Small Business self care for people-centered, physical jobs
How I take care of myself as a small business owner and maker. My work is at times very physical (studio operations), sometimes isolating (computer work), and often emotionally demanding (teaching – which I love!). Here are some of my strategies for taking care of my body, mind and spirit.
Taking care of my body…
Bodywork. I have four bodyworkers I know and trust to help me with injuries, chronic pain and strength training. From acupuncture, strength training and mobility - click here to learn about my favorite bodyworkers in Oakland.
Skincare. I am new to skincare, but find it to be such a peaceful, regenerative way to love myself. Clay constantly dries out my skin; wearing a mask affects my cheeks and chin, woodworking can be hard on the hands and arms (and hair – sawdust!). I have a skincare routine that makes me feel ready for the day in the morning and soothes me into sleepiness at night. Thanks to Noelle at De La Derma (where I got my first facial!), I went from hardly ever washing my face (whoops) to having a go-to cleanser, toner, serum, oil and moisturizer.
Self-massage. I use a stainless steel Gua Sha for my face, neck, hands and forearms (recommended by my massage therapist at Wildheart Bodywork!). I have a theracane for the knots in my back and a theragun for the tension in my arms and legs. I use a foam roller for my quads and my back.
A fully stocked kitchenette. I have trouble remembering to eat; I also have a very quick metabolism and need small, frequent snacks. I keep the studio fridge and pantry stocked with protein-rich snacks, fruits and veggies and ramen fixings for easy meals.
Fancy water. I also have trouble remembering to drink water; to encourage myself, I have a fancy tumbler in my favorite color, bitters, ice, tea and other beverages like seltzer or kombucha in the fridge. I also use a handy tool that lets me pee without having to take off my jump suit! It’s fun and gender-affirming for me to use, and funnily enough encourages me to be hydrated because it feels more novel to pee.
Sleep. I protect my sleep fiercely. I use an eye mask, noise machine, box fan and ear plugs to try and sleep through the night (my neighborhood is a bit noisy); if I sleep poorly I make time to nap if I can.
Taking care of my mind…
This is a work in progress, to be honest. I struggle with that feeling of “I’m not doing enough.” I struggle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism and feelings of low-self worth. To try and keep my mind healthy as an entrepreneur wearing all the hats with a never-ending to do list, here’s what I do…
Go for a walk. Classic – when your mind is reeling, it’s good to go into the three dimensional world. When I walk or hike I often come to conclusions, make connections, or zone out and just feel better. I walk around the neighborhood, interact with strangers, appreciate beautiful gardens, peruse miniature libraries, stumble upon chance and reconnect with the flow of life.
Learn about new “unrelated” things. Rather than obsess over marketing and accounting (business aspects that start to stress me out and make me feel bad about not being good enough), I give my brain a treat and learn about geology, car repair, power tools or puppets. Letting my brain play infuses my work with joy. Sometimes these “distractions” fold into Waveform or other projects.
Rest. I make time to do nothing. Sometimes I’m on my feet and hyper-focusing on the studio for 8 – 12 hours at a time – laying on the couch or zoning out on my balcony is key.
Taking care of my spirit…
Affirmations & the written word. I write a list of all the things I enjoy doing and feel good at (business-wise). I write a letter of appreciation to the employee of the month (me) and tape it to my mirror. I write down goals and dreams and read them every day. When these goals and dreams manifest it feels like magic and I cry. I write down stories and share them with my community.
Phone a friend. Even though I interact with all kinds of people in all kinds of contexts, running a small business can still feel isolating. I may spend eight hours testing out different booking systems or weeding through my financials. That much time alone and on the computer can make me feel a little insane. If I notice I’ve been in my head or on the computer for too long, I break the silence with a quick call to one of my favorites.
Comedy. I have core values for the studio that I treat as a compass for any long-term plans or initiatives. I also have personal core values that drive my life: humor is one of them! Watching stand-up (or trying it myself!), enjoying funny shows like SNL, John Stewart, John Oliver, or turning a mishap into a story to entertain myself and loved ones renews my spirit.
Small business besties. Having a few friends who also run businesses is life changing. Commiserating over the rollercoaster, encouraging one another, listening and learning from one another.
Alone time in nature. I love being with you in the studio. I do my best to be present and give my all. I need to recharge, and prepare, to be so available! I hike by myself in the redwoods or go up north for a day and spend time by water. Connecting with nature on my own fills me with a sense of joy, freedom and peace.
Deeper education. I connect with my purpose when I read about neuropsychology & neuroaesthetics, trauma-informed care, art education and teaching from the heart. Unplugging from the business but continuing to connect with my purpose through reading fills my spirit.
