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When you ask most business owners “When was the last time you took a vacation?” Often you will get a shocking response. Most business owners have not taken a vacation in YEARS!!!

And the interesting thing is they proclaim this proudly and wear it like a badge of honor.  

However, I am here to tell you that taking care of yourself is very important and that includes taking vacations. Business owners will often work really hard in their business at the expense of their health and in my opinion, this is a No Win situation. 

Taking care of yourself can vary from daily activities to infrequent activities such as retreats and vacations. Here are seven different aspects of taking care of yourself.

1. Nourish Yourself (with food)

 

Business owners will grab food “on the go” and eat foods that are convenient rather than what is good for their bodies. I will often hear “It is so hard to eat healthy with my schedule.” or “I only had a few minutes to grab something.” But here is what I need to say about these statements (and many others like them): it’s all in the planning. Much like you plan for your business success (see my blog post here: https://www.businesstraining.pro/planning-the-key-to-the-future-success-of-your-business/)

you need to plan your food so that you are not rushing to eat something. 

You need to make food choices that are healthy for your body and keep your mind sharp. Eating foods that cause the afternoon slump is a no-go. You need nourishing, energizing food that will put a pep in your step!

2. Get Sufficient Sleep

 

According to the CDC website, adults should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night.  Some experts, such as Doug Lisle and Dr. Alan Goldhamer recommend 10 hours of sleep in their book The Pleasure Trap.

The reality is that most of us are sleep-deprived. As a result of a lack of sleep, we walk around like zombies at times. We are not as sharp or as productive as we would like to be. Missing a few hours of Zzzzs here and it is ok but when it becomes chronic we start running into problems. 

It’s important to get enough sleep. Asleep ritual is always helpful. Have a nightly routine, such as taking time to read or listen to a book, relaxing with a cup of chamomile tea, and making sure you floss and brush your teeth every night.

3. Move every day

 

When we started working with business mentor Robert, one of the first things he said to my husband is taking a long walk every day. It was a strange statement, since what does that have to do with business???

As I Iook back over the years I understand why he said that: Getting up and moving helps shed the “cobwebs” and refreshes your brain. My husband uses his walks as an opportunity to solve business problems.

Now you may be one of those people who do not enjoy walking on their own (like me!) or there is 10 feet of snow on the ground where you are and walking is impossible – any type of movement will do! It could be strength training, doing stretches, or even dancing around your office (with the door closed of course!)

4. Nourish Yourself Spiritually and Emotionally

 

Just like exercising and moving, spiritual nourishment can clear the cobwebs from your mind and body. It can take on many forms. Yoga is a great way to have that mind-body connection and clear your mind.

Business Training Pro’s sister company Breath Activators teaches business owners and executives to destress and get clear through breath. You can find out more about Breath Activators at https://breathactivators.io/. 

5. Do something (almost) every day that fulfills you

 

Take some time to do something that makes you happy and brings you joy. I personally enjoy crocheting (please don’t tell anyone – it’s actually my guilty pleasure). I take time almost every day to do a little bit of crochet and I get so much joy from the whole process.

Now there must be something that you enjoy doing – take time every evening after the kids are in bed and all the housework or honey-do list is done and do that thing!

6. Spend time on personal development

 

While taking courses related to the business is always a good idea, I recommend that as a business owner you also spend time on character development. There are a whole variety of courses and programs available, some are group courses and others are self-taught programs.

I personally have spent a lot of time taking personal development courses and also doing coaching programs that have improved who I am for myself and for my co-workers/employees, for my family, and for the world in general.

Doing some type of course related to personal development always makes a difference in how you operate in your business and with other people.

7. Go on Vacation

 

Go on vacation and leave it all behind! I mean leave all your work behind. Make your vacation truly a pleasurable experience. If you have to turn off your phone because you easily get sucked into work-related problems then do so. 

Take a vacation where you get to fully relax and enjoy yourself. I always find it surprising when business owners tell me they have not been on vacation for the last few years.

Between my husband and I, we have a policy of taking at least 3 weeks of vacation per year. Even if we do not go anywhere and take time to just be a tourist in our own city – we fully pull away from electronics and enjoy our time off.

Conclusion

Your well-being is necessary for the business. As a small business owner, you are the asset for your business, your business relies on you as the foundation of its existence, if you stop functioning optimally you risk jeopardizing your business. Without you, there would be no business. So, please take care of yourself!

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