We deserve more than crumbs: the art of self care for female entrepreneurs
In the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, pouring all our energy into building our businesses and dreams. As female entrepreneurs, we wear many hats and juggle countless responsibilities, often at the expense of our own well-being. But I know from experience that taking time for yourself isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. There is a power in filling up our own cups and prioritising our wellness, let me explain…
The importance of self care for female entrepreneurs
As female entrepreneurs, we're no strangers to the challenges of balancing work and personal life. The pressure to succeed, the constant demands of running a business and the never-ending to-do lists can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. That's why prioritising self care is essential—not only for our physical and mental health but also for the success of our businesses and/or being able to look after our families in the way we want to.
When we take care of ourselves, we're better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way and to show up as our best selves in both our personal and professional lives.
My creative journey outside of work:
A while ago I listened to an episode of Dr. Sophie Brock’s Good Enough Mother Podcast featuring therapist Anna Mathur. Something Anna said really struck a chord with me—as mothers and entrepreneurs, we often give so much of ourselves to others, leaving us with nothing but the crumbs.
But we deserve more than just the crumbs; we deserve to live and enjoy our lives fully. This resonated deeply with me, and it got me thinking about my own journey of prioritising self-care.
Over the past few years, I've made a conscious effort to carve out time for myself and to pursue activities that bring me joy and fulfilment. One of my greatest sources of joy has been my ceramics course. Despite the demands of my business and the challenges of finding the time and energy to devote to this hobby, I've discovered that it's SO worth it—more than worth it, in fact. Taking the time to do something just for me has been incredibly rewarding and it's had a really big impact on my overall well-being (and my crockery cupboard!)
How my creative pursuits make me better at my job
My creative hobbies (which alongside ceramics also include knitting, wallpapering, gardening, jewellery making and renovating furniture!) have also made me a better designer. Engaging in creative pursuits outside of work has enriched my life in so many ways and has helped me approach my design work with fresh eyes and renewed passion. Exploring different artistic mediums, techniques, and perspectives has inspired me to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of my creativity - my curious mind will not rest until I've found a solution to a problem! It's given me the space to experiment, find inspiration, get resourceful and grow as a designer.
Tips for incorporating self care into your routine
If you're feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, I want you to know that you're not alone. It's okay (actually, essential) to prioritise yourself and to carve out time for activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Here are a few tips for incorporating self-care into your busy schedule:
Make self care a priority: I find that actually scheduling in time into my planner for self care activities helps - whether it's simply going for a walk, going to the gym, or purely fun creative time.
Set boundaries: Learn to say ‘no thanks’ to things that drain your energy and say ‘yes please!” to things that bring you joy and fulfilment
Practice mindfulness: Take time each day to slow down, breathe and connect with yourself. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or journaling to quiet your mind and reduce stress.
Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you and create a supportive environment that helps you feel positive and grow.
Celebrate your successes: Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. One of my favourite people, women’s coach Sophie French, encourages us all to have a ‘Ta-Da list’ instead of a ‘To-Do list’ - celebrating your successes will build your confidence and motivation and remind you of how far you've come. Go you!
Remember you deserve a whole piece of the cake, not just the crumbs!
As female entrepreneurs, we have the power to create the lives and businesses of our dreams—but we can't do it alone. We must prioritise our wellbeing and make time for ourselves, so we can show up as our best selves in both our personal and professional lives.
So, I encourage you to consider how you could take a step back, breathe and fill up your own cup. Because when you take care of yourself, you're better able to take care of your business—and that's something worth celebrating.
Love, Tamsin x
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