Self Care Isn’t Selfish By Karla McDiarmid

It sure has been a crazy whirlwind few years for the entire world, so my question to you all is... When was the last time you took time out for you and actually 100% switched off from the outside world?

It’s a very sad reality that more than 90% of business owners rarely get a holiday let alone a holiday where they can switch off completely from running their business.

Exercise and our general health also greatly suffers, with so many in our industry working 12 hour + shifts to try to look after customers, cover sick days and staff shortages. Supposedly business owners have all of the freedoms in the world, endless money, and no bills but we know this is simply not reality. Not looking after yourself affects everyone around you especially your family who rely on you the most.

The reality is the past few years most business owners tanks are beyond empty, sadly we are running on the daily wheel and there just isn’t a break where you can even jump off for air. The bills are never ending, the staff shortages are so widespread into almost every industry that it truly will take many many years to catch up if we even can! Guilt from not being able to pay your bills, guilt for not being able to fit clients in when they want or cancelling guests due to unexpected sick days is real and this stress does add up and will affect your health.

Most of us will all know fellow business owners who are unwell, unhappy, and not coping. Right now, it is more important than ever before to reach out to one another and offer support as we see more salons and clinics up for sale or closing down then we have ever witnessed before.

There are many ways in which we can look after ourselves better including:

Book your next holiday – TODAY!

Life is short and you have worked so hard the past few years have been exhausting mentally and physically – it’s time to enjoy some time just for you or with your loved ones. Ensure your social media and marketing is being looked after so you can switch off completely from social and just take time out for you.

Book a retreat or time at a health spa.

Australia has some fabulous health retreats with some of my personal favourites Elysia in the Hunter Valley NSW, Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria, and Gwinganna in Queensland. I know our Western Australians love going to Bali in particular for retreats, but this is the perfect time to try the locations on our doorstep and a great referral to give to your own customers in your business too as our customers are also running on empty and may need some time out.

Yoga & Pilates

The power of breath is incredible for wellbeing. I certainly have noticed a HUGE increase in Pilates studios across Australia. If you are feeling stressed, tired or rundown Pilates , yoga or stretch classes will be perfect for you and it’s fabulous for fitness too for all levels! Yoga for stiffies in my town is a hoot for the over 50’s and lets them use a chair so no matter how flexible you are there is also options. Don’t forget to contact and partner with your local Pilates / yoga studio and even do a contra for facials or if you have a team and the Pilates studio does as well, they might book some group sessions or one on ones for some relax time for all of you as a team to enjoy. Never forget the power of networking and building relationships with others whilst at the same time looking after yourself care.

Visit a fellow local salon / spa / clinic:

When did you last have a facial? Are you using the same skincare for years now – maybe you need a new skin consult and homecare prescription for yourself and again support other local business in your area – talk to your accountant on how these could be part of your training programs and incentives not just for you but your entire team and at the same time you are focused on self-care. Maybe it’s a pedicure night or you all get your nails done – it’s amazing how good you feel after leaving work and being pampered outside of your work.

Start a new hobby:

Get creative to de-stress. Have you ever tried painting, ceramics, or floral design? Many people are taking up new hobbies that help them to relax and also help them to make new friends but give them time to unwind and be in the moment and just do their own thing at their own pace. Many of these hobbies have business’s that host retreats too – I know in my local area the scrapbooking retreat is a waitlist only affair each year it’s so popular!

There are many ways in which we can look after ourselves and each other but the toughest part is recognising we aren’t ok and saying it out aloud that we need to stop, rest and recharge.

I often say to my own team – how can we be recommending treatment plans for customers if we aren’t receiving a treatment plan for our own skin.

Once we get past this hurdle and allow ourselves time to breath, refresh and rejuvenate our entire body you will physically, mentally and spiritually thrive again but it can take time and it starts with you.

You’ve got this Karla x