Finding calm in the chaos: tips for small business owners

We don’t have to tell you this, but small business owners are constantly having to navigate a whirlwind of responsibilities, deadlines and curveballs. The constant hustle to grow and sustain your brand can take a massive toll on both your physical and mental health. That’s why it’s essential to maintain a sense of balance and wellbeing amidst the chaos. Read on to discover how, as a small business owner, you can carve out some zen to stay focused, inspired and resilient in your entrepreneurial journey! 

To-do lists and time management

Life as a small business owner is a constant juggle of multiple hats and a long-list of to-dos. That’s why effective time management and prioritisation is crucial to ensure deadlines are met and your operations keep running smoothly. 

How to stay on top of everything? Write it down! Whether you’re a pen and paper person or prefer online time management tools, such as Trello, we suggest creating a to-do list for both your business day and personal life. That way, you can allocate time for critical tasks, while also making time for yourself. Try putting down all your jobs for the next day just before you go to bed at night, so you’re not kept up, tossing and turning, stressing about everything you have to do! 

Delegate, delegate, delegate

How many times have you said ‘I’ll just do it myself’ since becoming a business owner? While it can seem easier to do tasks yourself, it’s rarely more effective. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and entrust others with tasks that align with their skills. 

By investing in employees or outsourcing – such as using 2iC for your marketing and communications – you’re setting yourself up for long-term growth and success. With more time on your hands, you can focus on scaling your business for bigger and better things.

Get your sweat on

After you’ve been chasing your tail all day as a small business owner, it can be a no-brainer to skip the gym in favour of a few episodes of your favourite Netflix show. However, getting your sweat on is a great way to relieve stress, clear your mind and boost your overall well-being. 

Try to incorporate 30-minutes of movement into your daily schedule. Whether it’s a walk on your lunch break (yep, we said lunch break – more on this later), yoga when you wake up or an afternoon jog – prioritising exercise will give you a physical and mental pick-me-up!

Set social media boundaries – and stick to them 

Social media is the cornerstone of modern businesses. From connecting with customers to promoting your products and services, it offers a perpetual portal to your business. The flipside? It can also be a major drain on your time and a major source of stress – we’ve all been guilty of a doom scroll at one point or another!

As a business owner, it can feel like you always need to be online – but that’s not realistic. Try setting daily hours to be accessible via social media, and turn off your notifications (or log out) outside of these. And don’t log straight back into your personal account! Take an hour or two to indulge in a relaxing activity that doesn’t require the incessant buzz of your phone. From cleaning your house, to heading out on a walk, reading or catching up with friends – there are endless ways to engage outside the silver screen. 

If you’re truly up for a challenge, try uninstalling your social media apps from your phone over the weekend. Completely removing the temptation will do wonders for your mental wellness, relationships and perspective. Even doing this occasionally can give you a much-needed relax and reset, getting you ready to tackle the next work week! 

Take breaks

How many times have you eaten at your desk over the past week? We get it – what starts as the occasional lunch quickly becomes a daily occurrence. After all, it’s pretty easy to smash out some emails while you’re munching! But, scheduling regular breaks can work wonders for your mental clarity and productivity throughout the day. 

You’ve probably heard the phenomenon of the 20-minute power nap. While you may not be able to stretch out on the clock, you can emulate the ‘quick revitalisation’ by sitting down with your favourite beverage, heading outside for some fresh air or using your brain in a different way – such as a puzzle or crossword. Whether you take 5 minutes or an hour, switching your brain off can bring back the buzz you need to finish off the day on top. 

Being a small business owner is by no means an easy feat. But, at the end of the day, investing time in yourself is investing time in your business. Try incorporating these zen practices into your routine over the next few weeks, and watch as you become more focussed, more creative and (way) more productive.

Here at 2iC, we’re all about taking a (big) task off your to-do list to help you take care of yourself and run your business at its best! Visit our website or call us on 1300 483 950 today and embrace a second-in-charge for your marketing and business communications.