Learning the benefits of rest as a busy entrepreneur.
Hey Maker,
Happy Thursday. It’s almost the weekend!! WHOOHOO— except for the maker world, if you are hosting parties it probably means it’s the work week! I wanted to pop into your inbox today because I kicked off my morning with a short devotional— and it was one of those that hit be between the eyes. You know– when you read something and you feel like it’s screaming at you? This particular devotional was called Rocking Chair. It talked about how stressful and overwhelming life can be – and how we rarely give ourselves permission to REST. It spoke to me because as an entrepreneur– and a maker of most of the things I sell, there are many times I find myself adding just one. more. thing. into my day and feeling guilty if I take that time to just sit on my porch swing to read a book or watch a movie with my kids. But here’s the thing– We all want to be SUPERWOMAN. We want to have the successful business, reach our personal and financial goals and do big things. However, we are human…. and while we will never be SUPERWOMAN – we can absolutely be a SUPER WOMAN. And the difference is that SPACE in between SUPER and WOMAN. You see– if you don’t let yourself REST, you rob yourself of your productivity, creativity and joy. So if you’re like me, and can sometimes be accused of being a work-a-holic… today I bring you SEVEN TIPS to bring REST into your business.
“We can all be SUPER WOMAN. And the difference is that SPACE in between SUPER and WOMAN.”
Charity Mentzer
- Set realistic daily goals. Having a clear idea of what you need to accomplish in a day can help you stay focused and productive. Make sure to give yourself a break if you don’t achieve all of your goals. I start my day with writing 3 things that I need to get done for the day. That’s it. Sure, if I get to more that’s great, but as long as my BIG 3 are done I can move on with my day.
- Take regular breaks. Working non-stop can lead to burnout. Step away from your desk for a few minutes, grab a cup of coffee, or go for a short walk. This is SO under rated. I’m telling you if you are staring at a computer, painting all day or just staying in the grind– It’s not good for your productivity. The mind needs to come up for air. So every hour or so take a 5-10 minute short break and BREATHE!
- Schedule downtime. Make sure to schedule some time each day to rest and relax. This could mean taking a yoga class, reading a book, or just sitting quietly in a peaceful spot. For me, this is what my kids have referred to as “marsh time”. The sun hits the marsh in my back yard right before sunset and sets off a golden glow that truly is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. It only lasts about 10-15 minutes at most– but during this time, it’s my ME time. I may read, cuddle one of the kids, have a glass of wine with my husband, but you can count on me sitting in my favorite spot watching my 10 minutes of marsh time if I am home.
A view of my favorite time of day: Marsh Time
- Prioritize sleep. Making sure you get enough quality sleep is essential for managing stress and staying energized. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Connect with nature. Spending time in nature can be a great way to relax and re-energize. Take a walk in the park, sit by a lake, or just take a few moments to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
- Stay organized. Keeping your workspace and to-do list organized can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on the task at hand. Make sure to take the time to tidy up your desk and prioritize the tasks that need to be done. I can’t stress this enough. Coming from a very ADD mind, clutter tends to follow me. This year the team and I set out a mission that we stop what we are doing a few minutes before quittin’ time and tidy up to create a clean environment. I also moved all my scheduling to Trello and calendar to Zinnia to attempt to eliminate the 15 journals I’ve half written in throughout the year.
- Spend time with loved ones. Spending time with friends and family can help reduce stress, increase your happiness, and provide an opportunity to relax and recharge. And at the end of the day— family and loved ones are what matter most.
I’d love to hear what you do to recharge and rest! I think we can all motivate each other!
Heather
Upcoming Maker Bootcamp: April 2023
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