Follow these six tips to improve your working week
As a small business owner, it can be tough to switch off. Thinking about a multitude of tasks and priorities, from how to increase your sales pipeline, through to accounts, marketing ideas, checking your emails, networking meetings, the list goes on.
You have to remember why you wanted to start your business in the first place – to control your own destiny, feel the satisfaction of employing others and to control your own work hours.
1. Set yourself boundaries
If you don’t give yourself set hours in which to work, your day will be as long as the list of worries in your head.
Get up early, work efficiently during the hours you’ve planned and stick to those. You’ll burn out if don’t give yourself downtime; time to relax with family, friends, or even on your own, away from thoughts of work.
Once it’s time to clock off… clock off!
2. Work away from home
It’s equally important to set physical boundaries for where work ends and relaxation begins.
As a startup, it’s tempting to work from home all the time, setting up a desk in your room, or even working from bed! This is a sure fire way to get into bad habits, drifting through the day, so that when your day is done you’ll find it harder to unwind, especially if the room you’re trying to unwind in is where you’ve been working all day.
If money is an issue, visit a coffee shop, order the cheapest drink on the menu and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and a place to call ‘office’ for a few hours a day.
3. Schedule at least one meeting / networking event a week
When you start a business, it’s possible to feel slightly isolated. Before you get your first clients rolling in, or you’re in a position to employ staff, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in your own company.
Try to schedule at least one meeting a week, or attend a networking event. Meeting other people will keep you sane, giving you the opportunity to get some of your thoughts out of your head, or even take your mind off work altogether – allowing you to continue refreshed for the rest of the week.
4. Exercise.
Exercise releases endorphins, makes you feel better, staves off illness and gives you more energy. It’ll also give your mind a rest from work, leaving you rejuvenated and ready for any challenge.
What’s not to love? Run, walk, ride a bike, go to the gym – the list of possibilities is endless.
5. Eat well
To run a successful business, you have to look after yourself.
Eating well will also ensure you’re giving yourself a proper break from work, at least three times a day. Time to unwind and recuperate and refresh yourself, to attack the rest of the working week with bags of enthusiasm.
Fuel your body and mind with these delicious recipes.
6. Sleep well
Early to bed, early to rise. Get at least eight-hours’ sleep a night; your body and your business will thank you for it. A rested mind and body is crucial. Don’t believe us, here’s the research.
What other tips would you add to ensure work and relaxation are in perfect equilibrium? Please leave a comment below and continue the conversation – we love hearing your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks for reading.
