A BossBabe’s Guide to (Kinda) Looking After Yourself
As a bookkeeper, I help small business owners keep their books balanced, I’ve also realised that balancing your life is just as crucial. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and neglect your well-being. I’ve been there. I wrote this blog because I know first-hand how exhausting it can be to juggle everything, and I wanted to share what’s helped me (and what hasn’t) in the hopes that it might help you too.
Running a small business is no small feat. Between managing finances, marketing, customer service, and operations, there are never enough hours in the day. And if I’m honest, my health, both physical and mental, has taken a hit more times than I’d like to admit. I’m no medical expert, just a small business owner trying to find balance, and maybe, you can relate.
The Physical Battle
There have been weeks (ok, months) when I’ve barely moved from my desk except to grab another coffee. Other times, I’ve been on my feet all day, running between meetings, offices, catchups and events. Both extremes have left me exhausted, sore, and sometimes feeling completely drained.
Exercise? Yeah, I’ve tried to fit it in. I’ve gone through phases where I’ve committed to morning workouts, lunchtime walks, and standing desks. Some of it has worked.
I feel amazing when I manage to get regular movement in, even if it’s just stretching in the morning. But realistically, there have also been many, many days where work has taken over and my best intentions have gone out the window.
Eating well has been another rollercoaster. I’ve had weeks where I meal-prepped like a champ and others where I survived on coffee and snacks grabbed in a hurry.
I do notice a difference when I eat proper meals (shocking, I know). More energy, better focus, and I don’t feel as sluggish. But it’s so easy to slip into bad habits when you’re busy.
Sleep? Ha! There have been times when I’ve stayed up way too late, working on ideas, replying to emails, or just scrolling mindlessly because my brain wouldn’t switch off.
*If I’m being honest, a lot of the time it’s because I’m stuck into a good book and don’t have the self-control to put it down*
As it turns out, running on four hours of sleep isn’t a great business strategy. When I prioritise sleep - and actually manage to put my book down before midnight - I’m so much more productive and less likely to snap at people. Who knew?
The Mental Battle
Running a small business can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Some days are incredible, and I feel on top of the world. Other days? Total disaster. The financial pressures alone can keep me up at night. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve questioned whether I’m doing the right thing, I’d probably have a much healthier savings account by now.
One of the hardest things has been feeling isolated. When you’re the boss, there’s no one above you to reassure you that you’re making the right decisions. It’s just you, hoping for the best.
That’s why I’ve found it so valuable to connect with other small business owners. Networking groups, business friends, even just a quick chat with someone who “gets it” totally helps. It reminds me that I’m not alone and that we’re all just figuring it out as we go.
Managing stress has been another challenge. I’ve tried mindfulness apps (kept forgetting to use them), journaling (worked well when I actually did it), and deep breathing (surprisingly effective in a moment of panic).
I have found that setting boundaries, like having a separate “work phone” I can leave in the office, has made a big difference. Boundaries aren’t always easy and certainly aren’t easy to keep up, but they are so very necessary.
What’s Actually Helped
(and What Hasn’t)
I’m still learning how to balance it all, but here are a few things that have genuinely helped me along the way:
Taking Breaks: ESSENTIAL.
I used to power through without stopping, but I’ve learned that stepping away for a walk, a cuppa, or just some fresh air actually makes me more productive when I get back to my desk.
Exercise: Makes a Difference (When I Do It).
I don’t always manage it, but even short walks or a quick stretch help keep my energy up.
Food: Food = Fuel.
Eating actual meals (rather than snacks and caffeine) keeps me from crashing halfway through the day.
Sleep: Non-Negotiable.
I function so much better when I get enough sleep. End of story.
Connecting with Others: Total Lifesaver.
Having people to talk to who understand the ups and downs of business is invaluable.
Boundaries: A Necessity.
Work will take all the time I give it, so setting limits is crucial.
Not Everything Works for Everyone – What helps me might not help you, and that’s okay.
For example, I tried meditation – hated it. Instead, I listen to music and have a bit of a dance around when I need to unwind.
Journaling… I never remember to do it, so writing other things in my own time - like this blog - has become a way of processing things.
Jogging? Absolutely not. I tried a bunch of other classes to see what suits me and found boxfit, it’s been a much better fit for me because I enjoy it.
The key is finding what actually works for you and sticking with it.
Final Thoughts:
Still Figuring It Out, But Getting There
As I said in the beginning, I’m not here to give medical advice (because, I clearly have absolutely no qualifications). I can tell you from experience that looking after your health is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind and business. When I make the effort to take care of myself, I work better, feel better, and, honestly, enjoy running my business more.
It’s an ongoing journey, and I certainly don’t have it all figured out. But if you’re in the trenches of small business ownership, just know you’re not alone. Prioritising your health, even in small ways, can make a big difference. And if anyone has the secret to balancing it all perfectly, please let me know, because I’m sure as s*&! still working on it!
