STARTING A SIDE HUSTLE

I am delighted to welcome another guest blogger this week – Sheila Johnson. Her contribution comes with plenty of useful links.
The topic is “How to Make Time for Self-Care While Starting a Side Hustle”

What on earth is a side hustle?

Google tells me that it is “a part-time job or occupation undertaken in addition to one’s regular employment”.
Starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn extra income and pursue another passion alongside your primary career. However, juggling a job plus a side gig isn’t easy. It’s important to leave time on your agenda for self-care activities like exercise. Otherwise, you run the risk of burning out.

Exercise Fitness and Health gives people the information they need to maintain a healthy life through physical activity. Read on to learn how you can make time for self-care while starting a side hustle.

Carve out time for self-care by outsourcing basic business tasks 

Streamlining your business operations can help free up your time, giving you the valuable hours you need to devote to self-care. Outsourcing is one great way to do this. Many small businesses trust others to handle tasks like social media, accounting, and content marketing. This allows you to focus on your core business competencies.

You can also get help with the steps required to get your side hustle off the ground. For example, when you first set up your alternative income stream, you’ll likely want to register it as a formal business entity like a limited liability company, LLC. A business formation service like ZenBusiness can help you get set up and is more affordable than an attorney. 

Combine fun and fitness with group workouts 

Exercise is an essential component of self-care, reducing your risk of various illnesses from diabetes to heart disease. However, finding time for a workout isn’t always easy. Simplify matters by joining a group exercise class with a friend. You’ll kill two birds with one stone—socializing and exercising—and have a blast while you’re doing it. 

There are also practical benefits to working out with other people. According to NBC News, research suggests that exercising in a group boosts motivation, inspiring people to work out harder and longer. Additionally, you’ll have added accountability when you know that others are depending on you to show up every week.

Set a regular sleep schedule and stick to it 

Sleep gives your brain and body the rest needed for peak performance. Without sufficient sleep, you may feel tired and irritable. What’s more, a lack of sleep can cause health problems over time, such as an increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. 

Set yourself a strict bedtime and stick to it. When that hour rolls around, quit working on your side hustle and hit the hay. Harvard recommends some tricks to help yourself fall asleep faster, such as using a white noise machine and hanging black-out curtains to block out light. Also, try to finish exercising at least three hours before bed.

Develop a daily routine that includes 15 minutes of self-care

In addition to setting a regular bedtime, incorporate at least 15 minutes of “me” time into your daily routine. Use this timeframe to do something that doesn’t serve any specific purpose, other than it makes you feel good. Meditation is a great option. Research shows that just 15 minutes of meditation can help alleviate anxiety and boost your mood.

 If you’ve never meditated before, you can turn to technology for help. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided practices for beginners that can get you started. Still not feeling it? Don’t force yourself. Use your 15 minutes for something you enjoy, like listening to your favorite music, going for a brisk walk, or reading a book.

Starting a side hustle is an exciting prospect. However, it can also be time-consuming. Follow the tips above to ensure you are making time for yourself and staying fit.

For more content about exercise and self-care, check out the Exercise Fitness and Health blog.