5 Ways to Make Self-Care Your Second Side Hustle

Article written by Sharon Wagner 
​sharon.wagner@seniorfriendly.info

Starting a side hustle can be rewarding and bring in some extra income. It can be easy, though, to throw self-care out the window with a busy schedule. Statistics show that 57% of workers can feel paralyzed by stress. Paying attention to your stress levels and taking time for yourself is essential. Thankfully, there are easy habits you can add to your routine that don’t take too much time or energy. Here are five to consider.
 
1. Lighten Your Load
If you struggle with asking for assistance, the first step for you might be lightening your schedule. You may need to outsource specific duties and hire help, or you could automate tasks using AI and specialized software. Using AI customer service on your website, for instance, can take care of many inquiries before they reach you. Learn how VanHaaren Designs can help you create a stunning and functional website.
 
In addition, if you’re an overachiever, there may be some things you can take off of your schedule that are unnecessary. It may be time to sit down, sort through your routines and tasks, and assess if they match your current priorities.
 
2. Reorganize Your Devices
If you spend a lot of time scrolling, consider deleting social media apps on your phone or home screen and replacing them with more health-centered apps. That way, when you open your phone, you are greeted with the idea of a 5-minute meditation session instead of automatically clicking on TikTok or Instagram. Depending on your needs, you can also add fitness, nutrition, and other health apps.
 
3. Get Help
If the thought of improving your well-being alone seems overwhelming, there are plenty of therapy options to take advantage of. Thanks to virtual therapy, you can access high-quality counselors wherever you are. Sessions with online doctors are always confidential, private, and secure, so you don’t have to worry about your information becoming public.
 
Online therapy gives you a more comprehensive selection of professionals to choose from at a lower cost, and you will save money on commutes. If you’re worried about finding the right match, many therapists offer a free consultation so you can see if they’re a good fit.
 
4. Practice Intuitive Eating
Eating healthy usually takes initial planning and thought. For those reasons, it can be easy to grab unhealthy food in a pinch. Intuitive eating is a way to eat mindfully and pay attention to what your body needs without rushing. If you eat slowly and pay attention to your body’s cues, you will be more likely to eat only when you're feeling hungry and stop eating when you've had enough. You will also be more in touch with which foods affect your mood and energy levels, among other factors.
 
If you’re not into meal prep, make a list of healthy meals at local restaurants that you can choose from so you have ideas when you don’t have time to research.
 
5. Start Moving
The rise of step counters and fitness trackers has made people more aware of how little most modern workers move. Sitting at a desk all day is bad for energy levels and overall health, so make sure you take regular breaks for five to 10-minute walks throughout the day. Most phones will count steps now, but for increased accuracy, you may want a dedicated tracking device.
 
By following these tips, you can increase your well-being while working your side hustle. You can incorporate new habits slowly, so don’t raise your stress by focusing on immediate perfection. By adding one at a time, you can work your way up to wellness.

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