When you're building your brand and working for yourself, it can be easy to allow it to consume every part of your life. Which will only leave you exhausted and potentially wanting to give up on your dream. Instead of getting to that point, here's three things you need to build into your schedule from the beginning to keep you sane, motivated and happy.
Exercise
If you were never a gym person, I'm not suggesting just because you're starting your own company that you need to change your personality but I am suggesting you move your body daily. Now the weather is getting nice plan in a morning, lunchtime or evening walk, or a bike ride. Or if you already have a workout routine, don't let it slide because you feel like there's too much to be done. You must keep allowing yourself time to exercise. Why? Because it is all to easy to spend 18 hours at a computer screen when you are first starting out, and before you know it your health and posture has deteriorated. I know from personal experience that you must plan in time to exercise, it never takes as long as you think it will, and you are actually more productive as a result.
Socialise
This will ultimately be the first thing to disappear as you begin your company but don't let it. You need to socialise for the success of your business, so don't let "I've got way too much to do" stop you from enjoying a date night with your S/O or grabbing a drink with your friends. You never know where the conversation will take you or who you will run into that might impact the success of your new business. At the very least it will take you out of your 'work-mode' head space for an hour or two, giving you the much needed break you will most definitely need in the early days. Taking this sort of time out is so good for your personal moral, it will remind you why you started, how much support you have behind you and that you aren't alone. You'll be able to blow off some steam and your friends, family and S/O will be pleased to spend time with you.
Time Out
This will also be easy to forget about in the early days, but it's just as important as socialising, you need to factor in some time for yourself to relax and be alone. This will probably be the hardest thing to schedule in, because your mind will be consumed with your to-do list and what you need to achieve but if you don't manage to switch your brain off even for 20 minutes, you will not be able to maintain your workload and inevitably burn out. Meditation is a great way for you to really quieten the mind and reconnect with yourself but taking an extra long shower or reading can also be great ways to switch off and take some much needed you time! You could also combine your exercise and time out by taking a nice walk around your neighbourhood alone. Getting outside in nature is a great way to switch off and reconnect to yourself. Topping up your self love tank is detrimental to your spirit, your motivation and in turn the development and success of your business. If you are burnt out, how on earth do you think you can successful run/start a business?