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Hi, I’m Nikki. You might know me as the writer behind some of Durable’s blog posts, but I’m also a small business owner.
Over the last decade or so, I’ve built a career in marketing, spending much of that time as a self-employed, one-woman business. I’ve worked with multiple clients, juggled countless tasks, and gotten the freedom to set my schedule and work from anywhere.
But that also means “work any time, and from anywhere” can quickly turn into 11 p.m. on a Sunday night from bed.
No matter your industry, small business owners have one big thing in common: burnout can creep up on all of us.
According to a report by CapitalOne, nearly half (42%) of small business owners have experienced burnout, and 24% say they are currently experiencing burnout.
My hope for this article is to help other small business owners start prioritizing themselves. And no, that doesn’t mean waking up at dawn, taking a cold plunge, or running 10 miles before your morning calls. It’s about simple, meaningful changes you can weave into your routine to feel good.
Because when you feel good, your business does good.
Why Self-care for Business Owners Is an Essential, Not a Luxury
As small business owners, we face many of the same challenges as anyone in the workforce: wanting to do a good job, showing up for colleagues, and meeting deadlines.
On top of that, small business owners often wear multiple hats. Work-life balance tends to lean heavily toward “work,” and switching off can feel impossible — after all, if we’re not working, we’re not earning.
Taking care of your mental and physical health can have a big impact on the success of your business. When you feel good, you’re more productive, think more creatively, and make better decisions.
Research from the Journal of Happiness Studies shows that when entrepreneurs are happier and more satisfied with their work and life, they’re more likely to achieve business success — both financially and personally.
5 Easy Self-care Tips for Entrepreneurs
Feeling ready to make a few small changes that can have a big impact?
All of these self-care tips have been tried and tested by me, or they come with high recommendations from fellow self-employed friends and colleagues. What’s important is that you use what works for you.
Let’s get started.
Tip #1: Schedule Your Breaks Like They’re Business Appointments
Think of self-care as a meeting with your most valuable client: you. Block out time in your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable.
The Pomodoro Method is one of my go-to tools for staying on track. It’s super simple: you work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, you get a longer break, like 15–30 minutes. I love it because it keeps me focused without feeling drained, and those little breaks make it so much easier to power through the day without burning out.
I’d also recommend being open with your team or clients about your boundaries. If a meeting gets scheduled over your lunch break, try sending a friendly message like: “Would you mind if I postpone our meeting by 30 minutes? It overlaps with my lunch break and I promise I’ll be much more energized after some food!”
Tip #2: Try to Get Outside Once a Day
The internet is full of “entrepreneurial advice” about hitting the gym at 5 a.m. or taking meetings while running, but let’s be real — that’s not for everyone. And that’s okay.
Instead of worrying about joining a fitness class at dawn, focus on getting away from your desk and outside.
That could look like sitting in your backyard with a cup of coffee or taking a short walk around the block; the goal is to breathe fresh air and give your eyes a break from the screen. And if you can make it to the local dog park, you’re really winning.
This isn’t about achieving a fitness milestone; it’s about giving yourself a moment to reset and recharge.
Tip #3: Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life
Switching off is just as important as being switched on. Your brain needs time to rest and recover from the constant buzz of running a business.
Try setting clear boundaries by creating office hours and sticking to them. Let your clients know when you’re available and when you’re not.
And it doesn’t need to be as scary as it sounds. You can set up friendly, automatic email responses like: “Hi, I’m currently out of office and spending time with my family. I’ll reply when I’m back online tomorrow.”
This simple step can reassure you that your clients know you’ll get back to them, so you can truly switch off without guilt.
Another easy way to draw the line around work life is to automate some of your tasks. Whether that’s setting up systems to manage recurring tasks like invoicing or using AI assistants (like Durable!) to run tasks for you. For example, if your business website is built with Durable, you can create and auto-schedule blog posts to go live.
I also like to delete work apps like email, Slack, and social media from my phone over the weekend. If there’s an emergency, people can still contact me, but I’ve lost the urge to continuously refresh my inbox.
Tip #4: Build a Support Network
Running a business can be a lonely place. Sure, friends and family are often our biggest cheerleaders, but they may not fully understand the challenges we face — like filing complex tax returns or navigating tricky client demands.
This is why connecting with other entrepreneurs is so valuable. Join online communities, attend local meetups, or find a mentor who understands what you’re going through.
I’ve found sharing experiences and advice (and yes, sure, venting a little, too!) can make running a business feel a lot less isolating.
Not sure where to start? Your local libraries might run small business programs or startup support sessions. Facebook Groups might also be a good option for finding organizations in your local area that support small businesses.
Tip #5: Find Activities to Slow Your Mind Down
You’ve probably come across some self-care tips that suggest meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises — but what if that just isn’t your thing?
Instead, think of small pockets of personal time that can help focus your mind on something other than work tasks. That can be cooking, gardening, sewing, jogging, woodworking, swimming, reading — anything that brings you joy and gives your brain a rest from the internal chatter that comes with running a business.
For me, discovering pottery has been a game-changer. When you’re wrestling with a lump of clay on a pottery wheel, you don’t have time to think about that invoice you forgot to send.
I know self-care can feel like a luxury when you’re running a business. You might feel guilty for taking time for yourself or worry it’ll make you seem unproductive. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your business. So it’s about time you give it a go.
P.S. If you’re a small business owner looking for more tips on how to build a business — without stress — and with the help of AI, you can sign up for the Durable newsletter. You’ll get all our best content delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here →
