GUEST POST BY NICOLE RAMANO

Have you heard the saying, “You cannot pour from an empty cup?” It’s true - in life and in business. You cannot give your best when you have nothing left to give. So, how do you ensure that you are putting your best foot forward and providing the support you desire for your clients?

Sometimes, the demands of life can be too much. We don’t know how to handle it all on our own, but we also don’t know how to ask for help. As women, as entrepreneurs, we can set the bar incredibly high for ourselves. At times, we are still trying to be all things to all people. This will eventually cause burnout. Do you know how to recognize the signs? If you do, how do you react to them? Do you know that you have the answer to address this oncoming burnout - or that you can avoid it completely?

what’s the secret?

How to care for your clients and customers by caring for yourself. The value of self care for the female creative or entrepreneur. 15 Tips to take care of yourself so you can be your best for your business.

It sounds simple, yet, so many of us take it for granted. Self-care. We must practice self-care. These are intentional actions we take to better our situations, our mental, physical and emotional well-being.

This can take form in multiple ways, but here are some examples:

Get enough sleep
Take a walk and get fresh air
Get regular exercise
Indulge in a spa day
Engage in activities or hobbies that you enjoy
Say no to things
Meditate
Order groceries or pre-cooked meals
Celebrate your loved ones
Treat yourself
Ask for help
Take time off
Go on a dinner date
Schedule time just for yourself
Spend time with your family

how will self-care help you?

Think back on those times where you were just exhausted. What did you do? Did you take the time you needed to recover or did you push through it, further depleting your energy? Let me guess, those days were also some of the hardest days to take client calls or complete projects. Am I right? You have to recognize your own limits, what you can and cannot do. Beyond that, you must respect them.

how do you respect your limits?

By setting boundaries. You set them for your clients, but have you set them for yourself? Once you’ve identified your limits, put boundaries in place to protect yourself and to keep from pushing towards burnout. Don’t think of these boundaries as restraining. They are there to support you, to keep you focused and at the top of your game.

Are you incorporating self-care into your weekly schedule? What about daily? If you aren’t, you should. Imagine if you made yourself your #1 client or top priority. How would you feel? Energized? Respected? Appreciated? Celebrated? Special? Deserving?

By practicing self-care regularly you are continually filling your cup, making sure that you can give your all.

There is another habit that will contribute greatly to your self-care practice. And this one might be the most important of them all. Remember that you, just as you are, are enough. Write this down every day. Say it out loud. Remind yourself that you are enough. This is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your energy, to recognize your worth and to understand your value. You are human and no human is perfect. All you can hope to be is the best possible version of yourself. This might mean taking a step back at times. But, if it ultimately helps you to move forward, isn’t it worth it?

Remember, taking time for yourself is not selfish. In fact, it’s the opposite. By ensuring that you are well-cared for, you are ensuring that your clients get the best support you can provide.

When you are at your best, everyone benefits.

Nicole Ramano is a international coach and mentor who helps women create businesses and lives that they love. Nicole enables her clients to move past their fears and leave their make on the world. She believes you deserve to be happy, every day.

Follow her adventures on instagram, facebook and her website.