Why Every Virtual Assistant Should Take Time for Self-Care

As someone working hard to pivot and build a coaching business, when I also have a full time job, it is incredibly difficult to make time for myself unless I schedule it in. 

If you're anything like me your day is packed with "stuff to do." 

If you have a 9-5 like I do, that means your day doesn't end...at 5. 

And if you have little ones at home, having a moment to yourself isn't easy to come by. 

When you get home your day is far from over.

You have to help with homework, cook and get dinner on the table, clean, spend quality time with your significant other, read to the kiddos, get them ready for bed, throw a load of clothes in the wash....do I need to go on? 

How do you balance a 9-5, your family, and starting a business with self care? 

Self care you need so you can continue to do "all the stuff" and still be a productive person in each aspect of your life. 

What Is Self Care?

According to Everyday Health, “Self-care is not synonymous with self-indulgence or being selfish. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day.”

Now...to me, self care looks different for everybody. Carving out time for self-care, even if it’s only 15 minutes a day, is essential for you to care for others and run your business. Practicing self-care is essential to stay healthy and happy. Self-care is so important if you want to keep you and your business running because what use would you be to your family or your business if you’re not happy and healthy?

Why Self Care Is Important For Virtual Assistants and Small Business Owners

Let’s get real here. Running a business is hard. And the tasks that keep your business moving forward are not going to stop. It’s hectic and it’s stressful and rewarding. But what you don’t want to happen is anything in your business or your family life slipping through the cracks because you haven’t taken the proper steps to take care  of yourself. 

These self care tips are for you if:

• You struggle to find enough hours or minutes in the day for yourself

• You feel guilt whenever you’re not working or doing for your family

• You’re stressed and frazzled and feel like you’re on a never ending hamster wheel

• Your health has taken a back seat because you haven’t made it a priority

13 Simple Self-Care Activities For Virtual Assistants and Small Business Owners

Sleep In

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I love naps. I have ever since I was a teenager. What I love more though - sleeping in. Especially on a Saturday. Now, I know this may be hard if you have little ones at home, but if you can bargain with your kiddos or your significant other, try to sleep in at least one Saturday every month. 

Make The Most Of Your Commute By Listening To A Podcast

I love listening to business podcasts. Especially if they help me level up my business. My commute to and from work is about 10-15 minutes. I use that time each and every morning to listen to one of my favorite podcasts. Yes, it’s business related, but I find it relaxing and the self-care I need to get me in the mood to jump start my creativity when it comes to my business. 

Schedule Free Time

If you keep a calendar and literally schedule every second of your day, schedule in your free time. Even if it’s only 30 minutes once a week. Schedule in some time to sit and meditate, read, or watch a favorite TV show. 

Spend Time With Friends

If you have a best-friend or a group of friends, don’t forget that you need your girl time. I have a best friend (30 year friendship) and a group of friends (20 years) that I love dearly and I love spending time with. The friendship and the laughter is so cathartic to my soul. In fact, we’re taking a girls trip to New Orleans in a couple of weeks to celebrate a birthday. I can’t wait! 

Get Enough Sleep

I’m a night owl. I admit it. I am my most productive at night and that’s terrible for a person who loves to sleep AND who loves naps. But I cut myself off at a certain time every night to make sure I get enough sleep so I’ll be productive the next day.  

Read An Engaging Novel or Work of Nonfiction

I love to read. It’s one of the reasons my 9-5 is as a high school librarian. I get to spend my day surrounded by books and I help teenagers develop a true passion for reading. My favorite genre is mystery. There is nothing like escaping into a mystery novel trying to figure out who-done-it! I don’t read non-fiction as much as I should, but I don’t discount the helpfulness of non-fiction novels, especially if they help me in my business. 

Get a Manicure and Pedicure

Okay ladies, this is one of my indulgences. I get a manicure and a pedicure at least once every two weeks. I’m not a shopper, I don’t like going to malls unless it’s an outlet and I’m on vacation. If you see me in a mall it’s because I’m shopping for a specific item and once I find it, I’m out. Seriously. But I LOVE a mani-pedi. You will never catch this girl without cute fingers and toes. 

Binge Watch A Short TV Series (6-8 episodes)

I’m a TV watcher. I admit it. There are some shows that come on every week that are a must watch for me. But something I love to do is binge watch short series so I’m one, maybe two days, and done. Working my 9-5 and running my business takes up a lot of my time but I will take a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, if I can, and binge watch shows I’ve recorded throughout the week or a series I’ve been wanting to watch in one afternoon. How many of you watched Bridgerton? 

Get a 1-Hour Massage

This is a recent indulgence. Once a month I go get a massage. About 6 months ago I started having severe pain in my neck and shoulders because of the amount of time I spend watching a computer screen. So I get a massage once a month to help alleviate the pain. 

Exercise

Now this is one I need to start. It’s been so hot out that it’s hard to walk around a track without the heat beating on my neck and I’m not an early riser. Remember, I love to sleep in and take naps. But this is something I need to start. I encourage you to do so as well. Even if it’s a short walk around your neighborhood. 

Get A Hobby

My hobby is reading but if there’s something you’ve been wanting to try, knitting, painting, pottery, etc. why don’t you spend a little time and invest in a hobby. 

Establish A Routine

If you have young children or kids involved in lots of activities, this is a must. Like the schedule I mentioned above. Establish a routine for everything: mornings, evenings, bedtime, when you’re going to work on your business, AND your self care. If you make it a habit, part of your routine, you’ll never miss doing it. 

Take Breaks

This may be an unpopular opinion, but take mini-breaks away from your business. Your to-do list is always going to be there. Your social media is always going to be there. But taking a short break away from your business is a must to re-energize and re-focus. 

Well, that’s it. Add one or two of these self-care activities to your routine. 

Remember, no matter how much you need to do in your business to tick off boxes on your to-do list; no matter how much your family needs you to help them do “all the stuff” -  you should always take a few minutes to yourself each and every day. 

You’ll be happier if you do.