Self-Care

I can share with you all that prioritizing self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance as an entrepreneur resonates deeply with me, and I'm honored to share my insights on this vital aspect of our journey.

In the whirlwind of entrepreneurship, where every moment seems to demand our attention and energy, it becomes all too easy to place our well-being on the back burner. However, I've come to realize that self-care is not just a luxury—it's an essential component of our success and resilience. Here’s how I approach this delicate balancing act:

1. Redefining Self-Care:

Self-care extends beyond the occasional spa day or vacation. It encompasses nurturing our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health on a daily basis. This means setting aside time for activities that replenish our energy and bring us joy, whether that's a morning run, meditation, or simply reading a book. It’s about honoring our needs so that we can be our best selves for the people and projects that depend on us.

2. Setting Boundaries:

One of the most impactful strategies I've implemented is the establishment of clear boundaries. This includes designated work hours, learning to say no, and understanding that not every email needs an immediate response. It’s about respecting our time and energy as finite resources and allocating them wisely.

3. Leveraging Resources, Opportunities, and Connections (R.O.C):

As someone passionate about the R.O.C framework—Resources, Opportunities, and Connections—I leverage these elements to support my work-life balance. By utilizing the right resources, I streamline processes and reduce unnecessary stress. I seize opportunities that align with my goals and values, rather than chasing every possibility that comes my way. Most importantly, I cherish connections with individuals who inspire and uplift me, including a supportive sisterhood that understands the unique challenges and joys of entrepreneurship.

4. Reflect and Adjust:

Self-care and work-life balance are not static; they require constant reflection and adjustment. I regularly take stock of my well-being and my business, asking myself what's working and what isn't. This ongoing dialogue ensures that I remain aligned with my values and goals, making adjustments as necessary to sustain both my health and my enterprise.

5. Embrace Imperfection:

Lastly, it’s crucial to embrace imperfection. Balancing entrepreneurship with personal well-being is an art, not a science. There will be days when the scales tip more in one direction, and that’s okay. What matters is our commitment to making space for ourselves amidst the demands of leadership and innovation.

In sharing these thoughts, my hope is to remind you that in the journey of entrepreneurship, caring for yourself is not just a personal benefit but a professional necessity. It is the foundation upon which lasting success and fulfillment are built.

Let’s continue to support and uplift each other in this journey, celebrating both our triumphs and our struggles, as we strive for a balance that nurtures our businesses, our bodies, and our spirits.

Warmest regards,

Phyllis Newhouse

Story of my recent life. After a massive burnout --physically and mentally-- I left my FTJ to work on the family business part time and finish a book that addresses the subject. Crazy, as Usual starts every chapter with two women meeting Fridays at Five to talk about the monkeys that keep us small and burned out. There's a Neuro Rx in the fictional story that I actually got from a psychologist years ago that goes back to the basics. Before he would write me an Rx for antidepressants, he asked me to try this:

• 8 hours of sleep a night
• 30 minutes a day of elevated heart rate - exercise, walking, dancing
• journal gratitude daily acknowledging something bigger than me
• eat real food, not manufactured crap
• play with girlfriends every week

Every time I fall off the wagon I come back to these.

www.crazyasusual.com