In the whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and the relentless pursuit of success, it’s easy to lose yourself. Your calendar packed tighter than a TSA-approved carry-on, and somehow still managing to look like you stepped out of a magazine (on most days). You're not alone if you've ever skipped a meal, sacrificed sleep, or canceled plans with loved ones to meet work demands. I’ve been there, juggling the balls of entrepreneurship, family, and personal growth, often dropping the one labeled "self-care." But here’s the hard truth: Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health and happiness. So, let’s get you from running on fumes to living your best life, shall we?
Delegate Like the CEO You Are
Delegation is not just a strategy; it's a necessity for growth, wealth creation and achieving the freedom you dream of. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Build Your Dream Team:
I mean, if it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for you. Your empire wasn’t built alone. Apply this to self-care by assembling a top-notch team dedicated to your well-being. Get yourself a team that keeps your life running smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy. Personal assistant? Check. Meal prep guru? Check. Someone to remind you to actually eat said meals? Double-check.
Indra Nooyi, the powerhouse behind PepsiCo for over a decade, had to figure out how to keep all the balls in the air without dropping any—or at least, not dropping the important ones. Her trick? Compartmentalizing like a boss and knowing when to call in the cavalry. Yes, she had to make sacrifices, but she also knew her limits and wasn’t shy about setting up a robust support system. The lesson here? It’s okay to ask for help, whether it's at home or in the boardroom. Delegate, delegate, delegate!
Protect Your Energy:
Assign tasks that drain your energy to others. All the stuff that are beneath your paygrade or just plain annoy you. Your focus should be on activities that only you can perform and that align with your strengths and passions.
Indulge in Exquisite Pleasure
Pleasure is a powerful antidote to stress. Indulging in activities that bring joy boosts mental health, creativity, and overall well-being. What’s the point of conquering the world if you’re not enjoying it?
Curate Joyful Experiences:
Whether it’s a private viewing at an art gallery, a solo retreat to an exclusive wellness resort, or a custom culinary experience with a private chef, your pleasures should be as refined and unique as your tastes. You’ve worked hard, now play harder.
Schedule Delight:
Block out time for these indulgences like you would an important business meeting. Literally, put it in your Google Calendar. “7 PM: Dance like nobody’s watching” or “Saturday 3 PM: Laugh till it hurts session.” This isn't about fitting it in; it's about making it a priority.
The Nitty-Gritty of Not Falling Apart
1. Sleep is Non-Negotiable:
Craft a sleep sanctuary with luxury bedding and tech-free zones. Girl, charge your body like it’s your phone. Create a bedtime ritual that doesn’t involve scrolling through Instagram until your eyes glaze over. No emails past 8 PM—yes, they can wait. Lavender, chamomile, or a good old-fashioned book can work wonders.
Ever been so tired you passed out and woke up in a pool of your own exhaustion? Well, Arianna Huffington did, and she turned that wake-up call into a wellness empire. Her mantra is simple: Sleep your way to the top. And by sleep, she means get those Z’s, unplug from the digital world, and give your brain some downtime. If Arianna can turn her crash and burn into Thrive Global, you can definitely turn off your phone an hour before bed.
2. Eat Like You Love Yourself:
Forget meal prep; have a nutritionist design a menu that excites your palate and meets your body’s needs. Dine as if every meal is a celebration of your achievements. Eating healthy doesn’t mean boring. You deserve flavor and nutrients. Practice eating without distractions. Savor each bite and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
3. Movement That Excites:
Find a workout that doesn’t make you want to cry. Dance in your living room, chase your dog, or do yoga poses while binge-watching your favorite show. Just move! Your fitness regimen should be as bespoke as your business model.
Michelle Obama, doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk, jogs, and throws in some weights too. Her morning workout routine isn’t just about keeping fit; it’s her armor against the craziness of life. She shows us that self-care is not just about the soul but also about the body that carries us through our battles. Plus, if you can find joy in sweating it out, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving.
4. Cultivate Your Inner Circle:
Relationships feed your soul. Don’t text, call. Better yet, hug them in person. And laugh a lot. It’s like abs for your heart. Harness the power of your network for mutual growth and support. Think mastermind groups, exclusive clubs, and charity boards where giving back nourishes your soul. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and understand the assignment: supporting each other’s mogul moves.
5. Embrace High-Quality Leisure:
Your downtime should be as enriching as your work. Pick up hobbies that scream “I’m living my best life.” Hobbies that broaden your horizons—be it collecting art, wine tasting, learning a new language, or exploring new cultures.
6. Reflect and Strategize:
Take a minute to check in with yourself. How are you, really? Journal, meditate, sit quietly for a few minutes each day, or talk to someone who gets it. Your brain needs TLC too. Treat self-reflection as a strategic business review. Consider professional coaching to assess your progress, set new goals, and celebrate your victories. And for the love of all that is holy, put the phone down.
7. Craft Your Sanctuary
Designate spaces in your home that reflect your essence and support your various self-care practices, whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a meditation corner, or a vibrant kitchen.
Remember, self-care for the busy woman isn't about doing more; it's about being strategic and making choices that enhance your overall quality of life. It's about living with intention, embracing your needs, and crafting a lifestyle that reflects your ambition, grace, and power.
You are the architect of your life. By integrating these elevated self-care strategies, you affirm that you're not just surviving the grind—you're thriving, leading, and setting the standard for what it means to be a successful, empowered woman.
Now, go forth and be the CEO of your well-being. Your empire—and your soul—will thank you for it.