Self-Care Is a Business Strategy: Affordable Practices for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Leaders
Running a small business isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a start-up founder, or part of a growing creative team, the daily grind of decision-making, managing people, wearing multiple hats, and constantly innovating can affect your health and well-being. But here’s the truth: your business can only thrive if you do.
At CoWork, we believe that integrating self-care into your daily routine isn’t just good for your health—it’s a smart business strategy. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s sustainable. It’s about cultivating long-term energy, focus, and resilience, so you can do your best work, lead effectively, and build something that lasts.
Here are some affordable, actionable self-care practices you can implement immediately to support your well-being and business success.
Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Focus
Eating well doesn’t mean meal prepping elaborate recipes or following the latest food trends. It means nourishing your body with foods that stabilize your energy and mood.
- Keep healthy snacks at your desk: nuts, fruit, hummus and veggies, protein bars.
- Stay hydrated: A water bottle within arm’s reach is your best productivity tool.
- Avoid skipping meals—your brain needs glucose to function. Consider scheduling lunch into your calendar as a non-negotiable meeting with yourself.
Sleep: The Ultimate Productivity Hack
Sleep is often the first thing sacrificed when the to-do list is long, but chronic sleep deprivation undermines everything from decision-making to creativity.
- Try a wind-down routine: shut off screens an hour before bed, dim the lights, and create a quiet atmosphere.
- Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep. Prioritize it like you would a deadline.
- If you’re burning out midday, a 20-minute power nap (yes, even in your car or a quiet lounge!) can reset your brain.
Take Strategic Pauses
Rest is not a reward. It’s part of the workflow.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of work, followed by a 5-minute break.
- Step outside. Even a short walk around the block can change your perspective and reset your nervous system.
- Build in unstructured thinking time—some of your best ideas happen when you’re not at your desk.
“Exercise Snacks”: Movement in Small Doses
You don’t need a gym membership to move your body.
- Do 2 minutes of stretching between Zoom calls.
- Try walking meetings or phone calls.
- Set a timer and do a few squats, pushups, or shoulder rolls at your desk.
- Use the stairs. Park a bit farther. Your body will thank you—and so will your brain.
Mental Space = Creative Space
Mindfulness and mental clarity are vital for problem-solving, innovation, and staying calm under pressure.
- Start your day with 5 minutes of deep breathing or meditation (apps like Insight Timer or Headspace offer free options).
- Journal or do a brain dump to clear mental clutter.
- Take a tech break. Unplugging—even briefly—can lower anxiety and restore focus.
Create a Self-Care Culture
If you’re leading a team, your habits set the tone.
- Encourage breaks. Respect boundaries.
- Model wellness. If you’re taking care of yourself, others feel permission to do the same.
- Celebrate wins, foster connection, and check in with your coworkers—not just on projects but also on how they’re doing as people.
Start Where You Are
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or time-consuming. Small, intentional shifts can greatly impact your daily energy, creativity, and mental clarity. Start with one or two practices that feel manageable. Build from there.
Let’s redefine success together—one healthy habit at a time.
