If you’re an entrepreneur, chances are you’re already more comfortable with multitasking than the average individual.

Throw in a global pandemic that has upended everyone’s sense of normalcy, and you’ve got an especially difficult hand to juggle. But instead of forging ahead into utter exhaustion, becoming a better entrepreneur starts with taking better care of yourself.

Here are a few easy ways to direct some much deserved attention towards yourself and increase your capacity to better manage everything around you.

Establish Parameters

Sometimes the healthiest answer is “no.” Boundaries are a tricky thing for entrepreneurs. But it’s important to understand that your time is not (and cannot be) for everyone. Limiting your accessibility can help you better manage the energy you have to be a better leader in your family, friendships, or community. Start by deciding what drains the most energy out of your day and say a healthy “no” to it the next time. 

Treat Yourself

Give yourself permission to do the things you genuinely enjoy. Consistently set aside at least one small portion of your day or week to indulge yourself for a moment. 

Visit the local coffee shop to get your favorite iced latte. Take a 30 minute break to sit down with your favorite book. Set aside a few minutes to get outside, take a walk, or play with your dog. 

Whether it’s a daily or weekly occurrence, make sure that you’re intentionally making time to enjoy doing what you love. No matter how small, this will fill you up where other tasks may have drained your energy. 

Try Something Unexpected

Break the drudgery or monotony of responsibility by changing up your routine. Introduce something new to your day or simply break the pattern you’ve been in for the last few hours. 

This can be something as big as trying a new workout class or as small as standing up if you’ve been sitting for the last few hours. Take a different route to the office or go out for lunch at a new restaurant.

However big or small, do something you don’t normally do.

Practice Thankfulness

There is a lot of good that can come from refocusing on the positive rather than thinking about the challenges or your to-do lists. 

Introduce the practice of acknowledging things you’re grateful for during the day. Everyday, take a moment to write down three things you’re thankful to have in your life. Go a step further, and encourage others by writing one note a day or making an uplifting phone call to a friend. 

Just one act of gratitude per day can change your perspective and position yourself to better manage the challenges you’re facing. 

Break the Online Cycle

Take an audit of your own time. 

Technology is an essential part of our lives and often makes completing tasks more convenient. But how much time do you spend scrolling through social media or getting lost in the rabbit hole of online news? 

Prioritize what you need to get done first and then put the phone or tablet down. Can’t get away from a device? Use app-limiting timers to help you unplug from unnecessary distractions to your day. 

Back to the Basics

There is no better basic recipe for good health and success than focusing on hydration, vitamin D, and rest. Drink another glass of water, take a walk outside, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. These basics set you up for the best—both personally and professionally. 

Interested in Learning More?

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