4 Self-Care Habits Self-Starters Need to Practice Today

I know, practicing self-care as your own boss sounds like an oxymoron. We spend so much time hustling, networking, and taking care of administrative work that it’s all too easy to put our needs on the back burner. I’m the first person to admit that I don’t prioritize self-care enough. I keep pushing and pushing until all I want to do is cuddle up in my bed and watch Unsolved Mysteries. (I mean, have you seen the latest season?) But, I’m learning. I’m learning how important it is to take care of my mind and body. I’m learning that it’s important to prioritize my number-one employee (a.k.a. me).

Today is going to be hard. This week is going to be hard. Chances are, the rest of the year won’t be exactly a cakewalk. But, to help make things a little easier, I’m sharing the self-care tips I’m practicing today. We’re in this together.

Just Breathe

For a long time, I thought breathing exercises were…well, unnecessary. For most, breathing is an involutionary thing. Why place so much attention on breathing when we can channel that energy toward meeting a deadline, drafting an email, or completing a vinyasa flow? (If you can imagine, my huffing and puffing is a total mood-buster during a yoga or pilates class.)

But, a couple weeks ago, social media guru Jamie Ratermann posted a video about her 4–4–4 breathing technique. Since Jamie is a dear friend, and I trust her opinion, I gave her exercise a try: Four counts breathing in, four counts holding that breath, and four counts breathing out. And, as I focused on my counting and breaths, I felt grounded and at peace. The dizzying cornucopia of thoughts that normally run through my brain came to a screeching halt. Suddenly, I had the opportunity to refocus my thoughts and energy. Wow.

If you’re feeling like today is a lot, do me (and, really, yourself) a favor by closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing. From one skeptic to another: It’ll make a difference.

Limit Screen Time

From writing stories, to answering emails, to finding products for a new gift guide, I spend all of my days in front of the computer. But, with more screen time comes more opportunities to check the news and social media, which can make that nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach grow tenfold. Whether you want to tackle that reading list or get some fresh air, I encourage you to give the screen a rest. Whenever my boyfriend and I need to unwind, we walk to a local bluff that overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. We sit and chat for about an hour, and always feel more relaxed by the time we get home.

Let’s Get Physical

Ever since I took up running in high school, breaking a sweat has been one of my favorite ways to unwind. In a pre-pandemic world, I loved to alternate between pilates and cycling classes. But, in 2020, our at-home stationary bike is my saving grace. Whenever I feel anxious, annoyed, or agitated, I know that breaking a sweat will transform my mood. Go ahead, put on your favorite playlist and get physical. It doesn’t matter if you want to go on a socially distanced walk or enroll in a virtual yoga class, moving your body will help you feel grounded, focused, and happy.

Listen to Your Body

As self-starters, we want it all. We want a roster jam-packed with clients we admire. We want an impressive bank account. We want to build our businesses into mini empires. But, how can any of that happen if you don’t take care of your company’s MVP? (Yes, that’s you.)

When it comes to my business, I’d do anything to hit deadlines and turn my biggest dreams into a reality. I’d work in unconventional places. (Ubers! Planes! A rental car during a seven-hour road trip in Norway!) I’d stay up late and wake up early. Sure, I’d meet deadlines and check tasks off my to-do list, but was it sustainable? Absolutely not. Lately, I’ve learned to listen to my body and give myself more time to relax. Don’t get me wrong, I still work extremely hard. However, I don’t beat myself up if I need an extra hour of sleep or don’t want to work until one o’clock in the morning.

At the end of the day, you’re the boss. You are in charge of your time and energy. If you need to close business early today, please do. Tomorrow is a new day to kick some serious butt.

Hustler of the Week: Marisa Quintanilla Griffeth

Before you launched your own wellness company, you were an actress! Are there any lessons you learned from acting that you apply to running your business?
It never ceases to amaze me how you can recognize the gorgeous web of experiences and connections that have brought you exactly where you need to be. On the upside, my training as an actress has brought an incredible level of “full mind-body awareness” to everything I do. In addition, the thick skin actors inherently must develop to withstand rejection after rejection while auditioning has been enormously helpful. I’m just not afraid to hear “no” anymore; I know it’s not personal. Whenever it’s a “no,” I’m confident that it is either not a good fit (in which case, thank you Universe for not wasting my time), or just not a good fit right now.

What’s your favorite thing about being your own boss? Least favorite?

I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. I can take a day off without asking anyone’s permission. I make decisions without anyone else’s approval. I live where I want to live, and I’m not tied to any city, any place, or any person not of my choosing. That level of freedom is incredible.

Yes, there is incredible freedom in being your own boss, but you best be hustling if you want to make it as an entrepreneur! The hardest thing about being your own boss is to stop working and create time and space for simply living.

What is the best lesson you’ve learned since becoming your own boss?

I’m still learning it: Work-life balance. Not only for your own well-being, but also for the well-being of those who work with you. Rest is vital. Rejuvenating activities are vital. Health and vitality are far more important than meeting (movable) deadlines. As an entrepreneur, most deadlines are self-imposed anyway! I have learned to ask myself, “Will my business completely crumble if I have to push this a few days?”

Give Marisa some love by following Wildland Organics on Instagram and picking up some new pieces for your self-care routine.