What is self-care, and why is it important for business success?

Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, no matter how many hours you put into your business? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs give everything to their work, only to find themselves running on empty.

Here’s the truth: self-care isn’t a luxury or something to squeeze in when you “have time.” It’s a non-negotiable part of keeping yourself and your business thriving. We’re talking about the real deal: prioritising your well-being, setting boundaries like a boss, and making time for the things that light you up. It’s about fueling your physical, mental, and emotional tank so you can show up and crush it every day.

What is self-care, really?

I get it: When people start talking about self-care, your mind immediately goes to meditation and bubble baths, right? At its most general definition, self-care is about protecting and maintaining your health—body, mind, and spirit. Really, there is nothing more important than that, is there? 

Self-care can look different for different people. It’s about finding what works best for you to nurture the three aspects of your being and embracing that. You can create routines or rituals (if you like) around showing up for yourself and doing the things that you need right now. 

The reality is that when your health is given top priority, you are in much better shape to take care of your family, give your best to your friends, and kick arse in your business.

Overcoming the guilt of self-care

Your unconscious mind is an incredible thing, but it's also incredibly good at creating false beliefs that hold you back from what you really want.

This opens the door to conflict between what you want and what (you think) you need to do. What you want to do to take care of yourself vs. what you should be doing for your business vs. what you want to be doing with your family and friends, and so on…

The reality is that self-care is very much like the maintenance you do on your car. If you don’t stick to the schedule, the car breaks down, or your warranty is void. Your health is exactly the same. That guilt you are feeling is just one of those untruths shaped by beliefs that are not supporting you to be your best self. 

Getting rid of this guilt and reframing self-care as something that supports you to be brilliant in your business will make you unstoppable in business and life in general.

The real cost of skipping self-care

Neglecting self-care doesn’t just leave you feeling drained; it has a ripple effect on every aspect of your life and business. When you’re constantly running on fumes, your ability to problem solve bottoms out, you become snappy with the family, and the business you loved just becomes another chore. 

Failing to take care of yourself will result in increased stress as you keep pushing and pushing, maybe even taking on the identity of the ‘busy body’. It’s a fast track to overwhelm and ultimately burnout. 

Skipping self-care might seem harmless in the short term, but over-time, it chips away at your focus, creativity, and overall well-being. If you keep treating it like an afterthought, you're likely to have a rude unannounced visit from overwhelm.

Why should you care about self-care?

Skipping self-care isn’t just a “meh” choice it’s a fast track to burnout, overwhelm, and exhaustion. Neglecting yourself will catch up to you, and when it does, it affects everything from your productivity to your relationships. You can’t keep giving from an empty cup.

1. Enhanced productivity
Believe it or not, resting helps you get more done. When you take time for self-care, you’re more focused, energised, and ready to tackle the to-do list without feeling like you're dragging yourself through the day.

2. Better creativity
Your brain needs space to breathe. Some of the best ideas come to life when you’re not glued to your screen, trying to force things to happen. (Have you ever noticed how your best ideas pop up in the shower or on a long beach walk? It’s like that.)

3. Boundaries that actually stick
The more you practice self-care, the better you get at saying "no" when needed. You’ll stop bending over backwards for every little thing and stay focused so you can start prioritising what matters most and moving the needle towards those big business goals.

Getting started with self-care

The way you start and end your day can set the tone for everything in between. It’s not just about squeezing in self-care when you can; it’s about making it a priority that fuels your focus and energy and tying it into your goals. 

Creating simple, grounding routines can help you feel centred and more in control of your time. These moments are daily rituals that nurture your well-being and lay the foundation for a successful day.

Start your day with something grounding that helps you feel centred. Here are some ideas to get you going:

Savour your coffee or tea: Take a few minutes to sip your coffee or tea mindfully, enjoying the taste and aroma before diving into your to-do list.

Get moving: Whether it’s a brisk walk, some light stretching, or a quick yoga session, moving your body helps shake off grogginess and boosts your mood.

Meditation or deep breathing: Spend 5-10 minutes focusing on your breath or practising mindfulness to calm your mind and set a positive tone.

Sunlight exposure: Step outside and soak up some natural light, which helps regulate your body’s internal clock and boosts energy levels.

Journal your thoughts: Use a few minutes to jot down what’s on your mind, set an intention for the day, or note something you’re grateful for.

Review your goals: Take time to look over your long-term goals and choose one specific action step you’ll take today to move closer to achieving them. This helps you start your day with clarity and purpose.

Don't underestimate the power of a good night routine, either. It's essential for wrapping up your day with intention and setting yourself up for tomorrow's success:

Screen-free time: Power down your devices at least 30 minutes before bed to reduce blue light exposure and help you wind down.

Evening stretching or light exercise: Unwind with gentle stretching or a short walk to release tension from the day.

Read a book or listen to a podcast: Pick something that relaxes you or sparks your interest but isn’t too stimulating before bed.

Reflect and unload: Take a few moments to reflect on the day, jot down any lingering thoughts, or prepare your to-do list for tomorrow so your mind can rest easy.

Create a sleep-friendly environment: Dim the lights, adjust the room temperature, and set the stage for a good night’s sleep.

Mindfulness in small doses
Pause, breathe, and just be present for a moment. Those little resets throughout the day add up.

Celebrate small wins
This might be just sticking to your agreement with yourself to take 20 minutes to wind down and take yourself through a nighttime routine. 

Big or small acknowledging your achievements lets you see that you are moving towards your goals and that positive acknowledgement and celebration gets you pumped and ready for the next step.  

Celebrate yourself, you deserve it!

Treat self-care as essential maintenance, it's not a luxury, but a necessity. When you let go of the guilt and embrace it as the fuel that keeps you running at your best, everything changes. You’ll find more energy, clearer focus, and a greater capacity to handle the ups and downs of business and life.