Life can be busy. SO busy. Throw in running a business on top of that and you just quadrupled (at least) your busyness. If you are anything like me, I pride myself on taking care of my clients and ensuring they are set up for success. I also have to take care of my own business because that’s what pays the bills. Don’t forget about the kids, the house, the pets and suddenly, the plate of taking care of others is overflowing. 

You’re not alone if you think self-care means long days at the spa, expensive treatments, hours of alone time, and solo vacations. But I’m here to tell you that it’s MUCH easier (and less expensive) than all of that. So it’s time to get serious about managing your health, happiness, and well-being with some easy self-care. 

Here are five easy ways you can add self-care into your daily routine:

Move your body: 

I’m not saying you need to spend 2 hours at a gym or workout class, but moving your body will feel SO good. Go for a walk on your lunch break or between client meetings, do a free YouTube workout in the morning, take a family walk after dinner, or have a dance party in the kitchen. However, and with whoever you choose, just do it. Your mind and your body will thank you!

Take a break: 

By “break,” I mean UNPLUG. Turn off your phone, walk away, leave it at home, whatever you do, just put your phone down (and don’t pick it up). I promise, promise PROMISE, that taking time to unplug from your phone and social media will significantly impact your mindset!

Set boundaries: 

I know this is easier said than done, but I challenge you to set one boundary this week. It can be something simple that you know you can achieve or something you’ve always wanted to do. But make sure you set yourself up for success with your boundary. Maybe it’s, “I’m going to end work at 5 pm on Friday and have dinner and a movie with the family”, or maybe it’s, “I’m going to tell my client that I need more time for the tasks they added on.” Or maybe it’s just saying “no.” Whatever you decide on, feel good about it and stick to it! 

Rest: 

Take a nap, read a book, meditate, binge-watch your favourite show, snuggle with the kids, or do absolutely nothing. Whatever “resting” looks and feels like to you, do it. One of my favourite things to do for resting is going for a hot shower. I know it might not sound like rest, but it means I can’t scroll my phone (so I’m resting my mind), I can’t really do anything physical (so I’m resting my body), and it helps me de-stress. It’s a little bit of quiet time that’s just for me. A rest, relax and reset moment out of the day.

Clear your mind: 

Journal, talk to a friend or take a moment to brain dump. Those are all ways you can get those running thoughts going on in your head out on paper. When I started brain-dumping, I started sleeping better. When I started sleeping better, my days went smoother, and I was more productive (not surprising, though). 

Adding self-care to your day does not have to cost money or take a lot of time. Start with a few quiet moments if that is all you have, or if that’s all you can give yourself, and build from there.

I am confident you will see a shift in your business and life once you start taking care of yourself more.