I was 3/4 of the way through my wedding season in 2018 and I woke up the morning after a wedding and realized something – I hadn’t been sore the morning after AT ALL that season. How it took me so long to realize that is beyond me, but once I noticed it, I started trying to figure out why that is because I wanted to keep that train going! haha.
Working from home gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility, but it’s sometimes too much freedom and flexibility so you don’t use it super well. I feel like we often leave our day jobs to create a life that we’ve always dream about, just to become slaves to it and our health is the first thing to take a back seat. So, I wanted to share with you all some ways that I maintain my health (physically and mentally) as a work-from-home business owner and mama to a wild toddler!
In 2018, we didn’t have a vehicle for a little more than three months, and it was right smack dab in the middle of the summer. Lily and I already walked a fair amount around town, but once the car went, we really kicked that into overdrive. One day I walked 4 miles round trip to bring her to a dentist appointment (a friend offered me a ride, but the fresh air was good and it felt doable to me). We often walked by the river, to the library, to the playground, basically anywhere we felt like going on a particular day. I think that was one of the major pieces of my new stamina in 2018 – I was very active very regularly so my feet and legs had gotten used to going all the time!
So, on a physical level, here’s how I stay healthy:
- I aim for 15-30 minute sessions of physical activity at least five times a week. This can be Blogilates on Youtube, a yoga session, my functional pilates DVD,- bascially anything that keeps my body moving during that entire time. 90% of the time I do this with Lily “working out” with me, or her trying to sit on me while I do it. A little extra resistance never hurt anyone, right?! haha. I love that she loves to do with me because I’m showing her at an early age all the different ways to take care of her body!
- I don’t skip meals. I always eat three meals a day and only snack if I’m feeling hungry.
- I aim for 64 oz of water a day. Gosh, isn’t it incredible what a difference it makes in your energy when you’re fully hydrated?!
- Over the past several months my goal has been to be in bed by 10pm, so that I have a fighting chance at 8 hours of sleep each night. Don’t underestimate the importance and power of a good night’s sleep!
- I listen to my body. Sometimes my body is telling me not to eat certain foods anymore because I feel crappy after, sometimes it’s telling me to go out and do something, and other times it’s telling me to take a break and rest.
On a mental/emotional level:
- I keep my head down. I’ve stopped looking at what everyone else is doing and what everyone else’s photos look like. I focus on what *I* need and want to be doing for my business! Getting caught up in what everyone else is doing in their photography businesses just makes me feel like I’m always behind, or I’m not good enough. But the reality is that everyone is different and has different needs. So, I try really hard to focus on what *I* need my business to look like and then work my butt off to make it happen!
- I take breaks while I’m working. I don’t sit down and work for a three hour stretch without moving. I try to get up and take a break.
- I read almost every day. This is really important to me, and if I don’t do this regularly, it really does have a negative impact!
- I make time for my family. They’re the reason I have this business to begin with and they matter more than anything else.
When I’m doing really well in both of these areas, I can’t even tell you how much more productive I am during the week, how much more creative I am, and how I’m able to thrive on a wedding day and not suffer the blasted photographer “wedding day hangover.” Tell me, if you’re a work from home entrepreneur, what are some ways you stay healthy?
Linda is a Boston-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com. To sign up for the monthly newsletter full of encouragement and real life, click here!
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Love this article. I read at night. Do a workout, Do crafts with my son, read the bible, listen to music, work during my sons nap or be creative