How self-care improves your business

Whether you’re training to become a complementary therapist, or you’re already working in the industry, it’s likely that working with people is something you love.

As natural helpers and healers, a lot of your time will be dedicated to others and working with other people’s energies.

This is, of course, an enjoyable part of the job, but it can be emotionally and energetically draining.

At the beginning of your career, when you’re studying, perhaps working another job and trying to build a business, self-care can slip down the list of priorities.

When this happens, it can be easy to get burnt out and even though you’re working in the well-being world, you may not be taking care of your own well-being. Some of you may think that it’s part and parcel of starting your own business, but we’re here to argue otherwise.

We believe self-care and looking after yourself is key to a successful business. Here are a few reasons why:

• Looking after your health will help you feel physically healthier, meaning less sick days.
• Having enough relaxation in your schedule will offer you the mental space required to take on other’s energies.
• More relaxation and better quality of sleep will increase your energy levels so you feel more productive/efficient.
• Less stress and intrusive thoughts will allow you to focus on your client, not your to-do list.

If you’re struggling to put yourself first or find you are especially sensitive to other people’s energies, we’ve put together a few tips to help you find the balance.

Avoid empathy burn-out

Working with other people and talking about their struggles can take its toll. While we would never suggest putting a hard wall up between yourself and your client, it is important to protect yourself from empathy burn-out.

Try to recognise when this is happening. For example, do you find yourself thinking about your clients’ struggles when you’re away from the office?

Mindfully consider your response. Empathy is when we resonate with someone else’s feelings, compassion is one of the reactions we can choose to make. Compassion allows you to balance caring about others with caring about yourself.

Realise that, ultimately, you can’t change others or their circumstances. You can help them and guide them through therapeutic techniques, but it is them who must make the change.

Prioritise self-care

Start putting yourself at the top of your to-do list! Schedule time for relaxation and family time. Consider visiting a complementary therapist yourself and create a support network of others in the industry. Together you can discuss tips and ideas of how to balance self-care with work.

How do you take care of yourself at work? Join the conversation on Facebook!