3 Ways to Show Up as Your Best Self
Hey, babe! We all know that taking care of ourselves is important. But sometimes it's hard to find the time or motivation to make self-care a priority. Fortunately, there are small changes we can make that can have a big impact on our well-being. Cheers to that!
Here’s a list of tips from 16 incredible women entrepreneurs. These women share how they stay feeling their best, from making time for exercise to carving out time for self-care. Let’s dive in!
Meditation & Rest
Ellie Vates | Heart Temple // IG
“I try to start my day with some deep breaths, one hand on my womb, one hand on my heart. I breathe in gratitude and let go of everything that has outlived it's value for me (often times brought into awareness from what I dreamt about). I journal about any reflections I have from my dreams and/or anything that's on my heart or raddling around in my mind in order to move out of a bed with clarity."
“I make my superfood (nettle, holy basil, red clover, raspberry leaf, horsetail, lemon balm, and rose) latte every morning, making enough to sip on throughout the day along with my daily water intake.
I check in with myself throughout the day to see what I really need or how I can best support myself. That could mean being diligent with my investing in my business, having social time, or it could mean resting and asking someone else to cook for me. I honor my cycles and allot more rest during my bleed, do my planning in my follicular phase, schedule more vibrant activities and events when I’m ovulating, being sure to reflect and not project as much as possible when premenstrual.”
St Pete, FL
Lia Menna Gross | LMG Creative // IG
“Self-care for me includes daily meditation. Whether in the traditional sense or actively in the form of a walk or strength training. I find movement to be a great source of release when stress starts creeping in. And of course, a relaxing bubble bath ritual with fresh bath bombs and moody candles!”
Safety Harbor, FL
Christina Maldonado | Boudoir Tampa // IG
“After years of burning the midnight oil, I have really embraced getting at least eight hours of sleep. It has made such a difference in my health and day. Also learning to be comfortable knowing that I will not get everything done in one day, because as a business owner, the list always keeps going. So knowing that, it allows for me to put myself first. I love to do meditations, float in the pool, go to therapy (at least once a month to check in) and hit the gym a few times a week. Also, for me, staying hydrated is a game changer. I aim to drink at least 100 ounces and I do a liquid IV sleep before bed!”
St. Pete’s, FL
Mornings Routines
Bree Swezey | Authentic Edge Design // IG
“I really stick with my morning routine. I even adjust it if I'm on vacation. After I wake up and tend to the kids and drop them off, I take a moment in nature. It can be 5 or 45 minutes, to just breathe, meditate and do some morning devotions.”
”I also have transitioned to a standing desk with a yoga mat underneath that reminds me to do yoga daily. I have the down dog app that lets me set the time, music, and intensity to adjust as my schedule allows. I aim for a minimum of 15 minutes daily. I also listen to Everyday Positivity and Good News Network on my morning Alexa flash briefing. Setting the tone in the morning really helps me work through the day. I also allow myself of grace and listen to my body. If there are days, I don't feel well, especially during my cycle time, I will rest and pick it back up the next day.”
Tampa, FL
KiKi De La Cruz | K Marie Digital // IG
“I like to do a morning walk around the neighborhood before it gets too hot out. I also drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. I carry water with me everywhere I go so that I stay hydrated. For self-care, I snuggle in bed and watch some of my fav shows, I go shopping at least once a week and buy myself one item without having the mommy guilt, I do my nails and hair a minimum 2 times a month, and I also stand in the mirror and speak abundant blessings upon myself. I look into my soul and speak them into existence because sometimes we feel ugly but we are beautifully made creatures by God blessed to be a blessing to others who may need it but don't know how to speak it.”
Tampa, FL
Exercise
Bianca Jackson | Serve, Impact & Prosper // IG
“There are many ways I stay healthy, active, and self-care. First, I try to ensure I eat as "clean" as possible. I try to buy as much organic food as possible, primarily fruits and vegetables. We do eat meat, here and there, mostly chicken. I try not to eat after 7pm and go to bed around 10pm-ish.”
”As for being active, I ride my bike 4 to 5 days a week and go to the gym after my rides. For my self-care, being an introvert, I need time to myself, or I'm dead to the world. I take time to myself each day to recharge by either sitting out on my balcony enjoying the fresh air or a quiet spot in my room to shut out the noise for a little while. ME time is huge for my self-care.”
Tampa, FL
Delaney Driver | Wilder Mind Events // IG
“I make a big effort to play beach volleyball, go to the gym, and take a few nights to myself a month to decompress. When I physically put the gym in my calendar and "block off" my "me" time, I tend to stick to it better since I make an effort to not book anything during those times. Staying active is very important to me and always makes me feel better to move my body after sitting at a computer all day. I also try to meal prep so that I don't eat junk if I have a busy week ahead!”
