Saving Money While Slaying in Business
You're the #1 most valuable resource in your business! Make sure you're at your best!
I see you Boss Babe!
You're out there HUSTLING every day, working to get your business off the ground! You're rocking it!
I"m going to tell you a secret: There IS such a thing as working too hard.
Say what?
In case you haven't heard, many companies are looking toward reducing scheduled work hours because research suggests that working too much actually decreases productivity! Many people think becoming an entrepreneur will allow them to have more freedom; has it helped you? A friend told me recently that despite running her own enterprise for several years, she still attaches herself to standard working hours and feels guilty when she isn't working! If you aren't careful, entrepreneurship can lead to burnout just like a traditional career.
The reality is, working too hard without investing time in yourself not only decreases your productivity, it costs you money too.
What are the things most people give up almost immediately when stressed? (Assuming they even had great habits, to begin with)
#1 Sleep
Sleep deprivation alone can cause you to eat more junk food, engage in impulse shopping, and interfere with your memory, concentration, problem-solving, and other high-level functions which are ESSENTIAL for the success of your business. That means if you sleep less than 7 hours per night, your business is not running at optimum. It's okay to close your laptop and go to bed 30 minutes earlier; in fact, doing so will help you be more focused and do more work in less time tomorrow. People who sleep more are also less likely to make errors, which helps everything in your business, especially when you're making purchases, taking inventory, and balancing the ledger.
#2 Exercise
Movement is a requirement for life, but if you're tired and busy, you're probably not making time for enough movement. Here's the good news, exercise can help your brain work better as well as decreasing your stress level so you can calm down and focus when you need to get things done. High-intensity interval training is a great way to keep your workout short but still secure the health benefits, but if that even seems like too much, try a light yoga routine (the internet has so many you can do at home), or even take a short walk.
#3 Healthy Food
One of the most common phrases I hear is "I just don't have time to cook". I get it! You have worked all day, you're finally able to sit down, and cooking a big meal is just "one more thing" on your to-do list. If you think about it though, eating out can take as much time or more as cooking and eating at home. Sitting in the drive-thru two or three times a day adds up, and spending time in a restaurant with table service takes much longer. In addition, restaurant food will contain more additives and "hidden calories" than what you're able to make at home, and it's expensive. One practice which has helped me save time and money is meal prep - spending a few hours twice per week to prepare food which can be eaten through the rest of the week. Sheet pan meals are great for this; you can prepare them, leave them to bake, then dish out individual portions in to-go containers. Once prepared, all you need to do is grab a container, heat, and eat. Easy, right?!
No matter how busy your day is, it is always possible to open a 10 minute window. Take that 10 minutes for self care! Even if it's as simple as turning your light off 10 minutes earlier, applying a face mask, or taking a few deep breaths, it will help.
Join me at FMC 2020 on February 21-22nd to learn how to TAKE ACTION and work smarter so you have more time for self care while your business thrives!
WRITTEN BY FMC2020 Speaker Dr. Chelsea Drda
