When you’re trying to build your own business, it can feel like the weight of the whole world is on your shoulders. And in some ways, maybe it is: your family’s counting on you. So are your employees. So are your customers.
That’s a lot of pressure. And you might feel driven to make every minute count. Time off can feel like wasted time and lost money. But the fact is, if you don’t take some time to decompress and get away, you’re going to burn out.
If and when that happens, it’s not just you who will suffer — your business and the people relying on it will get hurt as well. The good news is that there are things you can do to inject a bit more rest and relaxation into your life without hurting your burgeoning business or stifling its growth.
Get Physical
One of the best ways to nurture a more relaxing life is to learn to manage your stress. When you’re at work and feeling overwhelmed, do something with your body to help you vent your anxieties. Play with a stress ball or a sensory bottle. Take a whiff of your aromatherapy necklace or give your zipper bracelet a wholloping.
And once you’re out of the office, make a clean break with your workday. Taking time every day to work off some of the day’s frustrations is going to boost your mood, improve your focus, and allow you to truly separate from your work and decompress at the end of the day.
If you’re exercising outdoors, though, make sure to plan ahead to keep yourself safe and protected. Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be home. If you’re going on a hike, make sure you pack plenty of water and, better still, a portable first aid kit. And don’t forget to invest in UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from too much sun exposure.
Have a Regular Spa Day
Getting physical is a great way to relieve stress, but it’s far from the only solution. If you’re a bit more into soaking than sweating, then why not turn your bathroom into your own private spa? A nice long bath at the end of the day can be just what you need to find your zen again, especially if you add some calming essential oils, like lavender, to your luxurious tub.
If you’re using bath bombs, though, make sure they don’t include ingredients that will clog your drains. You can even easily make your own with your favorite scents and colors!
Write On
Another perfect way to relax is to make journaling a part of your daily routine. Whether you’re sitting down with your laptop or, better still, a pen and a beautiful private journal, having a place to purge your thoughts, your feelings, and your worries is essential.
You’ll sleep better, have more focus, and feel clearer on your needs and your goals when life gets chaotic and overwhelming.
Stop the Waste!
Leading a more relaxing life also means eliminating stressors wherever you can. One of the best places to stop is in your own home and business. Do an energy audit of your appliances, your lighting, your HVAC, and figure out where your electricity vampires are.
Leaving your appliances plugged in and running willy-nilly is like throwing money out the window. And if you want to talk about stress, there are few things worse than opening that power bill at the end of the month!
The Takeaway
Taking the time to relax isn’t selfish. It’s just good business. After all, you’re taking care of the person who’s taking care of business. And it doesn’t have to eat up the whole day. Just an evening hike or a long bath before bedtime can be all you need to find your center again!
About Beau Peters