Taking Time Out For Yourself

When you own your own small business, sometimes it consumes all your time and energy. Speaking from experience it can be difficult to step back and say, I need some time away, I need to take some time for myself, or my family.

If you don’t take time out for yourself, you’re setting yourself up for stress and burnout. Taking time out for yourself can actually make you a more effective business owner. Sometimes taking a step back can help you think things through without all the pressure of the moment.

How can you take time out for yourself and relax? It’s different for different people. The most important thing is to do what you enjoy, and something that will take your mind off of the stress of running a business.

Here are a couple quick suggestions:

• Learn something new, take a class, or take some lessons. If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar, take some lessons. It will take your mind off of business, and you’ll learn something new at the same time.
• Exercise is a great way to clear your mind. I love to walk. When I get back from taking a brisk walk the ideas just flow for me. I can sit at my desk for an hour with my mind blocked. I can walk for ten minutes, and ideas start flowing.
• Take a vacation. Even if it’s just a mini vacation to a local beach or museum for the day. Just getting out and getting your mind off business for a day or two and hanging out with your family can help you relieve business stress.

I have a favorite spot in my garden, where I like to go sit and clear my brain. What do you do to take time out from your small business for yourself?

Image (c) L Gerlach