How To Avoid Being Overwhelmed as A Busy Entrepreneur

I know as well as any small business owner just how many hats one must wear as an entrepreneur. There is a saying that goes something like, "I quit my job so that I could work for myself 24/7," and it's so true. In that respect, being your own boss isn't all it's cracked up to be. Still, we love it, right? But there are definitely some habits I've had to adopt over the years in order to stay healthy and sane as a busy business owner.

First, I will say that I haven't always had it figured out. Several years ago however, in the emergency room, with an IV to bring down some dangerously high blood pressure while a nurse injected something into my stomach to "help prevent a stroke," I knew I had pushed my body way too far. Even after coming home, I felt very weak and had to rest for a few weeks before I felt back up to speed. I couldn't keep pushing myself. I justified it because I needed the money, but really what good is being caught up on rent if you're dead.

If you don't make time for your health, it most certainly will make you make the time.

Now I'll admit that there are times, as my schedule fluctuates, that I don't always adhere to my new rules 100% of the time, but these are the practices I always refer back to. They're my baseline for a healthy work-life balance.

1. I always take time to myself early in the morning.

Without fail, I do what I want to do upon waking. I know that isn't always possible if your children are younger. What can I say? Mine are older now, and that comes with it's own set of challenges. In any case, I honor my needs in some way first thing in the morning, whether that be with meditation, reading, just sitting quietly with my coffee and some music, or even watching a show. Mind you I wake up between 4am and 6am on average. I know busy moms who do the same. Partly because who the hell can sleep during menopause and partly because that quiet time before the world has woken up can be the most beneficial and therapeutic time for some self care.

2. I am mindful about the fact that I get to do my passion for a living.

One of the worst parts of overwhelm or burnout is being unhappy with your daily life, being unsatisfied by it. But I truly am doing what younger me only ever dreamed of. I may struggle and it may be stressful sometimes, but I'm much more mindful about the fact that it is also fulfilling. Sometimes my bad attitude needs a good swift reality check and some gratitude in order to mitigate stress.

3. I almost always take a lunch break.

I never just push through my work day anymore. Even on my busiest days, I at least take time for a cup of tea and some quiet moments to catch my breath and re-center myself before continuing on with work.

4. I keep a regular work schedule.

The end of my work day used to be whenever I was done with a task. But now, I have a particular work schedule everyday. I may still edit or do social media on my phone in the evenings, especially since I'm currently single, but you can bet your ass that I've had my dinner and gotten to my bedroom by a certain time each day. And whenever I'm on a deadline and want to work into the evening, I always take a long dinner break first.

5. I work out right after work.

I don't always have a lot of energy after work, but I find that pushing myself to workout during that time is so helpful. It helps me relax and unwind of course and most of all helps signal to my brain that I am transitioning from the work day to after work.

6. I disappoint people.

This has done wonders for my health!! A recovering people pleaser and fawner, I admit it was a struggle at first. But I forced myself to not finish projects early, to not get back to everyone right away, and to not over-extend myself. I made myself disappoint people, even clients and family. Because realistically, if you are pleasing everyone at the same time, you are denying yourself, and you will inevitably push yourself to far that way.

7. I do chores when I'd normally be a couch potato.

It's so tempting to zone out in front of a show at night, but now I like to spend some of that time on housework or prepping for the next day. Otherwise I wind up spending my work time on those things, or I simply wouldn't get them done at all. I enjoy it by having gratitude. I'm grateful that I have a roof over my head and I take pride in caring for it. It's much better for your mental health to spend an hour on chores than it is to watch a show.

8. I remain flexible with this schedule.

Sometimes I work ahead in order to have more time with my kids on the weekend. Other time I work through the weekend if I have a deadline I really don't want to miss. But I never skip the part where I take some time to myself here and there.

I think the biggest change I've made over the years, in order to avoid getting overwhelmed, is I no longer reserve resting solely for when I need it.

I never wait till I'm overspent before I recharge. The changes in my schedule have helped with that the most - with having times that I rest purely for the sake of resting and when I practice self care simply for the sake of self care, not as a means to recover from pushing myself too far.

Start with any of the above practices that are the easiest for you to adopt into your daily work life, and then add a few more, until you find it second nature to proritize you and your health before your brands.