In one episode I welcome an owner of a Luxe Massage and Spa, Chelsea Power, LMT.
Luxe Massage specializes in nurturing, customized treatments that help guests achieve peace of mind in a serene atmosphere. Founded in 2000, Luxe Massage and Spa has been serving Portland, Oregon, customers with professional, deeply relaxing treatments.
During the conversation we discussed the importance of Self-Care: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success and Longevity.
What is Self-Care, and Why Should Entrepreneurs Care?
Self-care is the practice of taking time to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. For entrepreneurs, who often face long hours, high stress, and financial pressures, self-care is not just a luxury—it’s essential.
But why? How does self-care lead to entrepreneurial success, and how can a lack of it contribute to the downfall of a business?
The statistics speak for themselves: only 58% of small businesses survive beyond three years. Stress and burnout are significant contributors to this reality.
According to a survey by Entrepreneur.com, 57% of small business owners report above-average stress, and 80% admit that cash flow issues negatively impact their mental well-being. It’s a harsh truth, but it's not surprising.
61% of working Americans experience chronic work-related stress
Many entrepreneurs I’ve had on the podcast have opened up about the toll that running a business can take on their mental health and well-being. Long days, sleepless nights, and the constant pressure to succeed are all too familiar to anyone who’s ventured into the world of entrepreneurship.
And let’s be honest: if the entrepreneur is not functioning at their best, the business will suffer.
The Impact of Stress on Entrepreneurs
According to Entrepreneur.com, over 50% of business owners work nine-hour-plus days, and 43% work weekends. But here’s the kicker: working long hours doesn't necessarily mean you're being productive.
If you’re running on fumes, you’re likely spinning your wheels and making less progress. Overworking without self-care leads to burnout, and burnout can be fatal for both the entrepreneur and the business.
When building your business strategy, it’s critical to include wellness—not just for yourself, but for your team, colleagues, and even your loved ones. But how does self-care directly benefit an entrepreneur?
How Self-Care Leads to Entrepreneurial Success
Stress Relief: Stress is inevitable, but managing it is crucial. Incorporating self-care helps activate your body’s natural relaxation response, reducing cortisol and adrenaline levels. According to Jess McCallum, a clinical psychologist, this lowers stress levels and keeps you grounded, helping you perform better under pressure.
Improved Clarity and Creativity: Feeling overwhelmed and juggling multiple tasks is a surefire way to cloud your judgment and kill creativity. Taking short breaks throughout the day—a 10-minute meditation, a 15-minute walk, or even reading a book—can improve focus and mental clarity. With a clearer mind, you’ll be able to think more strategically and creatively about your business.
Increased Productivity: Self-care isn’t about pampering; it’s about refueling. When you prioritize your health, you become more efficient and effective in your work. That’s time well spent.
Only 58% of small businesses survive beyond three years
Scheduling Self-Care into Your Routine
Let’s face it: if we don’t plan for self-care, it’s easy to push it aside.
We tell ourselves we’re too busy, but if we look at our screen time on our phones, we can probably find a few minutes to spare. Just like any business task, you have to schedule self-care into your day—otherwise, it won’t happen.
Self-Care Beyond the Entrepreneur
It’s not just the entrepreneur who needs self-care. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence, 61% of working Americans experience chronic work-related stress.
As a result, more companies are implementing wellness programs, and employees are taking note.
Millennials, in particular, are driving this shift.
As Roseann Bennett, Executive Director and co-founder of the Center for Assessment and Treatment, noted, “Millennials demand more workplace benefits that help them live more secure, promising lives. Self-care themes are becoming ingrained in every facet of our lives.”
Self-Care as a Business Practice
From a business perspective, prioritizing self-care fosters a positive environment both socially and financially. It’s not just about creating a good atmosphere—it also makes economic sense.
The World Health Organization and the American Institute of Stress estimate that stress costs American businesses around $300 billion annually. Implementing self-care practices in your business can mitigate these costs and improve overall productivity.
50% of business owners work nine-hour-plus days, and 43% work weekends
As Roseann Bennett pointed out, “Implementing self-care business practices not only helps you and others feel better, but it can also help the economy feel better, too.”
Final Thoughts
As entrepreneurs, we’re often driven by the desire to succeed, but success at the expense of our health is unsustainable. Self-care is not just a personal issue; it’s a business strategy that can improve your mental clarity, reduce stress, and ultimately lead to greater productivity and business success.
The bottom line is this: self-care isn’t just good for you—it’s good for your business. Make it a priority, not an afterthought, and you’ll see the benefits both personally and professionally.
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