Many entrepreneurs pride themselves on burning the candle on both sides, but what if I told you this is detrimental for the growth of your business and you. Self-care doesn’t only benefit the business owner but it has a positive effect on your business. So here is how you can look after yourself and see the dividends in your business.
1. Get some sleep
Having a good night’s sleep is critical for many different aspects of thinking including memory, problem-solving, creativity, emotional processing, and judgment. By making sure you get in a good amount of sleep – it’s recommended to sleep for an average of eight hours per night – you can ensure that your long term and short term cognitive ability will be secured. When you go to bed you should make sure it is comfortable and that you have turned off devices at least 30 minutes before you sleep. The blue light from devices causes you to remain awake. If you have trouble sleeping, it is important to consult a doctor who can help you with your sleep.
2. Eat healthily
Processed foods harm your brain activity. In an article by Dr Sanjay Gupta, it is noted that too much sugar can cause you to be less able to think clearly over extended amounts of time. By cutting down on sugar you will be able to enhance your daily cognitive ability. Try to eat whole foods like legumes, chicken, fish, fruit and vegetables.
3. Delegate your tasks
If you have too much work on your plate you should consider delegating some of your work. Look at your workload and find out which items can be done by one of your employees. When you have identified the employee, it is important to delegate the job and forget about it. Don’t hover over the employee because then they will think you don’t trust them and you will not have freed up the time for yourself if you are constantly watching your employee to make sure they do a good job.
4. Take up a hobby
It’s important to engage in something other than your work. By having a hobby you will be able to relax and you will have time to think about your business. Your hobby may also spark some new ideas for your business or give you some insights into how you can improve parts of your business.
5. Spend time with your family
Many times people become entrepreneurs because they want to have more time to spend with their family. If this is a priority for you, then you should make time to spend with your family. Ensure that you switch off your work phone after hours and on weekends and focus solely on your family and their needs.
By engaging in the five tips above you will boost your creativity and ability to think clearly. It’s important when you do some of the activities that you don’t feel guilty about the self-care you are participating in as this will have a reverse effect.
Therefore remember that self-care is an investment into a better balanced and productive business.
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