As entrepreneurs, we are known for working hard to reach our goals. 2020 has been no exception to pushing that envelope. Many of us are working even harder than we ever have before just to keep our businesses running smoothly or to try and get ahead. As a result, the first thing that goes out the window is taking time out for ourselves. Trust me, I know all about the work/life balance and how it can easily teeter off track. Working from home can help blur those lines even further, making it easier to just “pop back into the office” for some more work at 8pm. Before you know it, you have not taken a day off in 3 months.

If you are starting to feel overworked or maybe on the verge of burning out, it is definitely time for some extended selfcare. Since most vacation destinations are not an option right now, you can still make time to unplug and give yourself the attention you have been missing. Call it a new version of the old ‘staycation.’ If you cannot take an entire week off, think about starting with a half-day on Friday and into the weekend. YOU deserve it!

Here are some tips to help you get your staycation started and recharge your batteries:

1. Unplug from the internet for a bit! That’s right- stop answering the phone, emails and texts all hours of the day and night, and give yourself time to recharge your batteries. Putting your phone on silent is a great way to make that happen. If you absolutely have to check your email or your messages, set a time once or twice a day to do it, so you can make sure you actually give yourself some time away from work.

2. Schedule some “me” time. As an entrepreneur, taking care of ourselves is usually the last thing on our lists. Now is the time to make YOU a priority. Don’t panic when you suddenly make time to do something other than work. It feels a little weird at first. Here are few ideas to get you started:

a. Schedule a massage (assuming you are comfortable with this).

b. Find a new virtual yoga class.

c. Explore a new hiking trail or walking path.

d. Book a night at a fancy hotel and order takeout.

e. Fill in the blank ____________. What would you do with your free time?

3. Take a road trip! This is the perfect time of year to take a road trip even if you do not cross state lines. There are plenty of scenic byways and highways to make it enjoyable. You can even plot of places to stop along the way for food or other activities.

4. Connect with people! During a pandemic, most of us are not seeing friends, family, or colleagues like we used to and that can be a problem for our mental wellbeing. If we are not connecting with the people we care about, we can feel disconnected and alone. If you are not comfortable meeting someone in person, schedule a virtual coffee date or happy hour or even call them on the phone. The important thing is reach out and make contact.

5. Incorporate downtime into your daily routine. This is not really part of the staycation, but now that you have a taste of what a little downtime is like, I encourage you to plug it into your daily routine. You can schedule times daily if that works best for you. Even 15 minutes a day to meditate, take a walk, or connect with a friend can help change the whole day. I read a book (not a work-related book) while I am eating my lunch. Again, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. This helps to get my mind off work so I can go back to computer more refreshed than before.

In these chaotic times, there is one thing that you need to know with absolute certainty. You matter now more than ever. If you do not take care of yourself first, everything else will begin to crumble. Trust me – I have been there, done that, and will do everything in my power not to go back.

I would love to hear how you take care of yourself as a busy entrepreneur!