As a driven, passionate female entrepreneur, it is easy to let your work consume and overload your life. But, in order to increase your productivity and put your best foot forward on a daily basis, it is important to take time for yourself, relax your brain, recharge, and unwind. We have gathered tips from some female business owners on how to maintain a good work-life balance while still being successful and productive.
How to set boundaries while working remotely:
Turning your home into your office can become a slippery slope when it comes to maintaining your work-life balance, so it is important to work a little harder at creating balance in your life when you’re working remotely. Experts suggest creating very clear boundaries and time limits throughout the day to establish when you are working and when you are not. They find it helpful to avoid mixing work and non-work related tasks during the day to ensure you don’t cross these boundaries. It is very easy to succumb to “work emergencies” that come up during relaxation time, but just one “work emergency” can easily take up all your time to decompress and recharge for the following work day, so it is very important to keep your limits in mind. Some ways to instill these boundaries is by making your staff aware of when they can contact you and when they cannot and by muting your work emails, messages, texts, etc. at the end of your work day.
How to craft a morning routine to set a positive and productive tone for the day:
Your morning routine says a lot about what your day is going to be like, so it is important to figure out what you can do that will get you in the groove for a great workday. Experts shared what they found to be helpful to include in their everyday morning routine including taking time for themselves either by meditating, going for a walk, doing yoga, or some other type of exercise. This will declutter your mind right when you wake up, and help you to maintain focus throughout the day. It is also important to prioritize eating a healthy, balanced breakfast that you enjoy every day. This will boost your energy and give you something to look forward to when you wake up every morning! It is also helpful to prioritize your most important tasks for the day to stay organized. Try creating a to-do list with everything you want to accomplish throughout the day every morning. Creating a categorized to-do list with different categories for tasks such as; work, household, children, personal, etc. can be a great way to keep your work-life balance boundaries in check.
How to create a night routine that allows you to reset and recharge:
Establishing relaxation and self-care after your workday is equally important. Your time after work should be dedicated to relaxing and unwinding to help you mentally prepare for the next workday. Experts say they enjoy spending time with friends and family and pursuing their hobbies and interests such as reading a book, gardening, practicing a musical instrument, basically anything to help you “let go” of the day. One of the female entrepreneurs we reached out to said she enjoys taking a bath each night “to trigger a sense of washing away the worries.” Your “5-9 after your 9-5” is your time to separate your work life from your personal life.
How to stay motivated on workdays when you feel drained and uninspired:
Breaks throughout the workday are key to maintaining motivation throughout the workday. Experts suggest taking multiple short breaks each day to do a mind-clearing activity such as going for a quick walk, tidying up your space, or meditating to keep you on track and don’t forget to make sure you take your lunch break to refuel. Another strategy is setting yourself up with mini goals each day to both track your productivity and give yourself a sense of accomplishment and confidence which will boost your motivation.
How to make the most of your “me” time:
Running a business can feel consuming and overbearing at times, but carving out time for yourself is essential for your well-being and mental health. Even when you feel like you are so busy you don’t have any time for yourself, the key is you have to make time. Experts say they like to physically schedule time into their planner for “me time” and self-care. Scheduling “me” time throughout the day can even improve your work and help you plan your business projects to match your energy levels. Fully disconnecting yourself from your work is easier said than done, but the good news is that the work will still be there when you get back! Taking your full attention away from work when needed will help you to keep your full attention on your work when the time is right. “Remember, it’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter. Self-care is essential for your long-term well-being. Work-life balance is a never-ending process, and being gentle with yourself along the way is important.” — Priyanka Swamy
Experts:
Priyanka Swamy: CEO and Founder of Perfect Locks Hair Company
Caroline Dorick: Founder of Whole Beauty Bar
Nicola Scoon: Freelance Writer and Founder of Self Care Cabin
Olivia Langford: Senior Editor of NY Crossword Today
