are your business.
Invest in yourself and you’ll reap dividends in your relationships, your mental health, and your productivity.