“Even five minutes spent in silence will nurture & revive your soul and spirit.” -Doreen Virtue
Between all of the dings, pings, school schedule, zoom meetings, and “moms”, I bet your life is a bit more reactive than it was last year. Maybe your fuse is a bit shorter too. You are probably wearing ALL of the hats, trying to run your own business in this new world, and maybe you are doing everything possible just to survive.
You are not alone.
We have all felt lost, overwhelmed, and manic as business owners. And that’s ok! While it can be normal to feel a bit underwater at times, it is not ok to feel that way constantly. You need to find healthy coping strategies to help you find your center alignment again.
Sure, people say “just find some you-time”. Um… ok… when exactly? Oh, just between the working, content creating, brainstorming, editing, training, connection, and business building you are doing.
Let’s be honest: you probably are just getting back to going to the bathroom alone! The idea of starting a new hobby probably seems daunting, not recharging. I get it – taking more than a few moments to focus on yourself can be difficult.
Over the weekend, the amazing Elizabeth Lenart shared a post: “Recharge yourself as much as your charge your phone.” I really wish someone had told me that a decade ago. As a mom, business owner, employee, educator, instructor, and more, I constantly ran my personal battery levels dangerously low for years. My family, business, and physical & mental health suffered. I knew I needed to create more time for myself, I just didn’t know how (again, hello, I am a recovering “yes” woman.) Finally, I realized I just needed to start smaller.
I started to weave some of this coveted me-time into my typical daily activities. I found that just mindful me-time moments each day made me feel empowered and calm. I started to recover my strength, rebuild my relationships, and feel human again.
Eventually, I started making more time for myself and my interests; but I didn’t start with 20-minute segments at a time. I started with short little bursts of mindfulness. I worked up my endurance, just as I would my fitness levels.
I know many of you just need a little kickstart for yourself. So, here are 5 mindful me-time moments to kickstart your self-care as a business owner.
1. Tune Out
While you are doing chores like laundry or dishes, listen to your favorite playlist, a podcast, or your Audible account. We all have to accomplish the home-life work, so you may as well make it enjoyable.
2. Lather, Rinse, & Repeat
A shower is a perfect way to cleanse your hair and body – so why not your mind as well? At the beginning of your shower, decide what you want to be for the rest of the day or night & create a mantra of “I am…..”. If you want to feel more energized, say to yourself “I am energized” and repeat that to yourself as you lather in soap. If you want to feel calmer, say to yourself “I am calm” or “I am peaceful”.
The key is repetition – keep repeating this to yourself as you lather, rinse, and repeat. As the soap is washing you clean, you are working to establish powerful pathways in your mind. It sounds silly right now, but we challenge you to try it for a week before you dismiss it.
3. Take 3
All-day long, before you eat or drink anything, close your eyes and take three deep belly breaths. Feel your lungs expand. Focus on the pull and push of your breath. Relax your shoulders. Just sit. You do not have to constantly be doing something. We are human BEings, not human DOers. Now, sip your coffee or eat your lunch. Yes, you should do this before you steal those leftover chicken nuggets off your kiddo’s plate…
4. Feel It
Your body is extraordinary. It functions without your consciousness being aware. While you are walking, pay attention to your feet and how they feel as you step and roll through them. Focus on your arms, gently swinging at your side. Feel your neck lengthen as you lift the crown of the head to the sky.
While you are sitting, focus on your spine, where it may be rounding or arching, and how the seat feels against your back.
While exercising, pay attention to each movement with the same focus that you have been practicing with eating. What does each repetition feel like? How is your body connected to the equipment or the floor? How does the sweat feel on your skin?
Take a few moments to really feel your body & listen to what it is experiencing.
5. Celebrate Yourself
What is one amazing thing YOU did today? Did you take a step forward with you business? Did you ask for help when you needed it? Did you complete continuing education for your profession?
You don’t have to write this down in a physical journal. Write it on a post-it & store it on your nightstand, text them to a loved one, keep a list on your phone, or email it to yourself for future keeping. Before bed, take a moment to reflect & high-five yourself. You deserve it.
