Whether it's a restaurant or retail store, one thing is the same for business owners: You have to give it 100% all the time.
But you could end up wearing yourself thin. Working around the clock can take a toll, so it's important to find ways to take care of yourself before you reach a breaking point.
Here are seven simple ways to find rest and relaxation in the midst of your busy schedule:
1. Treat yourself to an unplugged dinner.
How often do you scarf down whatever's in the fridge — or worse, fast food — while checking email? Every once in a while, consider going to your favorite restaurant and indulging in a dinner without your phone in hand. Taking the time to fully enjoy a sit-down meal can help you recharge after a challenging day.
2. Talk to a loved one.
If you own a business, you're probably guilty of making it the focus of all of your conversations. But when you're under a lot of pressure, it can be cathartic to talk about yourself on a more personal level. That could mean making a phone call to your sibling, best friend, spouse, or parent in between meetings. Even a brief conversation with someone close to you could help you clear your head.
3. Make your workspace more attractive.
Whether it's a bouquet of tulips, a mood board, or a poster of your favorite quote, there are many creative and inexpensive ways to elevate your workspace. If you spend a lot of time at your desk, you might as well try to make it more fun and inspiring. You don't have to face a blank wall all day.
4. Rethink your lunch hour.
If you're accustomed to eating lunch at your desk, try to slip outside for an hour, especially if you're particularly stressed. Studies show that eating outside could help you feel happier about work. You could also squeeze in a quick workout at the gym to work off any stress.
5. Tackle your chores during the week.
You might not associate chores with relaxation, but there's a great reason to get them out of the way during the week: You'll free up your weekends to do what you want to do, or in some cases, what you need to do. If you run a business where weekends are your busiest time, you probably won't have the time or energy to do three loads of laundry.
6. Read before going to bed.
You probably have dozens of work-related issues on your mind constantly, which is why it's so crucial to develop a bedtime routine that allows you to shut off that part of your brain. Instead of obsessing over your to-do list or responding to emails late at night, read something absorbing, like a science-fiction novel, that will take your mind off work completely.
7. Go on a weekend jaunt.
Sometimes all you need is a quick getaway. If you don't have time for an extended vacation, a weekend trip to a nearby city may be the perfect opportunity to find zen.
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Taking any or all of these steps could help you counteract the stress that may crop up from time to time as you run your business. And this may also help you run your business in a more productive, sustainable way.
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