Find Time for Self-Care While Balancing a Side Gig with This Guide
Finding time for ourselves is crucial these days, but it can be a challenge to do so when you have a lot on your plate. Those who are running a business and/or starting a side gig often feel pressure to hustle day and night, leaving little room for personal care. There are a few simple ways to work it in, however, if you get creative. You can always take some cues from The UnorthoDoc, a blog by Dr. Patrice Smith that helps professional individuals find balance in their lives. It also helps to think of ways to save time — and energy — so you can focus on the big picture and take a few minutes for yourself. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Give yourself peace of mind
Sometimes self-care is as much about your mental and emotional health as it is physical, and when you’re busy with professional tasks, it’s easy to forget the importance of protecting yourself from legal ramifications. Starting an LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a great way to ensure that your personal assets are covered no matter what happens within your business, and it also offers tax benefits and allows you to run things your way. The regulations and formation steps vary from state to state, so read up on how to properly file for an LLC in your area. Keep in mind that you can save money by utilizing a formation service rather than an attorney.
Just breathe
Mental health, emotional health, physical health — it’s all connected. Side gigs come in many shapes and forms, but no matter how you choose to earn extra money, it’s easy to push yourself to the limit in order to make the most of every hour in the day. Slowing down and learning to relax in your current surroundings can help you banish stress or anxiety, so consider learning some breathing techniques such as those associated with yoga and meditation. If you can take five minutes out of your day to be mindful, you might be surprised at how much better you feel, especially when you’re being pulled in several directions.
Rest well
When you stay busy it can be difficult to get enough rest, but a lack of sleep can lead to problems with concentration, memory, and anxiety as well as a host of physical issues. Set limits for yourself when it comes to completing tasks, especially if you work from home; it’s often easy to put in unintentional overtime when you don’t punch a clock, so give yourself guidelines for answering emails and phone calls. Eliminate foods and drinks that can keep you awake, and set up your bedroom to maximize comfort by utilizing blackout curtains and soft bedding.
Make your workspace work
Your bedroom isn’t the only place that could benefit from a makeover. Take a look at your office or workspace and make sure it works for your needs. If possible, make it a place that’s distraction-free and comfortable, and give yourself all the tools you require to create a smooth workday. This might be anything from a wireless printer to software that helps you stay on track, so think about which resources you’ll need to make the day as stress-free as possible.
For busy professionals, it can be difficult to strike a good balance between work and life responsibilities. Self-care can help you find those little moments that allow you to feel recharged and reinvigorated so you can focus on what comes next.
[This is a guest post by Courtney Rosenfeld]
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