Why Good Self-Care Equals Good Business

If you’re anything like I once was, you’ve got your nose to the grindstone as you work to reach the goals you’ve set for 2017, which also likely means your self-care has ended up right at the bottom of the to-do list.

Again.

The “old me” would be right there with you. I always pushed myself to the brink of exhaustion (and sometimes right over that edge). Rather than giving myself a break or a bit of relaxation over a weekend, for example, I’d squeeze in as much as I could during those two days when most other people were relaxing.

But the “new me” has realized that there’s always a price to pay. I can put in those extra hours, push myself extra hard, but I can do that for only so long before it backfires.

Not only did this kind of nonstop work affect my health, but I also found that my efficiency decreased. Then, I’d end up being forced to work nights and weekends just to get five days’ worth of work done.

When I did this, I found myself hating my business. I dreaded work. It felt draining.

But then I had an epiphany.

I realized that if I put boundaries around my time, work normal hours, and make time for self-care and other things in life that feed my well-being—relationships, physical health, relaxation—then I feel better, I get more done in less time, and my relationship with my business improves.

It’s so simple, but incredible in how it can change everything.

So if you’re still running full-speed in the aftermath of the New Year excitement, then I encourage you to do one thing: take a pause. Then, assess whether you’re taking care of yourself.

Here are some simple, effective self-care habits and ways you can take care of yourself:

• Exercise
• Meditate
• Drink lots of water
• Eat healthy
• Take baths
• Spend time with people you enjoy
• Take breaks

And if you do put in extra hours or work extra hard, reward yourself!

Make it a habit to love yourself so you can love your business. In fact, begin tomorrow. It’s Valentine’s Day, after all, and I think you deserve a little love. Treat yourself!

If this information resonated with you, then you may want to check out my book, “How to Start a Business You Love AND That Loves You Back.” It’s designed to give you all the tools you need to start a business you love – one with which you can have a wild love affair! Click here to learn more.