A Guide to Self-Care for Creative Entrepreneurs 

This is not your average self-care guide where I tell you to take a break or go on vacation – this is a guide to self-care for creative entrepreneurs that involves looking at what you really want from your business, how to maintain it, and how to live the lifestyle you want while doing it.

I will forever advocate for entrepreneurs to take breaks, and I’m a strong believer that “small business owners don’t need vacations” is a work hard, hustle harder piece of propaganda. We are people, too – we deserve to enjoy our work, enjoy our life, and stop stressing about everything and anything because our brains are too burnt out to function.

I stepped back from my six-figure business, got a job in the corporate world, and set my business to the side for a minute – and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Now, I’m working towards an even better opportunity, putting passion back into my own business, and I’m embracing the freedom I feel doing what I love. I want to share with you what I’ve learned on that journey and how it can help you focus on your own self-care as an entrepreneur.

What Does Self-Care Mean for Creative Entrepreneurs?

If self-care isn’t taking breaks, planning facials, and going on vacation, what is it? Self-care as an entrepreneur should focus on both your physical and mental well-being inside and outside of your business. 

You don’t suddenly beat burn-out because you clocked out for the day; you have to look at how you’re working in your business. You have to focus on your environment, your systems, how you’re treating yourself, how you’re operating… It all plays into how you feel and function.

When you do projects or how you do projects can change how you feel just as much as whether you’re getting time outside or sleeping a full 6-10 hours at night (women should actually get closer to 9 hours, according to a Harvard study). And, on the topic of sleep, an increase in stress and anxiety can lead to sleep problems – showing just how your work can impact your health and vice versa.

Essentially, if you’re working to improve and focus on your self-care as an entrepreneur, you have to look at the whole picture, not just a portion.

Why Does Self-Care Matter?

You know what it means and a little bit about why it matters – but here’s the full story behind how much your self-care can impact you as an entrepreneur. In fact, 20% of startups fail due to challenges with the mental and physical health of the founder [Built In 2023]. 

Self-care is supposed to help you manage your stress and anxiety, both of which can have huge impacts on your work. The higher your stress, the worse your productivity and your creativity. So, if thinking about the personal benefits of self-care isn’t enough to convince you, think about your client experience. 

A less-stressed and more relaxed you leads to improved productivity, creativity, and an overall better client experience.

Health-wise, focusing on your self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy [NIMH]. Every little thing you do that focuses on your self-care can have a huge impact on your mental and physical health (and your daily life).

How You Can Focus on and Improve Your Self-Care as a Creative Entrepreneur

There are limitless ways to focus on and improve your self-care as an individual and creative entrepreneur – many of which are specific to you! What brings one person joy and peace might not be the same for another. But, I’m sharing what I’ve found to work for me and other entrepreneurs I know.

Take these tips as they are or build on them to create something of your own – they’re here to help YOU in whatever way you need them to.

Know Your Business, Know Your Why

The phrase “finding clarity” might be overused in the online space, but that’s exactly what I want to recommend – find clarity in why you’re running your business and what your goals are. Figure out what you want from being a business owner and if what you’re doing now is working – or not. 

Sit down and journal or read a book to help you rethink your business; little things can bring the most insight.

Work on Your Space

A self-care tip I love and recommend is to spend time in your space. You want to make the area that you work in one that you love and enjoy working in. Fill the space with items that bring comfort and joy.

And if you don’t have a dedicated space, now is the time to find one, whether that’s a dedicated desk in the corner of your room or an office just for you. You’re not limited to only working in this space, but it’s perfect for a home base and work reset.

Focus on How You Work

Look at where you’re spending the most time in your business, and if that aligns with your goals – are you spending more time in marketing when you would rather be doing on-site photography? Are you spending more time on social media when you would rather be focusing on your client experience?

Find places where you can outsource or automate using systems. One of the first things I recommend automating is appointment scheduling; you can check out three of my favorite schedulers here.

Focus on How You’re Not Working

What does that mean? It means what are you doing when you’re “not” working. Are you still checking your phone for client emails? Are you checking socials and trying to engage with your community? Are you doing something that isn’t working, like a hobby?

The time you’re spending out of your business is just as important as how you’re spending time out of your business – remember, we’re business owners, and we get to set our own rules.

What Does Your Body Say?

You have to work with your body. Being attuned to your body’s signals is a skill, but it’s one you have to learn as an entrepreneur (I cheat a little and get the help of an Oura Ring). Your body will tell you when you can handle more – and when you can’t.

Some entrepreneurs find it’s easier to work with your cycle, and some love to work by following their star signs. Experiment and find something that works for you!

Change it up!

You’re not stuck doing something one way forever – something that used to work for you might not work now, and that’s okay, it’s just time to change it up. Try something new or change up your usual routine. You might find that it’ll give you the little boost of creativity and confidence you need.

Many of us get into business because we love having autonomy over our businesses – and we tend to forget that when we’re burnt out. Changing it up helps you embrace that autonomy and reminds you of the control you have over your business.

As my last thought, I want to mention that you can absolutely take a vacation (or staycation) if you need one, but it’s not a sustainable self-care plan you need as a creative entrepreneur. If you ever need a little help figuring out how to do the “self-care thing,” I have something coming for you – but for now, head over and connect on IG @maliquea.starnes (you’ll get the latest updates).