There seems to be a trend of assuming that self care is selfish. But, it’s actually something that I think more people should be prioritising. As someone who spends a lot of time immersed in businesses and startups, I am all too aware of how easy it is to forget about taking care of yourself. This doesn’t have to mean booking a pamper day at a local spa, or going on a meditative walk to better understand your inner thoughts. Though these are certainly excellent examples of self care, the concept is more about maintaining good mental health and avoiding burnout.
Self Care is Important for Everyone, Especially Entrepreneurs
Everyone can benefit from self care. Whether you’re a builder or a waitress, a teacher or a CEO, everyone can benefit from taking a moment to truly care for themselves. However, a lot of people make the mistake of assuming that self care is time consuming. So, they push it to the back of their minds, telling themselves that they will get around to it eventually. Of course, this doesn’t end up happening, and stress quickly builds up once again. Many people mistakenly believe that taking time for themselves is selfish or indulgent. But, I am here to debunk this myth and shed light on the importance of self care.
Self care is an effective way of maintaining good mental health, avoiding burnout and ultimately achieving personal and professional success. It’s something that can be incorporated into your daily routine, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. The misconception that self care is selfish stems from societal expectations and the notion that constantly putting others’ needs before our own is key. However, neglecting our own wellbeing can lead to emotional exhaustion, decreased productivity and strained relationships.
If you ask me, it’s time to challenge this misconception and recognise that self care is not only necessary, but also beneficial for everyone.
Why Self Care is So Advantageous, Regardless of Who You Are
For me, self care is essential for maintaining good mental health. As someone who has first hand experience of Complex PTSD, I need to take the time to really focus on what I need mentally and emotionally. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction and self reflection allows me to recharge and better cope with whatever life throws at me. By caring for my mental health, I am able to remain resilient in the workplace and foster a more positive outlook on life. With this behind me, I find it a lot easier to enjoy the challenges that being an entrepreneur can have.
One of the most significant consequences of neglecting self care is burnout, something I have seen often in the competitive world of business. Constantly pushing yourself to the limit without taking breaks or practising self care can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Incorporating self care activities into your daily routines – such as exercise, meditation or engaging in hobbies that you enjoy – can help to prevent burnout. It also boosts your overall productivity, and allows you to approach your responsibilities with improved focus.
Finding The Balance Between Self Care and Existing Obligations
Balancing personal and professional obligations is crucial for long term success. But, it’s not easy to do. With a busy work life and home life, throwing self care into the mix can feel as though you’re simply giving yourself something extra to do. But, by prioritising self care every so often, you can ensure that you are operating at your best in all aspects of life. It’s essential to carve out time for activities that bring you joy, promote relaxation and support your wellbeing. This could be reading, spending time with loved ones, practising mindfulness or hanging out with friends. As far as I’m concerned, finding the right self care practices should be something that everyone is encouraged to do.
Incorporating self care into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Simple actions like getting enough sleep and taking short breaks throughout the day can make a big difference. Maintaining healthy boundaries between your personal and professional life could be enough to have a profound impact. For me, it’s about making conscious choices and prioritising my own needs, without feeling guilty for doing so.