St. Pete, FL
Lynsey Pippen | Little Bus Books // IG
“I am currently training to run my first marathon in celebration of my 40th birthday! To keep up physically, I love to drink local kombucha and have consulted a nutritionist to help with healthy eating habits. Through my training, I've learned it takes more mental strength than physical to make it to the finish line! To stay motivated on my runs, especially in the Florida summer heat, I listen to audiobooks, enlist friends to meet me on the path, call long-distance family members, and have begun a list of 26 people I will pray for each mile of the final race. My treat is one "indulge" day each week where I forget about exercise and enjoy lots of downtime without guilt.”
Lakeland, FL
Brittany Ranew | Brittany Ranew, Real Estate Advisor // IG
“With my busy schedule, I found the best way for me to stay accountable with a healthy lifestyle is to utilize coaches and resources. I have a personal trainer that I meet for an hour with once a week and it not only helps me stay fit but encourages me to work out on my own time throughout the week. I also recently hired a Holistic Health Coach here in Tampa Bay, The Herbal Cabinet, to help me optimize my lifestyle with best practices in diet and gut health. I also practice awareness around when I feeling burnt out and need to schedule a day off to do things that fill me up. I try to incorporate a small time block each week with something like that too. I think it's important for people with a busy lifestyle to make sure they have accountability in place when they want to reach goals in their life or business!”
St Pete, FL
Lara Phillips | Lara Dee Artistry // IG
“To stay active and to practice self-care I invested in a bike 3 months ago. Every day I ride it up and over the causeway to watch the sunset. For me to turn off, I have to be in nature which can be tough due to the heat in Florida. This gives me 30 mins to reset, reflect on my day while also giving me a good sweat. I also follow a pretty wholesome diet, which always includes packing snacks and meals because I am always on the go! “
St. Pete, FL
Erika Holmes | Erika Vidal Holmes // IG
“Over the past 7 years running my business, I've learned that sweating it out is key to keeping anxiety and stress at bay. I intentionally block out 40 to 60 minutes every weekday morning for a workout (I am OBSESSED with all-things Peloton!). I don't answer my phone or reply to emails during this time. I also protect my calendar fiercely because I need lots of white space in order to feel calm and confident (and be able to squeeze in a few naps here and there). That's why I only take calls two to three days per week, which gives me much more control over my calendar, which, HELLO, is why I decided to become my own boss in the first place!”
Tampa, FL
Jessica Sheehy | Social Savvy // IG
“As a social media manager, I am always on my phone, laptop, or both! I always take mid-day brain breaks as I like to call them to get off of my electronics, and I will go for a walk, workout, or stretch. While I'm on my brain break, I turn my phone on do not disturb and leave it in my home office so I can remove the distraction of the workday! It's the best way to give my brain a break from work and get some movement into my routine.”
W Oldsmar, FL
Kathleen Ribeiro | KMService // IG
“I found that being a business owner has helped me in this aspect. I go to the gym when I have the time, I cook more at home and my self-care lately has been getting back into reading. I find that as long as I don't make it an obligation, and don't force myself when I don't want to, I enjoy it more. Plus reading some fiction to get out of my serious mode is super helpful as a good and healthy escape.”
Boston, MA
Krista Larson | Utter Brilliance Therapy // IG
“I've been making it a priority to get to the gym at least 2-3 times per week, which has really helped me both physically and mentally feel more rested. I also love taking the time to stroll through the quiet aisles of the grocery store... it's my self-care "go-to" activity! Since I've started being more mindful about my self-care, I've noticed a positive change in my work, my relationships, and my confidence!”
Parkland, FL
Nikita Williams | Thrive With Nikita // IG
“If you are living with chronic pain like me it can sometimes feel impossible to find the motivation to stay active and practice self-care but what I have found is making these a priority is essential for sustainable growth both in business and life. Active to me is all about movement that you enjoy! That can be in many forms, dancing, walking, stretching, and or my favorite Pilates. You must enjoy it in order for you to choose more discomfort and pain so make it worth it.”
“Self-care for me and anyone living with chronic pain has to be more intentional because honestly living with chronic and autoimmune illnesses means most everyday needs that many take for granted are required and cost us tremendous effort. So self-care is in the time I spend daily nurturing my heart and mind with Gratitude and emotional release strategies. Emotional release strategies could look like, brain dumping, evidence of your positive self journaling, reflection gratitude journaling, tapping, or breath work with essential oils. The best self-care is when you feel less weighted emotionally and more open to connecting, receiving, and giving to yourself and others.”
Lawrenceville, GA
Bailey O'Connor | Bailey O'Connor Photography // IG
“I walk at least 30 minutes a day to stay healthy, active, and practice self-care. Being outside and walking is a great way to help me rest my body to release any stress/ frustration and helps me get fresh air, and slow down to notice the small things. It brings me joy to see bunnies, turtles, birds, unique plants on my walks. The feeling the warm sunshine on my skin is so refreshing; It's a great reset for my body and mind.”
St. Pete’s, FL
Disclaimer: The business owners featured in this blog are members of Babe Crafted (at the time of publishing).
