Taking care of yourself is important for everyone, but when you’re your own boss, self care is often put on the back burner because you are wearing all the hats in your business, and, well… there is just always so much to do!
The freedom of freelancing means that you can abuse that freedom as well. So in this article we’re sharing why self care is so important, and how you can start applying this in your own life and business starting today.
Freelancer self care is about figuring out what works for you. How often do you need breaks? How do you like your weekly schedule to be? Figuring this out often comes with trial and error, and will most likely change over time too.
What self care will look like will be different for everyone. For example, you may enjoy hanging out with your friends as a way to relax. Others want to just be by themselves as their way of relaxing. Maybe you want to go on vacation regularly, schedule in a massage, or set a timer on your phone at night so you stop working.
Try to see self care as a part of your business, just like finances, networking and marketing. Try to make it a habit that you get to do for increase business success (because, after all, when you are burnt out, you can’t be your best self in your business!).
Here are a few additional tips:
- Include breaks as part of your daily routine, especially if you are planning on spending most of the day behind a computer. Set an end to your work day as well, so you actually stop working at that time.
- If you enjoy going on vacation, you need to plan for it and schedule it in ahead of time. Remember, you set the rules!
- Reward yourself! What motivates you? A few hours off early on a Friday afternoon, meeting up with a friend on a regular Tuesday morning (because you can!), a treat? Do that for yourself.
- Sometimes taking care of yourself means improving yourself. Learn new things, start a side project, take a class. Even if it’s not in your area of expertise, improving your skills is always a good idea.
- Hang out with people that inspire you. Go to events, network, and spend time with your people. Maybe you even want to hire a mentor (and maybe one day become one yourself!)
If you are on the fence about freelancing, check out our previous blog posts of the Freelance Series, Part 1 and Part 2.
