In case you hadn’t noticed – self-care is all the rage, and for good reason too. In a modern age, we live increasingly busy lives, spend embarrassing amounts of times gazing at the world through a decidedly rose-tinted Instagram lens, and, of course – spend an equal amount of time wondering why our lives never seem quite as rosy (spoiler alert: no-one’s is).
With work, a side hustle, keeping active, wrangling kids and pretending your ‘healthy, post-workout meal!’ does not look like Holland & Barratt threw up on your plate – it can be hard to find the time to really look after ourselves. If you’re self-employed, of course – it can feel even harder.
What we do know, however, is that your business thrives when you do. It really does pay to look out for number one. So, with that in mind, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Take a break.
We know. You’ve heard it a thousand times before. But, you’ve also ignored it a thousand times before. One of the benefits of being self-employed is that you’re your own boss, and – one of the downsides? You can be a bad one. Hold yourself accountable for your own welfare, and ensure you take your breaks. Timetable them, write them down, add them to your to-do list. Whatever it takes. We’re all guilty of forgetting or working through them, and that sort of passion is what got you here today. Just don’t let it burn you out.
And, just to clarify – working on something different is not a break. We see you being sneaky. Step away, eat something, and breathe.
Give yourself some headspace.
Chances are, if you’re self-employed – you’ll find yourself doing everything from accountancy to social media management, and that’s without even mentioning your actual job. That’s a lot of info to carry around with you – so don’t. Get as much of your work, your ideas, and as many of those figures as possible out of your head, and onto paper – literal or digital. Everything you need will still be there when you come back to it – it just won’t be waking you up at 3am.
Book that appointment.
Self-employment doesn’t always work 9-5, which can make planning things difficult, and difficult is easier to put off. It’s an unwritten rule that each and every one of us has at least one appointment we’ve been meaning to book for a while now, so, whether it’s a doctor’s check-up, counselling, a hair cut, a massage or anything else – book it, and book it now. You’re allowed.
Pursue a different passion.
For a lot of us, our work is our passion, and we’re lucky to pursue it. But, it can mean we no longer get the chance to do it just for fun. Find something else you enjoy, and can feel good about. Self-employment often comes with the assumption that you ‘don’t have time’ for hobbies, and, granted – you can’t really go gallivanting around the country doing Yoga retreats every weekend, or training to become a Blacksmith. But you can do something. Think small. If you like music – spend time finding new artists or genres, and put your finds in a playlist. Make one every month. If you like keeping active, enrol in a new class at the gym, because – why not? Interior decorating fan? Pinterest could be your new best friend. Whatever it is, there are ways it can be pursued on a smaller scale, and in minutes. The world is your oyster.
Take the stress out of your accounting and outsource to people who understand your business. Get in touch with us today.
