It’s my honest and true belief that self-care and mindset are two of the most UNDERRATED elements of entrepreneurship. I speak from experience! When I first started my business, I didn’t think at ALL about mindset or self care. Nope – instead I got caught up HARD in the narrative that…
You have to hustle to be successful … that hard work and working for hours on end were the only way I could achieve my dream.
Yuck – I cringe as I write these words now because it was THE MOST UNSUSTAINABLE approach for me… and unfortunately I’m not the only emerging entrepreneur who has fallen into that trap!
With the holiday season and the new year rapidly approaching, I wanted to share from the heart today about how important self-care and mindset work is as an entrepreneur, along with an entire list of some of my go-to self-care ideas for when you need them.
Why Self Care + Mindset?
I always say… mindset is the piece that will keep you warm and cozy during those cold and frightful moments of entrepreneurship – because those moments will always exist. It’s inevitable.
There’s a reason why entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone – and that’s because it’s real work – hard and unpredictable work. It’s a lot of thankless work behind the scenes. It’s not just showing up and posting on Instagram like so many people in our lives may think it is.
One of the biggest pieces of being a successful entrepreneur is being able to recognize when you need to turn inward and care for yourself. Because the thing is… you can’t show up to serve your dream clients if you’re not feeling good.
It’s like the old adage goes… you can’t pour from an empty cup.
That’s why self-care and mindset must become part of your routine as an entrepreneur so you can fully care for yourself so that your clients get the best of you!
Make Alignment A Priority
The key to making self-care and mindset work truly integrated into your business is by making alignment a priority. The best way to do this is to start your day with alignment time. Go into your Google Calendar NOW and mark off the first hour of your workday as Alignment time – that will ensure you get this time for yourself every single day before diving in.
The key to alignment rituals and routines is to leave space for what feels good.
That’s why I’m going to share a massive list of ALL of my favourite self-care ideas so that you have a big pool to choose from. The key with this is to choose what really speaks to you and lights you up! Because the universe works fast when we have fun!
My Favourite Mindset + Self Care Ideas
As you get started with your alignment time, I want you to think of the fact that you’re really creating your own toolbox of mindfulness practices and resources to restore your self-care. That way, each day, you can pick something you’re drawn to. If we do the same activities every day, it can start to feel like homework rather than feeling GOOD.
Here’s a massive list of all of my favourite mindset + self-care ideas for you!
- Journaling – either freeform or with prompts
- Drawing + sketching
- Colouring
- Painting
- Yoga – my personal favourite online yoga channel is Yoga with Adrienne.
- Reading – check out a few of my favourite authors for entrepreneurs!
- Mantras + Affirmations – if these are new to you, start here with 5 of my favourite mantras for creative entrepreneurs.
- A hot shower or bubble bath with twinkle lights + candles
- A walk to my favourite local boutique (wearing a mask of course – COVID safety first!)
- A walk in my favourite trails
- Swimming
- Face mask
- Netflix – YES this counts! If an hour of TV time is restorative for you, why not?!
- Meditation
- Creating a healing crystal grid
- Pulling an affirmation card – my personal favourite deck is Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein
- Do a tarot card reading – I use the standard and traditional Rider-Waite tarot deck
- Phone up or Facetime a close friend or loved one
- Writing a love letter to yourself
- Knitting
- Crafting
- Cooking a nice and healthy meal
- Baking a new recipe
- Booking an appointment with your therapist for extra support
- Dancing like no one is watching, to your favourite music
- SINGING like no one is listening, to your favourite music
- Practicing guitar or ukelele – or your instrument of choice!
- Writing a short story just for fun
- Playing – play is one of the most underrated activities but SO important for us as adults! Whether its a game, puzzle or Lego – let your inner child play!
- Sending some snail mail to a loved one!
- Watching a favourite movie
- Snuggling up to a loved one for a cuddle
- Fur therapy – cuddle your pets!
Want more ideas? Check out this ultimate list of self care ideas!
One Of The Simplest Forms of Self Care: Colouring!
Colouring isn’t just for kids! It’s one of the simplest and most meditative forms of self-care! These 3 unique and anti-anxiety colouring pages are perfect for you to create with and colour. Colouring is one of my favourite ways to let my inner child play and relieve some stress – I hope these mandala coloring pages bring you just as much joy!
Other Mindset Posts You’ll Love
7 Healthy & Productive Habits For a More Positive Mindset
How a Mindset Coach Supports You as a Creative Entrepreneur
8 Powerful Mindset Tools That Will Change Your Life
5 Self-Care Tips For When You’re Burnt Out
The Ultimate List of Self Care Ideas for Creative Entrepreneurs
10 Confidence-Boosting Affirmations for Creatives
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in your Creative Business
How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome as a Creative
The Healing Crystals I Use In My Creative Business
5 Ways To Practice Self Care When Anxiety Hits
