Hey there, welcome to the blog! Whether you stumbled upon it on your way to the shop or browsing my portfolio, I invite you to stay a while. To be truthful, life as a small business owner can get pretty hectic - so much so that blogging often takes a back burner. But, I am humbly writing to you today to chat about a very important topic: self care - and I hope you will take a read + give me your feedback + join in on this journey with me.
Since the beginning of August, I felt the strong urge and need to prioritize my health - mental, physical and spiritual - above the needs of my small business. And any small business owner will tell you, this is no small feat. We eat, sleep and breathe our little shops and often prioritize the needs of our clients above even basic things like eating 3 meals a day, bathing regularly and sleeping 7 hours a night. I have been on the full-time hustle and grind with CKCreations for almost FOUR years! And it’s been amazing and wonderful- and if you’ve been with me from the jump- you’re more appreciated than you know!- But four years of putting your personal needs aside to grow a business really does take a toll on your body.
I am going to lay out some healthy habits I’ve since instilled in my daily routine to keep me healthy and happy and in-turn - more productive with my business than I’ve ever been.
I wake up everyday and make my bed. This seems like a very simple thing, but holding myself accountable to waking up and starting the day with one task already accomplished motivates me to get more things checked off the list.
I go for a walk to get coffee
I have started going for a walk every single day. It’s been so nice to wake up to the fresh air and be around the calming effects of nature. It’s done wonders for my anxiety and it calms my mind before the day truly gets started. I also reward myself by walking to get coffee, taking a moment for myself there to read, catch up on personal messages and then walk back to start the day.
I put healthy food into my body
Again, this sounds simple enough, but the act of putting fresh ingredients together for yourself is truly a form of self care. I have felt more alert and sustained all month.
I drink more water everyday
‘nough said!
I take a social media break at least once a month.
You guys know how much I love my gram! That being said, it truly is important to not be a slave to the screen and get out and fully experience things - not just for the pic or content - but for yourself and your soul. I did this last month and I truly felt like I was able to experience more deeply with those around me.
I stop putting so much on my plate
This has truly been the hardest one for me to accomplish and something I’m still working on. But I’ve learned the importance of delegating and being realistic with deadlines. I am learning to set realistic expectations for how much I can accomplish in the day and not feeling guilty for not accomplishing more.
I am turned inward and focusing on how I can grow and be a better human
It’s truly hard for me to see my negative qualities and shortcomings, which is why I’ve been relying on long time friends to call out unhealthy behaviors and patterns in my life. I’m still human, but I’m trying my best to break negative cycles and set boundaries for myself.
I Take a break for my Soul
that saying:“do what makes your soul happy” has always sparked joy in my heart. My design work makes me super happy to complete tasks and please clients with custom portraits. But taking a rest that’s not sleeping - like reading a good book, learning a new song, cocktail recipe, buying roller skates and writing poetry have been some of the ways I’ve enjoyed savoring my soul and the core of who I am.
These are simple things I’ve done that have truly made a better me this month. I’m still chasing after goals- both personal and business related- but I’m doing them with a full heart, clear mind and better soul. What are some daily routine practices that help you? Leave a comment below!
