This is a short one, but the topic is oh-so important! You know how I feel about self-care!

I had to take some time away from the office this week for a medical appointment. I won’t go into detail, but as is the case with many different types of medical appointments, this was the type that isn’t very pleasant. The kind of thing we know we should be doing but tend to put off in favor of more enjoyable activities.

This year started out full speed ahead, and hasn’t slowed down yet. As a result, our team members have been quite busy. I could have easily called the doctor’s office and asked to reschedule this appointment but made the decision to put my Health first. It helps that I have a team in place to help me with things, so I can take days off when I need to.

As a business owner, it is important to me that my clients’ needs are well looked after. If I’ve got to work late into the night to finish a project, instead of going to a movie or out with friends, so be it. But, I’ve also learned throughout the years what types of things must come before business. Those things (for me) include my family and my health.

We read many articles nowadays about the importance of self-care, and that includes doing things not only for your mental and spiritual health, but your physical health as well.

For instance:

• Are you taking the time to fit exercise into your weekly routine?
• Are you preparing good, healthy meals, rich in vitamins and nutrients?
• Are you drinking lots of water?
• Are you trying to avoid excess sugar?
• Are you eliminating as much stress from your life as you possibly can?
• Are you booking those routine appointments we all need (physical examinations, screening tests, etc.)?
• When was your last eye test?
• Have you seen a dentist lately?

You might think, that’s a silly list, but is it? If you’re anything like me, you don’t like to take time out of your busy schedule to have your eyes checked or something as mundane as getting your teeth cleaned. Too many other important things to do … so you put it off until you can’t wait any longer.

Having a self-care routine is vital to the health and welfare a business owner. No matter how busy you are, you’ve got to continue to take care of yourself. It’s important to the health and welfare of both you AND your business to practice self-care, so you can be the very best you. This might be difficult for those of you reading this who are also parents of young children, or caregivers for aging parents. I know how challenging those roles can be. But, I also know that if you don’t make your health your business, nobody else will. And if something happens to you, what happens to your business?

If you’re working so hard you aren’t taking time to look after your health, may I ask … what are you waiting for?