Being a self-employed is a very challenging career. Unlike having a regular job, where you have a boss to handle tough situations, your decisions and actions can make or unmake your business. As a self-employed, you have to learn how to beat deadlines, talk to demanding clients and manage employees (if there is any) all at once. This is why most self-employed people find it difficult to have some time for themselves.
With so many stuff going on and a lot of important business-related activities to do, it is not surprising to that oftentimes; you tend to forget about other personal things in life like your health. Yes, it may seem to be impossible to step back and have some time for your health. But when the lack of time has taken its toll on your health, that’s when you will realize that your career is nothing if you are unhealthy.
But of course, we also understand that you can’t just leave your job. So here are some tips you can follow to enjoy your career and stay healthy at the same time.
Wake Up Early and Have Some Time To Stretch
Waking up early has lots of benefits that we might not be aware of.
Waking up early will make you feel less hurried and you have more time to think about yourself before you dive into your work. If you usually start working at 8 in the morning, try your best to wake up at 5 am so you have time to stretch out your muscles. Burn unwanted and unhealthy fats with exercise early in the morning and you will feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Waking up early will allow you to be more productive in your day. It’ll allow you to have more time and to accomplish more. Focus on the benefits of being an early riser and stop with all the excuses. Start changing your morning habits as early as now.
Incorporate a “Business Wellness Program”
If you are going to take care of your clients, you have to take care of yourself and your employees as well. The idea of health and wellness in a work-oriented environment are often taken for granted. But there a lot of benefits a company can enjoy if it practices a business wellness program.
Aside from having a good health, a business wellness program can also improve your productivity as well as the productivity of your employees. Creating a business wellness program does not have to be expensive. Choose programs that are practical such as short stress management talks during break time, basic fitness and yoga classes or simply organizing a monthly fitness and health challenge.
Business wellness program has several positive outcomes for your business such as higher work productivity, decrease absenteeism rate of your employees and a fresh and creative mind to improve your business.
Switch To A More Healthy Alternative
Look for small things you could change in your health habits while working. Are you fond of eating something sweet while working to keep you focused? Why not switch to fresh fruits instead of eating candies. Are you fond of ordering from fast foods for lunch? Switch to something healthy like meat, fruits and vegetables. If you find it difficult to squeeze in lunch preparation while working, try preparing your meals in the morning before you start your work. This way, you can do your tasks simultaneously without worrying what to eat.
Stick To The Right Meal Time
We understand that busy professionals like you cannot afford to lose even a single second of time but when it comes to your meal time, you have to stick to it. For breakfast, a healthy toast is a quick alternative when you are really in hurry. Create a meal plan so that you won’t have to worry about your everyday meal. It would also be a great idea if you prepare your meal in advance.
Another way you can also enjoy your work without compromising meal time is to schedule lunch meetings with clients or your network. You’ll have a more pleasurable experience when working when you have a good meal in.
Give Yourself A Break
It is extremely difficult to find time for yourself when you are busy juggling tasks for your career. However, taking a break is extremely important to keep your physical and mental health in check. Allow yourself to have some time to breathe and relax. You will realize that it is easier to find the balance, you can handle stress better and you will improve your performance in your work and even outside of work.
At some point, it is okay to outsource some activities so you will have some extra time for yourself. When you are not working, take a break in your electronics and find time to have a good laugh. And finally, do not be afraid to say no to clients who demand too much from you. Do not take responsibilities which you know you can’t handle.
Last Words
You need to have an active body and mind to handle the responsibilities of a self-employed. You can’t do that if you have a frail, unhealthy body, hence, your health is as important as your business and career.
It is your obligation to look after yourself. There are plenty of things you can do to fit wellness into your schedule and these are some of them. It is not an excuse that you are very busy because when it comes to health; your family, your business --- everyone is affected.