As solopreneurs, we try our best not to take for granted our most valuable resources. But do you downplay the
Want a boost – go for a green smoothie!
importance of sustaining the one resource that you absolutely could not do without?
I’m talking about YOU! And I’m talking to you. Do you push yourself too hard and not give your own well-being the time and attention it deserves – and needs? The only thing worse than being overworked and underappreciated by your boss is being overworked and underappreciated by yourself. And too much of that WILL take its toll mind, body and soul.
What can you do to avoid depleting your business’s most important resource? Here are a few ideas to help you maintain your well-being and sustain your productivity…
Drink In a Little Sunshine – Every Day!
They’re bright and sunny looking, but even better is that lemons help boost your energy level and your immunity to colds (always a plus at this time of year!). Besides their cold-fighting kick of Vitamin C, lemons are also full of potassium which helps increase brain function and regulate blood pressure. AND warm lemon water purges toxins from your body and aids in digestion. Start every day with it – and for an extra dash of energy, add a splash or two of hot sauce. Trust me, it tastes much better than it sounds!
Let In Some Light – And Levity.
Bring some vibrancy into your workspace with lighting fixtures and light-colored (but not pure white) walls to make you more alert, but not distracted. Got windows? Keep those shades open to let in as much natural light as possible – except for when the sun’s glaring on your face or your computer screen of course.
And don’t forget to bring in some mood-boosting feel-good items like family photos, artwork, plants, wind chimes, piñatas, or whatever else to add some whimsy and creativity to your space. Whether you’re working from a home office or elsewhere, make your workspace one that you don’t mind spending time in.
Go Green to Beat the Mid-morning or Mid-afternoon Energy Slump
I know you don’t need to be reminded that veggies are really, really good for you. I will, however, venture to guess that it’s not always easy for you to fit them in during your busy days. As you’re feeling the need for a little something to replenish your energy reserves, toss the following ingredients in a blender for a smoothie that’ll give you a delicious lift and help you meet your greens quota:
Make sure that you blend it really, really well so it’s completely smooth if you’re averse to chunks. Vitamin-packed and full of fiber, it makes a nice energizing alternative to coffee and processed snacks.
Take a Break
But you don’t have time you say? Make time. Having your foot constantly on the pedal leads to fatigue and lack of focus. One of the 7 habits of highly successful people according to Inc. Magazine is to recharge by taking breaks after every 60 – 90 minutes of work. Of course, that could extend your day, but those hours will feel less arduous and exhausting because you’ve given your brain and body the rests they need rather than subject them to a marathon work session.
Give Yourself a Break
Above all; don’t be too hard on yourself! You’re human; you’ll make mistakes and fall short of your own expectations at times. Rather than beat yourself up about it, take a step back and figure out why. Chances are you’ll find that it’s not because you’ve been lazy or apathetic, but because you’ve been trying too hard and putting too much pressure on yourself. If you’re consistently missing the mark because of overdoing it, consider outsourcing certain work or home tasks. Are there elements of your business that you can hand off to someone else so you can focus on more important revenue-producing aspects of work? Is it time to hire a house-cleaning service?
Trite perhaps, but true for solopreneurs: Without your health, you have nothing. Take time for and give attention to doing things that will keep you feeling well and put you at the top of your game. If you don’t, your business could get sidelined.
What are your tips and tricks for being a healthy solopreneur? I’d love to hear your food, exercise, and lifestyle suggestions!
I view my role as more than an independent contractor for hire — I become a part of your team. You’ll find that I dig into the details to understand what’s important to you — and your customers. I embrace collaboration, communicate openly, and craft content to help you achieve your marketing and business goals. Read More...
Happy New Year, Dawn. Hoping for a great 2013 on all fronts.
Tyler
And to you, too, Tyler! Thank you. I predict 2013 to be spectacular! We’ll need to connect one of these weeks to catch up.
Hi! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the fantastic job!
Thank you, Theresa! You made my day! My father lives in Port Isabel, TX – Where’s Atascocita in relation to that? Are you a solopreneur, too? Again, thanks for your kind note – and for following my blog. 🙂