Here at Distillery Web Design and Marketing we understand the strains and joys of being a small business owner. We understand it because we are small business owners.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how to balance work and my personal life. There are times I feel like all I do is think about work. How am I going to write a hundred updates for our various clients this week? What in the world am I going to blog about? Is anybody even reading this? Will we find new clients? When will the invoices be paid? Plus a bucketful of other questions that can stress me out and interfere with my personal life. Sometimes I work evenings or on Sunday even though I’m sure it could wait until the next day.As small business owners you understand exactly what I’m talking about.
With the stresses, there are also joys of owning a small business as well. I make my own schedule. I don’t have to ask the “boss” to take a few hours off for an appointment. I make the rules. This last one is a bit of stretch since what we have is a partnership, but you get the point.
It’s important to not let work take over. The saying “All work and no play, makes Jack (or Jill) a dull boy (or girl)” is so true. Plus, it’s just not good for the soul. The question of the day is how do you find happiness when you’re trying to run a business (and a household)?
Here are some tips to help balance your personal life and professional life. In other words, it is possible to be happy.
- Develop a Morning Ritual. Every morning I walk the dogs. I have a walking partner who also happens to have a dog too. I’m sure when people see us they think we must be professional dog walkers. This time in the morning allows me to talk about other things. It also helps clear my head so I’m ready for work. I’m a big believer in exercise and what it can do for not only your body and health, but what it can do for you mentally as well. After my morning walk, things that seemed “impossible” or stressful aren’t so much anymore. You don’t even have to devote a huge amount of time in the morning (it could be as little as 5-10 minutes). I look at it this way, mornings are deal breakers. If you aren’t organized in the morning it affects the rest of your day. By developing a routine, you are telling your mind and body to get ready.
- Eat Breakfast. Let’s just get this out of the way. I love food. I especially love breakfast. People who “forget” to eat baffle me. Your body and mind need fuel, so eating the right foods is important. Pancakes (so yummy) aren’t good fuel. Neither is fast food for breakfast (or lunch or dinner). I’m a copywriter, not a nutritionist. So, I’m not going to say this is what you need to eat. But, having a sensible breakfast is key. Eggs, a slice of bacon, yogurt, fruit, cereal (not junk cereal. Although incredibly tasty, won’t last), oatmeal, etc. Pick something you know you will like and will eat. It’s important to have a carb, a fat, and a protein in your meals. If you don’t eat breakfast, then start. It doesn’t have to be huge, but it will help with your metabolism, mind, and body. Remember the food pyramid? That’s a good place to start. Need ideas for healthy food choices? Go to www.choosemyplate.gov for all kinds of healthy ideas and tools.
- Create “Me Time”. This is your time to do what you what for however long you want. It doesn’t matter what you do because it’s YOUR TIME. You should create Me Time everyday. So put it on the calendar and stick to it! “Me Time” is important and will help you focus on your work better. Everyone needs a break. Click the link for 57 Creative Ways to Enjoy “ME Time”.
- One Item at a Time. Why do people believe being a multi-tasker is a quality to be desired? When someone tells me this, the Shakespearean phrase “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” pops into my mind. When there are too many irons in the fire, nothing gets fully completed. (This post is just full of cliches this time!). Seriously, focusing on one task at a time produces better result and reduces feeling overwhelmed.
- Delegate. As a small business owner, this is sometimes difficult to do. You might be the only one running your business so hire out your media concerns to a company that knows how to handle promoting your business via Facebook, Twitter, etc. Distillery Web Design can help you get started. Contact Us
- Nutrition. Eating right plays a big factor in everything we do. Work, play, and everything in between requires the right energy. If you find yourself eating more processed foods than natural foods, it’s time to reassess your nutritional goals. Going to diet extremes is not the answer and will only lead to frustration. I like junk and fast food too. Sometimes I really need a cheeseburger and fries. The important thing is to be aware of what you’re putting into your body. Lifehacker has a great article on how to slowly change your diet so you don’t feel wonky, hungry, or deprived.
- Jump Around. Okay, you don’t actually have to jump, but moving around is good for you. Take a short walk, get some fresh air, do some stretches, really anything that gets you away from your desk and gives you a little break. We also have 10 Health Tips for Small Business Owners.
Routines only work if they are something you enjoy. So, find out what works for you and stick to it. You will feel better each day, be more productive, and less stressed.
Distillery Web Design and Marketing is a feature website builder, online marketer, and advertising specialty consulting group working with businesses in the Lebanon, Camdenton, Osage Beach, Springfield, and St. Robert areas of Missouri. Facebook, websites, online promotions, print media, radio promotions, online newsletters, graphic design and direct mail campaigns are our specialty. We know how to get the Internet, social networking and new media to work for you!