The Critical Need for Self-Care!

As women entrepreneurs, I know that we give our 'all' to our business! I do that – and I know I'm not alone. When I was going through my separation and divorce (and the many other 'life challenges' that happened at the same time), I was so fortunate to have one of the best doctors ever. Her advice to me, at the time, was very simple: eat properly, exercise – even just a little bit, and get some sleep.

I followed her advice then – and I follow it to this day – because it works! There is no time like the present to stop and review some of your habits, and ensure that you are taking good care of yourself so that you can, in fact, carry on with your business and live to celebrate your successes.

"It takes a lot of energy to reach your goals". – Lou Tice

One thing for which I give thanks is the motivation and discipline to exercise every day. When I work, I work very, very hard. When I play…….well, I like to find a variety of things to do that keep me moving and having fun too.

I like to read and love to learn and it's not always just about business. Some of the authors whose work has inspired me include Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Bob Green. I want to share some of the things I've learned so that you, too, can incorporate them into your daily habits.

1. Eat breakfast! As the good doctor said to me, it's critical that you eat properly. Much like we wouldn't be driving our car on an empty fuel tank, it is just as important to feed your body and feed it with good food choices.

My habit: I pretty much stick to a routine 5 days of the week. On weekends, I make different choices – albeit, for the most part, still very healthy.

2. Get 8-10 hours sleep a night. Research shows that most of the population is going around sleep deprived! Here's what I have learned that works well – no TV in the bedroom! Keep the bedroom like your sanctuary – a place of peace, calm and quiet. No digital clock in the bedroom either – Dr. Weil explains that it can be distracting and unhealthy. I have an old-fashioned alarm clock by my bedside. Keep the room dark and cool. Get yourself a comfortable pillow (get a new one, for goodness sake…….it's not a luxury – it's a necessity!).

My habit: not going anywhere near the computer or my I-touch 3 hours before bedtime! That way my mind isn't racing with work-related items. And stop eating/drinking at least 3 hours before bed. These simple habits have changed my sleep patterns significantly!

3. Try different types of exercise. Some days, I jump rope. Some days, I do my strength and balance training. On weekends, I mix it up – and go biking, walking or x-country skiing in the winter.

My habit: I schedule my exercise, just like I do any other appointment and, in that way, it gets done – typically, first thing in the morning. My workout clothes are right by my bed – so there are no excuses.

4. When I travel for business conferences, I have developed the habit of staying ove
ight on the last day. In my younger days, I used to grab the 'red eye' and hurry back home. That doesn't work for me anymore.

My habit: I stay the last night, go for a walk, relax and make the time to un-wind from the intense information that I have typically taken in at the event.
As a mindset expert, I know that we have much more potential than we are using. As the research psychologists have found, there are 4 major barriers to achieving one's potential – and one of those barriers is habits!
There is no reason for entrepreneurs to be 'suffering' through each and every day because of poor habits! We know that habits can be changed. We know that there is tremendous value in changing some habits so that we function better. If 'balance in life' seems too far out there for you – then make an effort to incorporate some of the suggestions I've made above. Just one change can be the answer for you.

When we take charge of our life, and incorporate good habits into our daily routine, it all helps to build our confidence and courage. It's that confidence and courage that helps us to step up to the plate, step out and grow our business in the way that we intend for it to grow.

CONCLUSION

It not only takes a lot of energy to reach our goals, it takes good habits – habits that move you TOWARDS your goals. As entrepreneurs, it is critical that we regularly assess our habits and that we practice good self-care. There is no way you can run a successful business when you are tired, nutritionally depleted and in poor health. So make the commitment today – to become a better you. As the old Wonder Bra commercial used to state: "When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good – you do good!"

ASSIGNMENT

1. Review some of your daily habits and, in particular, in areas where you are feeling tired and depleted.
2. Make a list of things you could do differently in each of the 3 areas noted above: eat, sleep, exercise.
3. Make a decision to change at least one habit in each of these areas this coming week – to a new habit that will move you closer to your goals.