Gimme a Break! Self Care for the Overworked Entrepreneur

Gimme a Break! Self Care for the Overworked Entrepreneur

Why am I doing this? I just feel like I can't focus today! I'm not enjoying my job like I used to. What's the matter with me? I NEED A BREAK!!!!

When you are CEO, head nurse, mommy, head of janitorial services, and chief crafts coordinator, life can leave you a little weary sometimes. As a business owner YOU are your most valuable resource, so it makes sense to take care of yourself! When you start to feel overwhelmed, it's important to know when to slow down and take a break. Below are 10 ways you can pamper yourself.

1) SCHEDULE A DAY OFF: Often when we are the busiest is when we need a break the most. Schedule a day in your calendar just for you. Promise to enjoy your time off. Turn off the computer, and don't answer the phone. Don't let guilt, or a list of impending deadlines steal your relaxation and enjoyment for the day.

2) MAKE TIME FOR THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUR LIFE: Go on a date with you're your husband. Enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee with a friend. Steal away on a mommy and daughter/son breakfast. Write a special note to a friend or spouse letting you know how you feel about them. Give someone special a long meaningful hug. Spend a little extra time cuddling with your kiddos before bed time.

3) TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE: Make up a holiday. Invite a friend to a "just because" lunch. Order out for pizza. At our house, we have a tradition called "pajama party". When we want to celebrate, we all get into our pajamas extra early, gather all our pillows and blankets, pull out the sofa bed, snuggle up, watch a special movie, and tell each other stories. This is a special treat that the whole family REALLY looks forward to!

4) PAMPER YOURSELF: Indulge in a candle lit bubble bath. Listen to some soothing music. Read a juicy romance novel. Take a day at the spa. Soak up some sun at the beach. Sip a glass of wine and watch the sun set in your backyard. Why not buy yourself a bouquet of flowers?

5) NURTURE YOUR BODY: Treat yourself to plenty of sleep, eat balanced meals, drink lots of water, and take vitamins. If you've been neglecting a checkup, now's the time to schedule it! When you take care of your body, you'll have more energy and feel happier.

6) GET OUT OF THAT CHAIR & EXERCISE: Sitting in your office chair all day isn't exactly the ideal workout. Head to the gym, take a walk thru the park, or take a dip in the pool. Take in a game of golf, racquetball or tennis. Exercise is a proven stress reducer!

7) CATCH A RAY OF SUNSHINE: There's nothing more energizing then feeling of sunshine on your face. Spend time in your garden, play ball with the kids, or take a trip to the park. I love to take a "nature walk" in my backyard. I walk slowly looking at each flower and tree, and really taking each detail in again as if for the very first time. Take time to enjoy the wonder and beauty of nature and let it fill you.

8) BE A KID FOR A DAY: Forget your responsibilities for just one day. Put away your "to do list" and revel in all the things you'd like to do but shouldn't. Let your house be messy, sleep in, eat an ice-cream sundae for supper, and watch you're favorite funny movie. Make up a silly song. Put on your favorite CD and dance! Mix up a batch of monster size cookies! Let the little kid in your come out and play!

9) RENEW YOUR SPIRIT: Often in the busyness of life, we forget to take quiet time for ourselves. I encourage you to take time to journal, daydream, read the scriptures, and meditate. In stillness, you can tune-in to what really matters to you. Take time to listen to your heart, reflect and honor the quiet voice within.

10) GET A MAKEOVER: Do you feel pretty when you look in the mirror? If not, you deserve to! When you look good, you FEEL good. Get a new haircut or a manicure. Spoil yourself with a brand new outfit. Spritz on a new perfume.

MY PERSONAL CHALLENGE TO YOU: All work and no play make Jack a dull boy! Don't wait until you are feeling burned out to take a break. I challenge you to take out your pen, flip thru your calendar, and schedule yourself a day off. When you are well rested, you'll have a newfound energy, spark and passion to drive you forward to success!

  Webmomz Recommended Books for Self Care

Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson Learn how to switch from being stressed, unfulfilled, and overworked, to "living a life you love" by using a seven-step process. Self Care Cards by Cheryl Richardson are a great way to remind yourself how wonderful you are and to take care of yourself! Draw a different card from the deck to provide daily thought and inspiration.