How to Take Care of Yourself While Growing an Online Business
Running an online business is exciting—but let’s be real—it’s also exhausting.
Whether you’re just starting one or have been an entrepreneur for a while, there’s one skill you need to learn, and that’s how to take care of yourself.
You will have hustle phases and periods of rest, as well as many stages that are either not productive enough, or in which you get a lot done but see no results. Add to that the confusion, worrying about finances, doing it all in your business instead of outsourcing, the stress, the overwhelm, the perfectionism…
I’ve spent countless late nights working on new ideas, fixing errors on my site, taking courses, or mindlessly scrolling social media and comparing myself to others who are ahead in the game, only to realize I’d barely checked in with myself.
It’s easy to get caught up in the constant chase of the next milestone and a higher income. To follow trends and get on yet another social media platform even though you’re barely finding the time to create content for your current projects.
It’s a lot, and that’s why self-care is a must. So I decided to cover this today and share with you some ways you can prioritize your well-being.
How to Take Care of Yourself as a Business Owner
1. Redefine What Self-Care Means for You.
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths or spa days (although those are nice). It’s about caring for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
I mean taking breaks when you need them, setting boundaries, and checking in with how you’re feeling.
Ironically, the more you nurture yourself, the more productive you become..
2. Set Boundaries Around Your Work.
Working online often blurs the line between “work” and “life.”
That was true for me when I was doing freelance work, but also when I became a full-time blogger and had all the freedom I could ask for. Both of these present their own challenges, and boundaries are necessary.
What that looks like for you might be different, and it’s worth experimenting.
Maybe setting clear work hours can help you, even if your office is your living room. Or finally getting that home office ready and making it feel like you.
Maybe it means not being constantly available on social media or for clients. Or working only 3 or 4 days a week.
Protecting your time doesn’t just reduce stress, it actually makes your work more effective when you are online.
3. Take Care of Your Body.
Your body is your engine, so treat it with the same care as your business.
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and balanced meals. Even short movement breaks—stretching, walking, or a quick workout—can reduce stress and boost creativity.
A healthy body keeps your mind sharp and your energy consistent for everything you need to tackle.
Whenever you’re having a tough day or feel like your nervous system is dysregulated, do something about it. Take a day off, or even a few, and just feel your feelings. That’s actually one of my favorite things to do, and a wonderful way to use the freedom and flexibility I’ve created for myself.
4. Manage Stress Before It Manages You.
Stress sneaks up on all of us, and ignoring it can lead to burnout. Mindfulness practices, journaling, or simply unplugging for a few hours can make a huge difference.
For some entrepreneurs, stress or burnout reaches a point where professional help is needed. In that case, a wellness retreat or luxury rehab can offer you the space to reset, recharge, and come back stronger.
5. Surround Yourself with the Right People.
Entrepreneurship can be quite lonely, especially if you work online, are more of an introvert and don’t have others around you doing the same.
But you need people in order to thrive. And ideally, you need other business owners who are going through the same challenges. You can then offer emotional support and motivate each other.
Maybe you join a mastermind and use it to not just find like-minded people but also get to the next level of your business. Or maybe you post about it on socials with the hope to find solo entrepreneurs in your area.
6. Build Self-Care Into Your Business Plan.
Self-care isn’t something you should squeeze in when you “have time”—it deserves a permanent spot in your business strategy.
You can schedule breaks, vacations, and mental health days just like you would client calls or content deadlines.
Make sure you block time on your calendar for unplugging, reflection, or doing things that refill your energy.
And guess what? Your future self will thank you for all this.
Because thanks to your self-care routine, burnout won’t derail your goals, creativity will stay high, and you will actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
Over time, these small intentional acts of care compound, helping you grow a sustainable business without sacrificing your well-being.
Conclusion
So that’s how to take care of yourself as a business owner, even if you’re running a one-man show.
It’s possible to start and grow a business without sacrificing well-being, but you need to build the right foundation, to have strong boundaries, and prioritize mental and physical health as much as everything else (if not even more).
