Entrepreneurs often have some of the most satisfying careers. Working for yourself and building something from the ground up can be deeply rewarding. Unfortunately, it can also be incredibly stressful. It’s common for many self-starters to suffer from mental health strain as they sacrifice sleep and social lives in the name of their ideas, and it can easily take a toll on even the most successful individual.

The good news is, there are things you can do to mitigate the damage and take care of your mind and body. Whether your efforts are concentrated on the business side of things–such as hiring services that will save you time–or on the personal end, you can be sure that making a few changes will help you flourish.

Give yourself some personal time
It’s not always easy for entrepreneurs to find personal time organically. You may have to work at it and carve moments from your day that are just for you. A few easy ways to do this include practicing self-massage, learning relaxation or meditation techniques, or picking up a new hobby, such as painting or photography. If you want to get more active but find yourself with a full schedule, consider outsourcing services to take over tasks that don’t require your personal touch, such as handling research or making phone calls. This way, you’ll have more time to dedicate to going to the gym or finding a great new workout you can do at home.

Invest in your physical health
One simple way to care for yourself is to boost your physical health, which is especially important when you have a busy schedule. The most obvious practices are healthy eating and exercise, and these should be at the top of the list, but there’s even more you can do. You might try a health supplement, such as a collagen powder that improves skin, hair/nail growth, and supports your immune system and joint health, or you can find tools that will help you improve your yoga skills. You can even invest in a posture support device to ward off muscle tension and back pain for those long days at your desk.

Sleep quality is an important aspect of your health, as well, so give it some attention–especially when you encounter increased stress. Update your bedroom with blackout curtains, remove television and computer screens, and refrain from looking at your phone before bedtime.

Give yourself a break
Most entrepreneurs rarely take a vacation because they need to be available at all times to run their business or to oversee it. On the other hand, it’s important to listen to your body and give it a rest now and then.

Take little breaks during the day; step outside and boost your mood, or read a book rather than looking at a screen. While a true vacation could be far into the future, taking small, daily breaks are necessary when you can’t get away because it mitigates the potential for burnout.

Investing in self-care isn’t just about your health and well-being; it also allows you to bring your business into sharper focus so that you’re the best version of yourself. By making a few small changes in your lifestyle, you can make good choices that will affect you for months or even years to come.

by Katie Conroy
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