It’s that time of year again! Thanksgiving is around the corner (read, tomorrow) and the to do lists are never ending. It’s challenging to consider how the pile of work is going to get done, let alone Thanksgiving dinner prep. If you’re feeling that crunch as an entrepreneur, you’re not alone. I know first hand what it’s like to be hustling at your computer while you’re baking those cookies. Today, I’m going to share my tips for How To Rest As An Entrepreneur.
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How To Rest As An Entrepreneur
1. Time Block
I use time blocking in my business 100% of the time. Am I perfect at following it? No, but I’m getting better. However, having it all written out IS so helpful. When I find that I’ve lost my way on any given day, I can just reference the calendar I’ve blocked out with everything I need to do. And with that, I jump right back on track. I have a special calendar that I use with my team, but I would also recommend a calendar like this.
Time blocking is helpful because you’re in control of what you do with your time. It’s not in charge of you. If you plan to work for two hours, and then focus on your kids for two hours- you need to keep those activities inside each of it’s allotted time slots. There’s not working in the family hours and vice versa! This helps provide mental rest because you’re allowing your brain to focus on what’s important to you. But, you aren’t doing it all at once which is really beneficial.
2. Get Enough Sleep
This seems counterintuitive. I get it. When I was at the height of my photography career, I glorified how much I didn’t sleep. I was sleeping approximately 3-4 hours a night and wore it like a badge of honor. I worked so much and it was all with good intentions. It’s all because I wanted to provide for my family. The problem is, I burnt myself out. Like, burnt myself down to the ground. I was in go mode and when you know better, you do better. Looking back, I wish I had really known how to prioritize sleep.
Now, I make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep on most nights. Sleep is so important. When your brain is rested, you are able to accomplish more. With my understanding of time blocking, I make sleep a priority. And, my business hasn’t suffered because of it at all!
3. Learn How To Let It Go
There are going to be times when you just have to choose to let work wait. It’s always going to be there. And while you might have certain deadlines that are necessary, taking the day to enjoy Thanksgiving without stressing about work is important. It’s important for you. And, it’s really important for your family. Letting work go doesn’t mean I’m encouraging you to let it all fall to pieces. Just trust that it’s going to be ok for a few hours so you can get a mental break. Take a breath, step away, and focus on your family. Even if it’s just for the afternoon.
These are obviously not exhaustive tips. I have a lot more to say on this topic, and that of work/life balance. The truth is? There really isn’t any such thing as “balance”. It’s all about finding joy in the moment and not working your life away. When you live to work, you’re stressed and out of balance. That’s when the gloom creeps in for me. I love to work, but when it’s all I’m doing- I lose my center.
When you work to live, you can love your career and find joy in the day to day. You’re working as an entrepreneur so you can be FREE. Not so that you can be a slave to your work. However, you are the only one that is going to create a positive cadence for yourself in this area. So start small. These three tips can help you refocus and to at least enjoy Thanksgiving tomorrow!
