Stress can take its toll on our physical, mental and emotional health. Creating quality opportunities to take time out for yourself when you’re running a business can be nearly impossible. However, it’s the key to a healthier life and helps to avoid burnouts, boost creative juices and increase productivity.
Research shows that only a small percentage of business women take breaks without feeling guilty. But breaks are necessary to refresh your mind, as different demands are bound to surface day in and out. Effective breaks can take as little as 5 to 10 minutes to an hour or so.
Most of the time, women take time out to raise a family, recover from an illness, earn a certificate or for any other reason. Truth be told, your business can keep running for even a few hours whether you’re around or not with proper delegation.
5 ways to take time out for yourself
Evaluate your needs and delve into something that you love. The extra time you’re ready to spare will also determine the gig you choose. Here are 5 ways to maximize your time out.
1. Spend time outdoors
Spending time outdoors is an invigorating way to take time out for yourself. Try focusing on the sounds, sights, and smells. It will help you forget about the tasks that you need to handle on your to-do list. It’s ideal to take well-deserved breaks from gluing your face to your laptop or mobile devices and enjoy the fresh air.
You can do this alone or in the company of your loved ones. This is the best time to plan a picnic, meditate or focus on breathing exercises that won’t take much of your time.
2. Get a new hobby
Consider enrolling for skills such as painting, drawing, and writing or brushing the existing ones. They can take your mind off any pressure you’re facing in your career or personal life. Many women are turning their hobbies to side hustles and earning extra money.
This can provide an opportunity to connect with those who can help you advance professionally and in other aspects. Mastering a new skill will give your e-commerce business an edge.
If you’re short on opportunities to take time out for yourself, have fun playing online games for a few minutes, or even use online simulators to try practicing to be anything from an Air Force fighter pilot or a ‘Jane Bond’ MI6 spy to a digital casino dealer… that’s sure to relieve the office stress.
3. Exercise
Sound health is crucial when running businesses. Exercising often goes a long way to prevent many diseases. Apart from that, you will be releasing mood-enhancing endorphins and lowering blood pressure. You can listen to music as you workout to get more out of your routine.
Physical activities like horse riding, cricket, cycling, and swimming also produce a relaxing effect. Endeavor to eat healthy meals as exercise and diet usually go hand-in-hand.
4. Read a book
It’s high time to start reading the books you’ve accumulated over the years but have no time to read them due to your busy schedule. You can take time out for yourself and read whether at home, in a library or cafe. Get rid of all distractions as you take a walk into the mind of the authors.
It’s up to you to decide whether you want to read a book from any of your favorite authors or based on recommendations from others. Books are full of great ideas but you won’t discover them until you read.
Developing a reading culture comes with several benefits. It can boost your memory and make your brain younger. Reading also boosts empathy which may help you to relate better with your customers and team members.
5. Book a massage session
Massage reduces the rate of the production of stress hormones and your body will produce more endorphins instead. It alleviates stress, muscle tension, and pain. Besides, it improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. In case massage isn’t your thing, you can go for other cosmetic beauty treatments like facial care, manicure or pedicure.
