Owning a small business is no easy feat. Especially in those early stages, you are truly a one-person show. You are CEO, CFO, Head Of Marketing, Social Media Manager, and Intern. Unfortunately, that same sense of control that draws so many people into owning their own business can also lead to its downfall. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, and 50% fail within the first five. With the holidays just around the corner, taking care of yourself as a small business owner is so important to keep yourself sane during such a busy time. Here are some self-care tips and ways to minimise stress for small business owners. 

Set Boundaries 

Just like with any other type of job, setting boundaries is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy relationship with work and creating balance in your life. Set specific hours for when you start and (most importantly) stop working for the day. No one should be on the clock 24/7, and it is important both for yourself and your business to take a break. If a client wants you to bend over backwards, or demands more of your time than is feasible, do not be afraid to stick with your boundaries and say no. By setting these boundaries, you will be able to recharge and have the energy to focus on your business. 

Delegate Tasks

If you notice there are certain tasks that take up more of your time or that are not exactly your speciality, outsource them to other people. Outsourcing comes with a lot of Perks, such as freeing up your schedule from usually time-consuming tasks and giving you the ability to focus on what matters to you. Or, if social media isn’t your thing, look no further! Running a small business has so many tedious moving parts, and there are so many services available to give your small business the level of care and attention it deserves. 

Be Kind To Yourself 

Just to really make sure this hits home: you are a human being with needs, not a robot that can execute every task perfectly all the time that never needs to stop. Exercise, quality sleep, and a healthy diet are just as important to the success of your business as countless hours of hard work. Studies have found a profound connection between the three, proving that they all impact one another. For the sake of your health as well as the overall success of your business, prioritise these things. The over-romanticization of burning the midnight oil every night is over: self-care and valuing your health is here to stay. 

These tips are easier said than done. Small business ownership is a difficult undertaking, and getting swallowed up in the weeds and intricacies of your work can come all at once and be incredibly overwhelming. But, by setting boundaries, delegating out your tasks, and truly being kind to yourself, you will be able to navigate small business ownership with energy and a clear mind to lead you and your business on the pathway to success.