How to Stop Feeling Guilty About Self-Care and Finally Build a Balanced Life Without Ever Losing Focus on Your Business
Hey Friends,
If you're anything like me, you've probably battled with guilt around self-care at some point. It can be tough when you see other people's routines plastered all over social media—the candles, face masks, bubble baths, spa days. For the longest time, I felt like my version of self-care didn’t measure up. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: self-care is so much more than the aesthetic we’re often sold.
In fact, self-care isn't just about those outward acts like lighting candles or doing your nails. While those can be beautiful and replenishing, the deeper essence of self-care runs far beneath the surface. It’s about recognizing when you're not focusing on the present moment, when you're not showing up as the person you want to be, and when you're letting your boundaries slip around who and what gets your energy. Self-care, at its core, is really about nurturing the best version of yourself and showing up as her in every moment.
For me, this realization was the key to letting go of guilt, finally creating a balanced life, and discovering that I could focus on both my self-care and my business without one sacrificing the other. Today, I’m sharing the steps that helped me make this mindset shift and, more importantly, actionable strategies that can help you do the same.
1. Redefine What Self-Care Looks Like for You
The first step in releasing guilt around self-care is redefining it in a way that feels authentic to you. Self-care doesn’t have to fit a one-size-fits-all mold. For some, it might be those indulgent spa days, but for others, self-care is found in setting boundaries, decluttering your mind, or just sitting in silence for ten minutes.
For me, self-care is less about doing, and more about being—being present, being intentional, and being aligned with who I want to be. Sometimes, it looks like having a peaceful cup of tea in the morning while reading a book. Other times, it looks like saying ‘no’ to plans that don't serve me or giving myself permission to rest even when there’s a to-do list waiting. The guilt disappeared when I gave myself permission to create a self-care practice that matched my reality, not someone else’s.
Actionable Tip: Take some time to reflect on what self-care truly looks like for you. Write down 3-5 activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul that feel accessible to you, and incorporate them into your daily or weekly routine.
2. Understand That You Are Your Business
Here's the truth that finally shifted things for me: I am the business. You are the business. When we run ourselves into the ground, our businesses feel that strain. When we pour into ourselves, we show up more vibrant, focused, and clear-minded. The idea that focusing on self-care takes away from business success is a myth. The two are deeply intertwined.
Once I realized this, everything changed. I stopped seeing self-care as something separate from work and instead, began to view it as a vital component of my business success. After all, how can we give our best to our business if we're running on empty?
When I embraced the idea that I am the business, I started setting better boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and checking in with myself regularly. And guess what? My business didn't suffer—quite the opposite, it thrived. Because I was taking care of myself, I had more clarity and energy to bring to my work.
Actionable Tip: Start seeing yourself as the foundation of your business. If you don't prioritize self-care, how can your business sustain long-term growth? Make a list of small self-care practices that help you feel more present and energized, and build them into your workday.
3. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Energy
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was learning to set boundaries—not just in my business, but in my personal life. It can feel selfish at first, but protecting your energy is critical. When I didn’t set boundaries, I found myself stretched thin, overcommitted, and ultimately resentful. And what’s worse is that this impacted my focus on my business.
Setting boundaries is one of the highest forms of self-care. Whether it’s creating strict working hours, saying no to certain clients, or limiting time spent on social media, boundaries ensure that you have the time and space to recharge and focus on what truly matters.
Actionable Tip: Reflect on where you're leaking energy—whether it's with certain people, activities, or commitments—and decide how you can set healthier boundaries. Start small by creating one non-negotiable boundary and build from there.
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4. Focus on Inner Work to Support Outer Success
A pivotal moment in my journey was realizing that the inner work I was doing—focusing on my mindset, cultivating self-awareness, and practicing mindfulness—was actually fueling my business success. Often, we think business success is all about strategy, but the inner work is just as crucial.
Taking time for inner reflection, journaling, using audio activation or simply breathing intentionally helps me stay aligned with my higher self. And when I show up aligned, my business reflects that energy back to me.
When I let go of the guilt around self-care and focused on being the best version of myself, my business naturally grew because I was bringing a higher level of presence, clarity, and purpose to the table.
Actionable Tip: Dedicate at least 5-10 minutes daily to inner work. Whether it’s journaling, breathing exercises, or meditation, focus on aligning your thoughts with the energy you want to bring to your business.
5. Integrate Self-Care Into Your Business Routine
This is one of my favorite parts—learning to integrate self-care into my business. I used to think self-care and work were two separate things, but now, I make them work together.
For example, I’ll take a break during my workday for a quick walk or stretch session. Sometimes, self-care is setting a timer for deep work ( I like to use The Sherry Formula ) and then rewarding myself with a moment of rest or whatever I feel like. By blending the two, I don’t feel like I’m stepping away from my business to focus on self-care—it all feels like part of the same beautiful balance.
Actionable Tip: Identify small ways you can integrate self-care into your workday. Whether it's a quick walk, stretching, or scheduling time for mindfulness, make it part of your business routine.
6. Let Go of Guilt and Trust Yourself
Above all, letting go of guilt is a practice in self-trust. You know what’s best for you, and you have the power to create a routine that allows you to thrive. Self-care isn't selfish; it’s necessary. And by showing up as the best version of yourself, you're actually serving your business and your clients better.
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula to self-care, and that’s exactly how it should be. By redefining self-care on your terms, recognizing that you are the business, setting boundaries, and integrating mindful practices into your day, you can let go of the guilt and step into a more balanced, fulfilling life. Trust yourself, prioritize your well-being, and watch your business thrive as a result.
Live Pleasurably,
