Because work shouldn’t always have to come first.
1. Create a daily routine
This is especially true for anyone working from home! A daily routine can be as simple as making sure that you shower and change out of your pajamas every day. While this definitely might seem like common sense to some people, these can easily be forgotten about when you’re lucky enough to be able to work from home. Implementing some type or order to your everyday life can both give you a small sense of accomplishment each day and create a sense of structure in a field that can often be unpredictable.
2. Make a to-do list for the day
Make a list of tasks that you want to accomplish everyday before you start working. By setting daily goals and blocking of time to finish each, you can make sure not to overbook yourself, or pile too much on your plate. Make sure you don’t forget time for things like lunch, or relaxing at the end of the day!
3. Coworking!
There are so many benefits to coworking (read more about them here), including the opportunity to network and build connections in areas outside of your expertise. A big part of looking after yourself is knowing when to reach out to others and ask for help. When you work alongside other motivated individuals, you’re giving yourself endless opportunities to collaborate and connect. Aside from professional benefits, you have time to socialize, prevent yourself from feeling isolated, and hold yourself accountable.
4. Give yourself a break
For entrepreneurs, the line between work and personal life can often get blurry. That’s why it’s super important to know when to take a step back from a professional mindset. This can be different for everyone- some people might find it easier to stay of off their phone for an hour everyday, some might go on a walk every morning, while others might find time in the evening to relax with friends and family.
5. Know when to take a break
Learn the signs of burnout (physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment…) so you can recognize if you’re in need of a break. If you feel like you’re beginning to experience burnout, start by trying to identify potential stressors. The most common causes of burnout are an imbalance between work and home life, lack of social support, and a lack of control. After you pinpoint the cause, take a day (or few) to unplug, relax, and reset.