It’s easy when you own your own online business to work around the clock. There’s always something to do. It’s exciting, and owning your own business can be all-consuming. However, this kind of work ethic can lead to imbalance. You can wind up sick. You can burn out and lose passion and interest in your business. You can also lose friends and upset family members.
However, perhaps most importantly when you work too hard, you can lose yourself. Here are the secrets of a balanced you.
#1 Make time for something fun and pointless
There’s tremendous joy to be found when you do something just because it’s fun. Not everything has to have an end result or a point. Find something you love to do and do it. For example, if you love to dance then join a weekly dance class. When you get to class, set all of your day’s concerns aside and simply enjoy the act of dancing.
If you love playing football, then join a league and go have fun. If you want to learn about pottery, dog training or martial arts, then join a class and once a week set your work life aside.
#2 Schedule time off
Relaxation is good for the mind, spirit and body. When you work around the clock your physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing can be drastically affected. If you have trouble leaving your business, then schedule time away.
Make it consistent. Take a day a week off or a week a month off. Take a long weekend if you cannot afford to take a week away. And you don’t have to go anywhere to enjoy time away from your business. You can set aside that time to pursue a passion, to tend to your home, write, read or to just relax.
#3 Embrace your friends and family
Friends and family can be instrumental in helping you stay balanced. Make time for your friends and family. Long after your business is gone you’ll need these people. Make sure to let them know how important they are to you. Regularly set your business aside and enjoy their company. Go out with friends at least once a month. Spend focused time with your family.
The key to a balanced you is to determine your priorities and then tend to them. If church is a priority to you, then set aside time to go to church. If creative expression is important to you, then make time to learn and practice creative arts. If physical exercise is important to you, then make time to get out and exercise.
Use your resources to help you get and stay balanced. Technology can be a huge help. You can also outsource some time-consuming tasks. Set boundaries and priorities and enjoy your life. The more balanced you are, the happier you’ll be. When you have energy and enthusiasm toward life and toward your business, you can achieve anything.