Show Yourself (and Your Business) a Little Love for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

I know, I know: what the heck does this have to do with your business?

(Well, if you sell things with hearts on them, or write poetry for greeting cards, not a lot. But for the rest of you, bear with me.)

As someone running their own business, you probably ask a lot of yourself. Long hours in front of a screen, staying up after everyone else has gone to bed, dealing with unreasonable demands from customers, giving up hobbies to cut costs while your business grows… It’s a lot of work! And those sacrifices that you make are truly amazing.

But while they may be good for your business in the short term, a lot of times they’re bad for your physical and mental health in the long term. Which is, in turn, bad for your business. Because you are your business. And if you’re not in good shape… well, you probably get it.

The good news is that taking care of yourself is also a great way of taking care of your business.

In honor of this year’s February 14th, I’ve got six ways that you can show yourself (and your business) a little love… with or without candy hearts.

1. Get a full night’s sleep

We all know we should be getting an average of 8 hours of sleep a night… but how many of us actually do? Not that many, considering the average American gets only 6.5 hours, and that’s one of the higher national averages! This week (and hopefully past that) commit to getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. (Of course, 8 would be better, but baby steps, people.)

Love for you: You’ll be well rested, happier, and healthier

Love for your biz: You work more efficiently and creatively when you’re well. Plus, when you’re well rested, you’re less likely to get sick, which means less time away from work.

2. Schedule some playtime

When was the last time you went out at did something fun, just because you wanted to? Playtime means something different to everyone, of course, but we all need it. Whether you’d love an afternoon hike, a tango lesson for two, or an evening out with friends, make a point of doing something just for fun this week.

Love for you: Getting outside and having fun will boost your mood and lower your stress

Love for your biz: The best solutions come when you’re not thinking about the problem. Distract yourself with some playtime and you may discover some great business ideas.

3. Unplug at the end of the day

It can be so tempting to just check one more email, work on another blog post, scan that job board… even once you’re technically “done” for the day. It’s hard to let work go when you work for yourself. But life can’t be all work. Instead of checking in 24/7, decide when you’ll turn off your screens (computer, tablet, phone… whatever’s necessary) and stick to it.

Love for you: You’ll be able to relax and focus on your life outside of work. Plus, avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed means you’ll sleep better.

Love for your biz: When you focus on life outside your business, you’ll remember what you’re working for and return with new energy and purpose. Plus, better sleep! (See #1.)

4. Say goodbye to a grumpy client

When you run your own business, it can feel like you need to say yes to every project, client, or collaboration that comes along — even if it makes you miserable or only pays pennies. Cut yourself free from that mentality and say (a polite) goodbye to something or someone that it makes you miserable to work with.

Love for you: You’ll dramatically reduce your stress

Love for your biz: You’ll enjoy work more, which means you’ll do more of it. Plus, when you get rid of low paying clients, you give yourself time & energy to seek out high paying ones.

5. Take some time off

Vacations can be hard to justify when you work for yourself. After all, you are the business, right? But everyone needs a break from time to time. So take a look at your calendar today and schedule in a holiday, even if it’s just for a weekend.

Love for you: You’ll have time to relax and de-stress. And if you choose to take your break with others, you’ll reconnect with your family & friends.

Love for your biz: When you work non-stop, you lose focus and excitement. Taking some time off will let you come back to everything with fresh eyes and fresh energy.

6. Outsource something you hate doing

What mundane task sucks up your time and drains your energy? Managing client databases, running to the post office, blogging, managing social media, creating project reports… Every business owner has something that they know is absolutely necessary but truly despise doing. So why not outsource that one thing to an independent contractor or virtual assistant?

Love for you: You won’t have to spend time and energy doing something that you hate.

Love for your biz: You’ll have more time to focus on things that grow your business and increase your profits.