Why Self Care Is Important As An Entrepreneur

Avoid burnout by establishing a morning routine that focuses on self-care and setting yourself up for sustainable success.

You love what you do––that’s why you turned that side-hustle into a full-time gig and dove into life as an entrepreneur. Thinking about ways to expand your business are what get you going, and new ideas are as good as a strong cup of coffee.

But, the downside to all this entrepreneurial energy is that you’re always on. Recharging can feel like a luxury that just doesn’t fit into your jam-packed schedule. And all that go-go-going can lead to burnout––burnout that doesn’t only affect your business, but your personal life, too. Burnout can pop up as stress dreams, brain fog, and even back pain. It can dampen your inspiration, while, at the same time, prevent you from truly unplugging.

So, how can you take proactive steps against burnout before it starts? Start by transitioning your mornings from a rush to get to your desk to a time that’s set aside just for you. We know as an entrepreneur, you’re probably Type A. You live by your to-do lists and goal setting. Now, take a little bit of that focus and prioritize a morning routine that centers around self-care, slowing down, and putting more intention into your everyday.

Not sure where to start with establishing a daily morning routine? Here are a few ideas to get you on the right track.

Do a Brain Dump And Turn It Into Today’s To-Do List.

As soon as you wake up, break out your notebook and start writing. What’s stressing you? What did you dream about? Did you jump out of bed with a big idea? Is there a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with? Are you craving pizza for dinner? Write everything down, no matter how small it may seem. Then, highlight your brain dump by category. Set apart the long term goals from the random thoughts from the immediate action items. Turn that list into today’s to-do’s and tomorrow’s goals.

Meditate. Journal. Just Clear Your Mind.

Some people swear by meditating daily, while others can’t seem to get into it. There are those who find that a session spent writing in a gratitude journal is the best way to start the day with a full heart. Hey, maybe it’s even a 7 a.m. phone call with your mom over coffee that helps put you in a good space. Do what works for you and helps clear your mind.

Get Moving.

Maybe you love starting your workday high on endorphins from an early run, or perhaps you can’t do without your 6 a.m. barre class. A few at-home sun salutations might get your blood flowing. Exercise looks different for everyone. The important thing is to move your body in a way that feels good for you––and don’t just move, move while you keep in mind how grateful you are for a healthy body to carry you through your busy day.

Shower. Yes, Shower!

Okay, okay, I know this seems basic, but it’s a worthy reminder for those of us that work from home! For many of us on this entrepreneurial path, we’re spending long hours working from our home office. Unless we have meetings, we could go a full day, or two, without seeing anyone besides a partner or the cat. So, trust me on this one, taking a shower in the morning and putting on real-ish clothes (yes, athleisure counts) can do wonders for your productivity.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast. And, Yes, Make That Cup of Coffee.

Not everyone loves breakfast, but it’s essential to starting your day on the right foot. It doesn’t have to be big––a smoothie or yogurt is fine––but make sure you’re consuming something with a bit of protein to keep your blood sugar even, stave off headaches, and keep your mind sharp. Of course, a strong cup of coffee (or three) is also an a.m. must-have for any entrepreneur.

Remember, making time for yourself, and these daily routines is the first step in approaching your day as your best self and establishing a foundation for success throughout your day. Make your morning routine the most important and consistent step in your day-to-day, and you’ll find that each day is a refreshing new challenge rather than another step in a ladder towards burnout.