Self-Care for Mental Health and Wellness Practice Owners: Who’s Taking Care of The Caregiver?

As mental health and wellness practice owners, we are constantly caring for others. But who is taking care of us? In order to thrive in our personal and professional lives while growing as leaders and business owners, we must prioritize self-care so that we can set healthy examples for our clients and employees to mirror.

Owning a private practice comes with immense responsibility, and should be treated as such. Would you advise a professional athlete to skip their ice baths and stretches? Probably not, because it would be a detriment to their professional success while harming their bodies and limiting the progress of their team. Running a successful Private Practice is no different! To show up for our team and model effective leadership practices, we must also prioritize our own physical, mental and emotional well-being so that we can fully support those who look to us for guidance. Let’s manifest the work-life balance we desire, because taking care of ourselves will impact us as professionals and ensure that we are able to take care of those who need us most.

It's important to remember that self-care is not selfish - it's essential for our mental health and well-being.

While in our roles as private practice owners we spend a great deal of time taking care of others, it's essential to maintain an abundance mindset and emphasize holistic well-being through our own self-care practices. A joint study between University of Berkeley and University of San Francisco by Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Michael A. Freeman M.D., found that entrepreneurs are directly affected by mental health issues at a rate three times the global average (72% of all entrepreneurs versus 1 in 4 globally). As leaders, we must understand that caring for ourselves is not selfish - it allows us to be able to effectively continue caring for our teams and clients. Developing a regular rest and recharge routine keeps us in alignment with our highest self so that we can show up in the world with clarity and magnetic energy. Caring for ourselves helps us attract abundance not only for ourselves but for those around us, which supports an even more successful business.

When we're burnt out, we can't be our best selves for our clients or our employees. That's why it's so important to make time for ourselves, even if it feels like there's never enough time in the day.

As private practice owners and leaders in business, we dedicate so much time to taking care of our employees and clients that it can be easy to forget about ourselves. We must remember that when we're burned out and running on empty, it's impossible to be our best selves in the workplace or while providing services – both for their employees and clients. That's why it's so critical to make time for ourselves. Doing one thing a day that brings us joy and an abundance of energy is enough to help us recuperate and rebuild. Furthermore, a culture of well-being in our practices improves motivation within our staff, as everyone is empowered to prioritize their individual wellness while supporting each other personally and professionally.

Here are some simple self-care tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine:

As a private practice owner, you are someone who is always taking care of others and ensuring that your high standards for expertise and business remain upheld. In order to achieve this, it’s important for you to take time for yourself as well. Adding self-care to your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated! There are many simple self-care activities that you can incorporate into your daily routine: meditation and manifestation can be great ways to boost emotional resilience. Focus on abundance and make more room for positive outcomes in your day-to-day life. Set the example - be kind to yourself, give yourself permission to pause and step away at times when needed, while also making sure your body is being nourished with proper nutrition and rest. Here are a few ways you can leverage self-care to become an even better leader in business and in life:

  • Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. As private practice owners, we are constantly thinking of the wellbeing of others. While it's our duty to take care of others, it's also important that we don't forget about ourselves. Make sure you're getting enough rest each night so that you have enough energy to show up for your clients and make sure your business is running smoothly. Blocking rest into your schedule could help reduce any feelings of guilt or doubt, so that you can recharge yourself with restful and restorative sleep before tackling another day. Take care of yourself first and foremost, providing you an opportunity to share your healing energy with those around you.

  • Eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. While looking after others' wellbeing is our purpose, let's not forget about ourselves. Fuelling our bodies with a balanced diet by eating healthy meals and snacks throughout the day helps recharge our energy tanks and keeps us going in this demanding profession. It also supports our mental states, allowing us to better care for others while promoting an overall sense of well-being. Let's prioritize mindful eating and choose nourishing snacks that not only taste good but promote self-care too. Give yourself permission to recharge through healthy meals and snacks.

  • Take breaks when you need them, even if it's just a few minutes to step away from your work. Taking breaks when you need them is key for maintaining your best mental health and well-being as private practice owners. It’s so easy to become immersed in our business goals and forget that rest is an integral part of any successful venture. We often feel guilty or ashamed to rest, but taking a few minutes to step away from work and reset can help you remain focused in the long run. Taking these breaks doesn’t have to mean taking a lot of time off; it could be just five or ten minutes each day to rest your mind, shift gears, and come back with new ideas. Trust yourself and don’t be afraid to rest — replenishing ourselves on regular basis allows us to give our best in all areas of life.

  • Exercise regularly, even if it's just a brisk walk around the block. As mental health and wellness practice owners, our well-being should not be an afterthought. Exercise plays a big part in helping us make sure we are taking care of ourselves, even if it's just a 10-minute brisk walk around the block. This small form of movement can help with mental clarity and well-being, allowing us time to reflect on our current situation and its challenges or giving us space for self expression and creativity. Exercise has many benefits to physical health as well as contributing to our mental well-being. Make sure to take regular breaks throughout your day to incorporate some form of movement and find joy in the little things; ultimately allowing you to become more resilient and productive!

  • Spend time with loved ones and friends who make you feel good. When you're building a successful practice, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day operations and demands of your business, but it’s so important to make time for healthy relationships in our personal lives. Whether it’s spending quality time with our families, close friends, or even distant acquaintances who make us feel good, nurturing these connections can lead to an abundance of energy that gives us the drive and motivation we need to be successful. It’s not just what we do professionally that needs care and attention; taking care of ourselves by nourishing healthy relationships also allows us to better serve our employees and create a healthy work/life balance.

By taking care of ourselves, we can be better leaders in our businesses and help create a more compassionate world.

It's important to remember that our role as leaders can extend beyond just helping others. By taking care of ourselves and cultivating emotional resilience and balance, we can ensure that we're grounded in abundance, well-being, and emotional stability--all of which are key components of effective leadership. When we take the time and effort to look after ourselves in this way, not only do we benefit, but so does the world around us. We become more compassionate human beings and a beacon of hope to those that need it. For these reasons, self-care is an essential part of any plan for success; by taking care of ourselves, we can be better leaders in our businesses and help create a more compassionate world.

Self-care is something that we sometimes overlook in the midst of our daily tasks, yet it's essential for us to be both a good leader and a good team member in our businesses. No matter how busy we get, it's important to remember that taking time for ourselves isn't selfish – it's crucial for our mental health and well-being so that we can show up for our clients and our teams. Simply adding a few small, yet effective self-care practices into your daily routine can have a big impact on improving your overall well-being. Whether it's getting enough sleep each night, eating healthy meals and snacks throughout the day, taking breaks when you need them, exercising regularly, or spending time with people who make you feel good – it makes a difference! As leaders in business and expertise, let's remember to take care of ourselves so that we can better lead our teams and help create more compassionate and healthy communities. Take care of yourself so that you can show up for your team and your clients.

If you're ready to reevaluate your business plan and create a harmonious life that allows you the time to prioritize your needs without compromising the progress of your business, I can help you build the private practice of your dreams while avoiding burnout. Schedule a Private Practice Consultation today!

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