How about some YOU time?

Yes, our days are busy! You have business/career obligations, family time, and commuting, which leaves little time for you. Feeling tired, worn out, or frustrated doesn’t help us achieve our goals and dreams; it sets us back. Coffee isn’t the solution, rest is. But too often, we ignore the signs that we need a break, and then we’re forced to take it easy to recuperate.  

Rather than waiting until you’re forced, why not start now by planning it into your schedule?  A few minutes or hours here and there can lead to a much more productive, happy, and energetic YOU.  Here are a few ideas you may find helpful:

  1. Start your day with a good book.  Pick an inspiring book (before your phone) that will help you get into a positive frame of mind and spend 15-20 minutes in the morning enjoying some quiet YOU time.
  1. Adjust your schedule for traffic patterns.  If you’re leaving your house only to spend time in bumper-to-bumper traffic, consider adjusting your plans to a time when there is less traffic on the roads.  If you’re left with no alternative, be sure to load up your phone with a podcast or audiobook with something inspiring, educational, or funny to make the trip more pleasant.
  1. Take a bubble bath! This one is my favorite, lock the door, dim the lights, and simply soak for as long as you can.  Make the time by ordering pizza for the kids and eating on paper plates. With a bit of creativity, you can find a way, once a week or so, to simply relax and unwind.
  1. Go to the movies. Kick back, relax, and get into the film for the full 2 hours. Don’t just show up, but totally check out and get into it, enjoying each moment of the experience: no cell phones, computers, or interruptions.
  1. Take a break! Go for a walk, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Step away from your desk, go outside, and breathe in some fresh air. Schedule lunch and actually leave your workspace to eat. 
  1. Ask for help. You don’t have to do it all; it just must get done. The internet is full of platforms designed to help you find people for a single task or project and even ongoing support. 

The above is a short list of ways to “fill your cup” to help you nourish yourself so you can do your best work and have the energy to enjoy life outside your business. These simple ideas can help avoid burnout, a common occurrence in small businesses, especially women-owned businesses.

Over the years of working with hundreds of female entrepreneurs, I’ve found a few things most have in common  – they give a lot and care deeply about their work and those around them. They have big dreams and seem to just go, go, go all the time – only to run out of time in the day before falling into bed from exhaustion.  In my work, we look for ways to recalibrate things to make small changes that will create a big impact, to help them avoid burnout and truly live the life they want to live while running a business they love.

Check the replay of the burnout LIVE on Instagram.