Self-Care for New Side Hustlers: Tips and Strategies for Finding Balance

Self-Care for New Side Hustlers: Tips and Strategies for Finding Balance
About one in three American workers earns extra money by working a side hustle, helping to increase their annual salaries, save money for the future, pay off outstanding debts, and boost their career skills. And while these are all excellent reasons to start your own side hustle, juggling a side business can wreak havoc on your health and well-being if you’re not practicing self-care. Side hustling can lead to burnout, making you stressed, anxious, depressed, and much less productive at work.
To start your side hustle without hurting your physical, mental, and emotional health,
Practical Fitness for Functional Strength offers the following self-care tips and strategies for busy professionals.
First, Choose the Right Side Hustle
To truly succeed as a side hustler, it’s important to love what you’re doing. Don’t pursue a side hustle just because it’s lucrative and in-demand: Make sure you enjoy the work, will have the energy to show up for it after a busy week at the office, and can balance the side hustle with your day job.
You might also consider choosing a
side hustle that calms, relaxes, and energizes you. Side hustles that involve baking, writing, crafting, dog walking, or pet sitting can feel a lot like self-care for some, or you could deliver groceries, maintain lawns and gardens, or plan events for clients.
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Fresh Air
In addition to choosing the right side hustle for you, it’s important to make sure you’re stepping outside for some fresh air — especially if you work indoor jobs and are frequently exposed to hazards such as dust mites, mold, fragrances, smoke, pesticides, and strong household cleaners. Spending just 120 minutes in nature each week has been linked to improved health and well-being, but 60 minutes a day is even better.
If your schedule is so busy that you forget to step outside each day, try setting up daily reminders on your phone. Step outside for a walk, a quick workout, or lounge outside with a book or magazine.
Apps like dminder can also be used to track your sun exposure and vitamin D levels. Just make sure to
apply sunscreen if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun, or wear protective hats and sunglasses. You could even
bring your work outside if either of your jobs enables you to work from home.
Manage Excess Stress and Anxiety
Burnout is possible when you’re working a side hustle, but managing anxiety and looking for ways to reduce stress will help to prevent yourself from becoming physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. Here are a few strategies to manage excess stress and anxiety while working a side hustle:
Give online therapy a try. You may not have the time to meet face-to-face with a therapist, which makes virtual therapy an excellent option. Online therapy services are not only private and secure, but they’re convenient, affordable, and easier to fit into your busy schedule. When looking at pricing options, be sure to compare the profiles of licensed providers, and check to see whether complimentary consultations are offered.
Try an in-home fitness program. To stay physically fit and healthy — and look after your mental health — it’s important to make time for exercise. Practical Fitness offers in-home coaching services to fit your busy schedule as a side hustler, helping you to reduce stress, optimize your nutrition, and achieve your fitness goals.
Put your phone away. Being “on” all the time may sound like a good thing when you’re a busy side hustler, but excessive use of smartphone devices reduces sleep quality and increases stress and anxiety. As such, it’s best to put your phone away at least an hour before bedtime, and instead use this time to meditate, journal, practice yoga, or soak in a hot bath.
Become a More Efficient Side Hustler
As you launch your side hustle and learn to juggle two jobs, you’ll find that increasing your efficiency each day will allow you to make more time for self-care. Use apps like Freedom to block distracting apps and websites during the workday; keep your workspace clean and free of clutter; and manage work projects and tasks with apps such as Trello, Evernote, and Todoist.
Starting a side hustle can be a great way to bring in some extra cash, but a larger salary shouldn’t come at the expense of your health and well-being. It’s important to make time for self-care no matter how busy you are with your side hustle, because ultimately, good health is your greatest wealth!
Are you ready to kickstart your fitness routine? The certified personal trainers at
Practical Fitness for Functional Strength have your back. Contact us to schedule your free consultation:
practicalfitness.co/contact;
nathan@practicalfitness.co;
336-954-6395
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Author: Katie Conroy
