All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I always loved that expression from the movie The Shining, even though the film scared the heck out of me!
Working as a solopreneurs can really take its toll on your personal life if you are not careful.
If you work from your home, you may be guilty of working ‘all the time’.
It’s important to avoid burnout by balancing your work life with your home life.
There are several ways that you can do this:
Set a work schedule and keep it. It’s important for both your clients and your family to know when you are going to be working, so that they can help you plan things around that. And don’t forget to include your business planning and administration time in that schedule as well. So if you plan to work business hours, be sure you are not working outside of those. If you plan to work two days weekdays and one evening every week, keep your work within those hours as well. Your clients will know when to reach you, you will be able to get your admin bits done, and your family will get to spend time with you when they expect to! 🙂
Don’t eat your meals at your desk. Taking breaks is a big part of your productivity. By eating your meals at the dinner table, the kitchen table or even outside on your deck, you will give yourself a much needed break. Balance your time in your office and out; this way you will boost your energy level, and you will reboot your mind by the change of scenery.
Exercise your options. Whether you go to the gym, or just walk the dog, getting some physical exercise is a great way to incorporate some personal time into your busy schedule. Taking care of yourself is important – especially as a solopreneur … if you don’t work, you don’t get paid, and if you don’t work often due to illness, your clients will find other options for their support. You will also be more attractive to your family if you are spending time taking care of yourself – involve them if you want, but be sure to let them reap the benefits of a happier you!
Be objective … often. Step back and look at your business and your project list, once a month or even more often than that. Do you have enough down time in your schedule? Do you use your time effectively? Looking at things like how you manage your business, and how many clients you are managing is important to determine whether you are approaching burnout or not. We all look at what is going to come in revenue-wise for the month ahead, but think about things in terms of your time as well. If you need help, plan to get that. If you are wasting time networking with the wrong people, re-evaluate where you are spending your time. If you have a client that is too needy or demanding, consider how you can replace them. All of these things require your objective mind – so be sure to use it!
Incorporating work and life balance is an ongoing thing for a small business owner. By setting your boundaries where you can, and stepping back to look at things regularly, you can strategically plan for a very successful work life that benefits your personal life … without taking it over.
I’d love to hear your comments on this article!