Why you? You’re the BOSS!
As a solopreneur, it is so easy to get wrapped up in your work and forget the importance of taking care of yourself. It's even harder to find the time and energy to stay active when working from home day after day. But the truth is, investing in your physical health can have a positive impact on all aspects of your life - not just your career. And so, prioritizing exercise as part of your daily routine should be viewed as an investment worth making for any solopreneur looking to optimize their personal performance. Read on and find out how you can make fitness an integral part of every workday while staying at home!
Schedule yourself!
Setting a daily routine is one of the most effective ways to balance work and personal life. It can be a simple yet powerful tool that can help you stay focused on priorities that matter such as exercise, meals, work, and relaxation. While many of us tend to overlook the importance of having a routine, it can actually boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. By setting aside non-negotiable times for daily activities, you can avoid procrastination (one of my bugaboos) and ensure that you have time for everything that matters. Moreover, sticking to your routine can help you develop a sense of structure and control, which can be empowering. Set yourself a trial period (at least two weeks) and see what you think! You might be surprised at how much it can positively impact your life.
Keep moving!
Staying active during the workday can seem like a daunting task, especially when deadlines are looming and emails are piling up. But with a little bit of cunning, it's possible to sneak in some exercise without sacrificing productivity. For instance, you could take a walk or jog during your lunch break, or use your furry companion as an excuse to get outside and get moving. And even if you don't have a pet, simply standing up from your desk and doing a few rounds of squats or lunges can make a big difference. Some people get even more creative, like hitting the gym during their lunch break or my trick of using dumbbells in the recording booth! So go ahead, be sneaky and find ways to stay active during your work day. Your body (and mind) will thank you.
Drink up! … or is that drink cup…?
We’ve all heard the mantra that staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for our general well-being. And actually, I have repeatedly been amazed at how tired I get when I let myself lag on the hydration front. And as a voice actor, I know firsthand how important it is to stay hydrated because as I talk all day, I lose a lot of water. (How much? Just picture your breath on a cold winter day - that’s a lot of steam!) Whether you're a voice actor or not, it's crucial to drink plenty of water or herbal teas to keep your body functioning at its best. That's why I always keep a liter-sized water bottle with me throughout the day. Our bodies constantly lose fluids, and it's important to replenish them regularly. So make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day to keep your mind and body sharp as a tack! (How many people besides coffee shops use tacks anymore?)
Yes, you need to eat right!
...can you hear mom’s finger shaking?
How do you feel after snacking on junk food? No, I’m not talking about the immediate sugar rush, I’m talking about after that… after the sugar rush comes the crash and that’s when I feel sluggish and unproductive, like I can’t even think. That crash is your body’s yell for help to you to add healthy eating habits to your daily routine. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips or a candy bar, opt for fresh fruits and veggies or nuts and seeds. Not only will you feel more energized and satisfied, but weirdly, I also noticed a difference in my mouth noise. As someone who narrates audiobooks, eLearning and other long-form content, I know firsthand how distracting those sounds can be! Plus, fresh crunchy foods can really cleanse your palate and leave your mouth feeling refreshed. Experiment! Try eliminating sugar for one day a week, then two and pay close attention to how you feel!
I cannot over stress the need for de-stressing!
As a solopreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily business operations. Our minds can become consumed with thoughts about having to do it all ourselves, day in and day out. However, taking a moment to step back and prioritize our own well-being is crucial. Yoga and meditation are fantastic practices for de-stressing and enhancing relaxation. When we're relaxed and calm, our minds can focus better, leading to improved productivity and efficiency. Plus, increasing your overall chill factor in your approach to life can eliminate the risk of sounding stressed on important calls, or looking overwhelmed in important meetings. So need I say more about breaking the vicious cycle of stress and its negative effects on our lives? Don’t forget to take time out for yourself. Your business - and your mind - will thank you for it.
Hug the world!
So often I realize that I am that person…the wild-eyed zombie that has been staring at a computer screen for hours on end. When I finally raise my head and take a breath - usually because I realize I need to pee - I force myself to walk out my back door and sit on the deck for even a few minutes. It’s important to get outside and breathe in the greatness that is this world every day, no matter how busy you are. The benefits of taking a quick outdoor break and connecting with the world that is sustaining your life are immense. Here’s one simplistic example. I work from a basement office and recording booth that stays a pretty consistent 65° year round, so it can be a relief to step out into the sun for a few minutes and bask like a lizard. So make it a point to find a spot outside, whether it's a park bench or a backyard patio, and soak in the natural surroundings. Trust me, it's an easy way to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Again, why YOU? Because you’re the BOSS of you!
As solopreneurs, we tend to over-extend ourselves. We often work long hours and feel guilty when we’re not pursuing that next lead. But, we need to remember that taking care of ourselves is essential if we want the energy to continue running a successful business as well as keeping up with our lives, friends and families. That's why having a simple but effective routine, incorporating healthy eating habits, and staying active will helping all of us stay in the game for the long haul!
Barbara Rich is a voice actor and sound designer by day and musician/stage actor by night and has been battling her over-extension, over-achiever, over-working tendencies as a solopreneur since 2016.
