Embracing Self-Care Awareness Month: A guide for small business owners

Running a business is not always easy (regardless of how simple you make it look.) There’s much going on, from juggling business finances to managing inventory, hiring and training staff to pleasing customers, the demands of business ownership can often feel overwhelming. As we celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to remember that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury. Burnout is real, and to prevent it, taking care of ourselves is a necessity. Self-care is at the core of running a successful and healthy business.

Why self-care matters for business owners

Let’s take a step back and identify what exactly self-care means. Some people may consider indulging in a day at the spa or a round of golf, or a little sun and sand time at the beach, or maybe it’s finally scheduling that pesky dental appointment. Well, the truth is, all these things encompass self-care.  

Self-care includes activities and practices that we engage in to help reduce stress or improve our health and general wellbeing. It's about being kind to ourselves, recognizing our needs, and taking proactive steps to meet them.  

For business owners, self-care is essential for several reasons including: Boosting productivity, enhancing creativity, preventing burnout, and improving relationships.  

It sounds trivial and obvious, but it makes sense. When you're well-rested and mentally sharp, you're more productive and make better decisions. A fresh mind is a creative mind. Giving yourself some well-deserved breaks can lead to new ideas. With regular self-care, you can help prevent the burnout that comes from long hours and high stress. Finally, being at your best helps you to build better relationships with your employees, customers, and, of course, your loved ones.  

If you’re wondering how to take charge of your own self-care, keep reading for some tips!

Practical self-care tips for business owners

To help you get started, here are some practical tips to integrate self-care into your chaotic schedule:

1. 🧘 Prioritize physical health

Your body is an incredible force, capable of accomplishing amazing feats. If you neglect it, you may find yourself coming up short in areas you may have once exceled in. These are things to implement to care for your body:

• Exercise regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Whether it's a morning jog, a yoga session, or a quick walk during lunch, exercise can significantly boost your energy and mood.
• Eat well: Nourish your body with healthy foods. A balanced diet can improve your concentration and stamina.
• Get your beauty sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep is crucial for your body to repair and rejuvenate itself.
• See the doctor: Don’t just call on your doctor when it’s an emergency. Take good care of your body with regular check-ups. Preventative health care is an incredible tool that can be underutilized at times.

2. ☯ Take Care of Your Mental Health

Next, we’ll focus on your mind. There’s a great deal of pressure that comes along with being your own boss. It’s easy to be highly critical and constantly trying to measure up to the people we admire in the business world. Check out our post on Imposter Syndrome for tips on how to overcome this. Here are some more ways to care for your mind:

• Mindfulness and meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and improve your focus. A few minutes of meditation a day can make a big difference.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries to protect your time and energy. It's okay to turn down tasks or meetings that are not urgent or essential.
• Seek assistance: Don't hesitate to seek support from a mentor, business or executive coach, or therapist. Talking about your challenges can provide you with new perspectives and solutions.

3. ☀️ Nurture Your Soul

Finally, there’s your soul. The true essence of ourselves. Definitely something you don’t want to lose. Here are some ways to help support who you are:

• Find a hobby: Engage in activities that you enjoy and that give you a sense of accomplishment outside of work. This could be playing pickleball, listening to music, or anything else that lifts your mood.
• Connect with people: Quality time with family and friends is vital for emotional wellbeing.
• Give yourself a break: Allow yourself regular breaks and vacations. Stepping away from work can help you return with renewed enthusiasm and vigor.

📢 Related: Taking time off when you're the boss: 9 tips

You don’t have to tackle all of this at once, and these ideas are not intended to cause added stress. Start small, choose one or two, and see the impact they make on your overall well-being. Sometimes the greatest idea can be sparked by catching up with an old friend – give it a try!

Protecting your business for peace of mind

As the name implies, self-care is about taking care of yourself. However, it's also about taking care of your business, as your business is an important part of you. Having comprehensive insurance coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing that your hard work is protected. Hiscox understands the unique challenges that small business owners face. With tailored insurance solutions to safeguard your business against unforeseen events, you can relax and focus on what you do best.  

💡✍️ This Self-Care Awareness Month, commit to making self-care a priority. Your business, body, mind, and soul will thank you. Remember, a healthy business starts with a healthy you, invest in yourself and watch your business soar.