The Importance of Self-Care as a Business Owner

Starting and running a VA business can be an exciting and fulfilling journey, but it can also be incredibly stressful and demanding. We can work 24/7, right? But we’re not meant to work 24/7.

You want to start your VA business for more freedom and I know as a business owner, it is easy to get caught up in the daily grind, focusing solely on the success of your business. However, it is crucial to prioritize self-care to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Self-care is a critical component of a healthy and balanced life, and it plays an even more significant role for business owners. Business owners are often juggling multiple responsibilities and dealing with financial pressures, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion. By prioritizing self-care, you can reduce stress, increase productivity, and enhance your overall well-being.

Remember, YOU are the most important person in the world.

Prioritizing Physical Self-Care

I know it's tough to juggle all those responsibilities and still find time to take care of yourself. But trust me, your physical health is super important! Making time for regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep can help you stay energized, focused, and less stressed. And don't forget to take breaks during the day to stretch and move your body. It can really help improve your circulation and ease tension.

Physical self-care can also positively impact your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress levels, while a healthy diet can provide the nutrients your brain needs to function at its best. Getting enough rest can also help you feel more alert and focused, allowing you to tackle your work with energy and enthusiasm.

It took me a long time to find a workout routine that I could actually stick to since I'm not naturally inclined to exercise, haha. But now I have one and it makes me feel so much better.

Since starting my own business, my sleep has improved significantly. I go to bed around 10 pm and have no trouble sleeping thanks to my TV-free, dark, and cold bedroom.

Cooking is something I love to do, and it also helps me clear my mind. Cooking homecooked meals ensure that I eat more healthy meals than junk food.

Benefits of Mental Self-Care

Running a business can be mentally taxing, and it is essential to prioritize your mental health. Taking time to clear your mind, meditate, or engage in mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and improve focus. Additionally, taking breaks throughout the day to pursue your hobbies, read a book, or spend time with loved ones can improve your overall well-being. And as a VA you have the freedom to do that.

Mental self-care involves managing your thoughts and emotions, and it can help you approach your work with a clear mind. By reducing stress and anxiety, you can improve your decision-making skills, boost creativity, and reduce the risk of burnout. Prioritizing mental self-care can also give you a sense of control over your life, which can be especially important for business owners who may feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

As I mentioned earlier, cooking is one of my practices. One of the things I love about being a business owner is the ability to take the afternoon off to read in my backyard.

Planning my days in advance also helps me feel less stressed. I make sure not to plan too many projects in a day so that I have enough time and don't feel overwhelmed. I also have the boundary that I don’t work for clients in the evening or in the weekends.

Becoming a VA has really helped with my mental health. I used to get sick frequently, and in 2014, I experienced a burnout. That experience opened my eyes, but it took me a while to be ready to start my own business. Now, because I set boundaries, I hardly feel stressed at all.

The Importance of Emotional Self-Care

As a business owner, it is easy to get caught up in the stress and pressure of running a successful business. However, it is crucial to prioritize emotional self-care to maintain your overall well-being. Taking time to connect with loved ones, seeking professional support, or engaging in therapy can help you manage stress and improve your emotional resilience.

Emotional self-care involves taking care of your emotional needs, which can help you feel more balanced and grounded. By prioritizing self-compassion and self-care, you can improve your self-esteem and reduce the risk of negative self-talk. Additionally, seeking support from others can help you feel less alone and more connected, which is essential for maintaining good mental health.

I love working from home and I don’t miss not having colleagues. However, I know I feel better when I have support, whether it's to share my doubts and fears, celebrate, or have a sparring partner. So, I have a business coach, I do online group programs, am part of a membership. This all helps me grow as a person and with my business.

That's one of the reasons I created the Wolfpack Membership. Not only will it save you from reinventing the wheel when it comes to launching and growing your VA business, but it also provides the support that every business owner needs.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not only essential for your well-being, but it can also positively impact your business's success. You are the most important person on this planet. By prioritizing self-care, you can improve your productivity, creativity, and decision-making skills, while also reducing the risk of burnout and exhaustion. So, make sure to take care of yourself, so you can take care of your business.

And do what feels good to you. Maybe you’ve heard about journaling or writing down what you’re grateful for. Maybe you’ve heard people having a morning routine of multiple hours. If you love to do that incorporate it into your days. If you really have to force yourself to do this then don’t do it.

Self-care is such a personal thing. Find what works for you. And if you want support with finding out what works for you and with building your VA business, know that the Wolfpack Membership is here for you. It's a safe space to share your doubts, ask all your questions, and celebrate your wins.

Launching and growing a Virtual Assistant business can be overwhelming and scary, but you don't have to do it alone.