Balancing Self-Care and Productivity as a Creative Online Business Owner

As a creative online business owner, maintaining a balance between self-care and professionalism is essential. This past year I wanted to focus on getting more sleep, which led to me completely changing my morning routine and work schedule. By waking up naturally without an alarm, I've been able to enjoy a calmer and more relaxed start to my day.

In my experience, I focus better in the afternoon and evening. Knowing that, I take my time in the mornings to connect with friends and spend quality time with my dog. Those early hours filled with comfort are in stark contrast to how I used to feel. In a previous business I ran, the industry and customer base made mornings the best time for important sales. I often had trouble falling asleep thinking about morning calls, and the stress and anxiety I felt affected my confidence throughout the day. Also, because I tend to hyperfocus and have trouble leaving a task until it's completed, putting relaxation first in my day ensures I don't overwork. I start to feel sleepy as the sun goes down and it gets closer to evening, which is my cue to start winding down for the day. At first it was hard to disconnect from the idea that being productive means starting bright and early and working from 9-5. But I can't argue with the results I'm seeing: making quick work of challenging projects, and feeling calm and optimistic on the job.

My most used kitchen appliance for perfect coffee in the mornings.

Earlier this year, I splurged on an espresso machine, which has quickly become a cherished part of my morning routine. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee not only sparks joy but also ignites my creativity. It's incredible how one perfect cup can provide the comfort needed to face the day. While I often think about adding more leisure activities, like practicing an instrument or doing yoga, at this stage in my business I'm really channeling all my energy into it. In future months I hope I can feel ready to add even more hobbies and self-care activities during my off hours.

Sometime between 1-3 PM, I start to get ready for the day. Even though I work from home, I believe in dressing as if anything could happen. This simple act sets the day's tone, making me feel prepared and ready to tackle my responsibilities.

For me, wearing makeup goes beyond aesthetics. It's a form of self-expression that boosts my confidence and aligns my mindset with my daily goals. I also love curating outfits that reflect my personality and embrace new possibilities. Plus, I make sure to look camera-ready for spontaneous social media posts!

A common pitfall I observe among remote workers is the tendency to let their excitement and professionalism slip. Just because we're not in a physical office doesn't mean we should lower our standards. Creating an engaging home environment has significant advantages, keeping me organized and making "going to work" something I genuinely look forward to each day.

To enhance productivity, I focus on building effective systems. I have put effort into both the physical space in which I work, and my digital online working environment. I keep on top of cleaning and de-cluttering, and keep supplies I need within reach. I've always been passionate about productivity software, and am currently in a monogamous relationship with Notion App in terms of productivity software. Discovering Notion was game changing for me, saving me money and time now that I can do so much from a single platform to organize and complete my business projects.

Especially in a creative field, mental health and mindset is impossible to fake. Luckily, this allows me to prioritize my wellbeing, reaping the benefits both personally and professionally. Even though I feel off to a great start, balancing self-care and productivity in online business is an ongoing journey. Over time, I've become aware that there never is one "best way" to work that you figure out and keep doing forever. For me, and probably for a lot of people, the best thing to do is just keep taking stock of what's working and what isn't. As your personal needs change, you can reflect that by making changes to your routine. Cutting through the heaps of hyper-specific productivity advice, and looking beyond the traditional ways of working, the most important thing is really to listen to yourself. If you're making measurable progress towards your goals and feel that your work is emotionally sustainable, that's all that matters. Here’s to more mindful mornings and inspiring days ahead!