Nurturing the 'You' in Your Wedding Business: Why Self-Care Matters

The idea that business owners have to work all hours of the day, 365 days of the year is long gone. But in our fast-paced, highly competitive world, being “stressed out” is one of the most common feelings. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to let stress become part of our daily routine.

BUT..... Can you honestly say that you are looking after yourself as much as you do your business?

I'm going to be honest with you, only a few months ago the answer to the above question would have been a big fat NO from me. I experienced a major business burnout. It was a burnout that I was NOT expecting and it hit me hard. So hard in fact that I had to have a whole month away from work to get myself better. I'm now well on the road to recovery but I thought it was important to firstly check in with you but also secondly give you a few mega-important tips when it comes to looking after yourself and your mental well-being.

The tips you are going to learn are all things that I thought I didn't need to do to look after myself. I thought I was superwoman but I now realize I'm not. I now make these things part of my weekly routine and it helps me be the best I can be because when I'm feeling happy on the inside it resonates through every part of me.....including my business. I have better ideas, I write better, I feel the passion I felt when The Wedding Business Hub was created, I am more motivated and the most important thing of all...I love my job more and who doesn't want to feel like that?

I think now is a good time to say that I still have those rubbish days like we all do but they are very few and far between. The 5 tips below are all things I have learned myself and they have 100% changed my outlook on life, which let me tell you was pretty bleak a year ago. These things allow me to heal a little more every day and remember just how amazing I am. (blows own trumpet)

I do think it’s time we all stop accepting the high-stress lifestyle as “just the way it is” or " part of the job." You do not need to work 24/7, and push, and drive full throttle until you break as I did. It is possible to build a successful wedding business with balance and wellness at the core, here are a few ways to help make that happen....

TIP ONE - REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE AMAZING

And never EVER forget that! You have created a business, you are here showing up day in, day out regardless and you should celebrate that fact. It takes a special kind of person to not only have a business....but to have one in one of the most highly competitive industries there is out there. This is not boasting or being 'cocky' as some may say.....this is about being proud of all the fabulous things you have achieved no matter how big or small. Celebrate those wins guys!

Every Friday in our Facebook community we do this little thing called a 'Wedding Win'. You can find our most recent one in our Facebook community. It is a celebration of all those things you are mega proud of in your wedding biz this week. Whether it's a new booking, you've updated your website, an award nomination, or simply that you made it through the week, we want to cheer you on! It's a great way to celebrate with fellow WedPros and it is also a sneaky way of getting a bit of Friday networking in there too!

TIP TWO - DON'T SACRIFICE YOUR ROUTINE

When you know you have a busy day ahead, it’s easy to skip journaling, working out, or even eating breakfast, and head to the computer first thing. It’s also easy to keep working after 5 pm because you’re determined to cross things off your to-do list before calling it a day. I used to do this all the time.

Having both a set morning and evening routine gives you a sense of control in stressful times. Doing so can set the tone for your entire day and can help you transition into an evening mode that allows you to be present for friends and family, and for yourself! Even if you’re not a “routine person,” try starting your day without your phone and do something just for you. I love a bubble huge bubble bath in the evening with candles and wine Ultimately it doesn't matter what your thang is (everyone is different) just make sure you do some-thang that you enjoy.

TIP THREE - LET'S GET MOVING

Exercise releases endorphins (happy hormones) which lift your mood and give you so much energy. After I've finished an online class I feel like I can take on the world!

I try to get some form of exercise every day. It may seem obvious, but it’s a game-changer. And if going out to get exercise isn't possible, do it in your house/office. Run the staris a few times, do 10-star jumps every time you get out of your seat or jog on the spot while the kettle boils.

Exercise works wonders for releasing stress and clearing your head on a busy day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from your desk for a quick walk around the block or a 5-minute ab workout. Every evening, I clean up my desk, shut down my computer, and go for a walk to clear my head and disconnect. This helps me to be more present in my post-work hours and improves my sleep at night. No more lying awake thinking about business.

TIP FOUR - MEDITATION

Stay with me here guys because this one is important.

If Patrick can do it, you can too!

Ommmm’s the word! Meditation, whether in the form of yoga, prayer, journaling, or traditional meditation or my personal favourite guided meditation, helps to reprogram your body from a stressful fight-or-flight mode to peaceful alignment. Meditate on what you’re grateful for, or on what you have already accomplished, and let your mind wander away from the stress. I also love doing the square breathing exercise (breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4, repeat) when I find myself holding my breath or shallow breathing (which I find I do ALOT btw) and working in overdrive.

TIP FIVE - REMEMBER NOTHING IS URGENT

When I'm feeling a bit anxious I get an overwhelming feeling that everything is urgent and needs doing RIGHT NOW. In reality, I know this isn't the case but when I'm in those moments there is no reasoning happening. So I remember my square breathing and take a step back.

When you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and run down, the best thing you can do is to take a step back and assess the whole picture. Your mental and physical health has to take priority for your business to have sustainability and long-term success. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; and it doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or a “chore!” But the alternative—neglecting your wellness now—can stop you in your tracks ( just like it did me), throw off all of your productivity and forward motion, and make it so much harder to get it back. Trust me on this one. So shut your laptop, go draw yourself a bath, go on a walk, or unwind and watch a movie with your people. Your work can wait, it will all still be there in the morning and when you readdress it, you’ll be more focused and more efficient as a result. You not only deserve it…you need it.

Remember: stress is inevitable, but not uncontrollable! Integrating balance, wellness, and self-care into your life today will make you a healthier, more productive, and more successful entrepreneur in the long run. After all, life’s a marathon… not a sprint.

For more on mindset in business and tackling limiting beliefs make sure you check out our other blog posts here