Enriching Your Life Outside of Work


Another entry of the work-life diaries, a series where I break down the gritty details of what it means to balance life as a small-business owner, or really for anyone in general! I want to talk about things you can do to enrich your life outside of being a small business owner. I’m guilty of spending my time off scrolling or spending too much time on my phone, and honestly it doesn’t feel fulfilling at all. I end up feeling tired and like I have wasted all my time off. Here are some ways to spend the gaps between being a business owner and an individual!


1| Creatively engage in work-related content

Yes the strategy is to separate yourself from work BUT if your small business relies on being a creative based practice like mine, it can feel fulfilling to spend your time learning new skills or engaging in content about your business. Find a book related to your business, read blogs (like this one :)), do a creative business related craft (for me that could be prop making), or anything else! Some people have a hard time completely disengaging from their work so this is a nice middle ground to find some enjoyment in something still predictive. Follow up to this one, try to do your work in a creative way! For me, my job is already quite creative, but I want to avoid corporate mind-setting it as much as possible. It is so important to be able to be able to find space in your job to create life! For me, that looks like taking the time to engage in the creative side of photography, even though it's my job as well.


2| Find a new hobby

You hear this one all the time, but I am so serious it can be a game changer. You have no idea how much beginning a creative hobby can give you a new lens to make your business flourish. Reading, journaling, baking, fitness, painting, etc. All these things give you soft skills that you can then funnel back into your business and they give your brian an outlet that isn’t ‘work’.  


3| Make time for ‘decompressing’ activities

Try to maintain a time where you move your body in a way that can relieve stress from your work days. This can be through working out, yoga, stretching, guided meditation, and more. By doing this, you’re allowing your brain and body to release healthy hormones good for your brain and memory. 


4| Make time for family activities

For me personally, my kids have a ton of sports they’re a part of. I like to fill my evenings at various  baseball, soccer, and softball events. While it’s not necessarily something that I’m doing, it’s a way for me to get out and support the people I love. Furthermore, I get to connect with other parents on the team and maintain regular social connections. Other family activities could be like having movie nights or game nights. A time where you’re all stepping away from work, school, or anything else just to be with each other. 


5| Join an activity group/attend events with friends

I cannot stress enough how important it is in your adult life not to accept isolation. There are so many ways you can get out and connect with others in your areas whether it be through book clubs, exercise classes, painting nights, community events, and more. We’re so afraid to try new things that we often miss out and I’m sorry to say that it’s definitely hurting you in the long run. If you feel like you and your friends hardly see each other, be the one to reach out! Go grab that coffee, go for that walk, take an impromptu shopping trip. The only thing stopping you is yourself! 


These are just some examples and ways that I personally stay in touch with my personal identity when I am swamped with work. There are a million more ways but it's important to sit down and ask yourself what makes you you. Next time, we will continue exploring the details of what it takes to be both a professional and person!