March 11 marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring the COVID-19 crisis a global pandemic, and psychologists say that feelings of sadness, grief, and burnout are a normal reaction to this kind of milestone. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we know that this week also means it’s been a full year of woman entrepreneurs assuming duties as educators, caregivers, and mothers in addition to running their small businesses.
We asked on Instagram what rituals and strategies have kept you going over the last year. For some entrepreneurs, activities like meditation and journaling have kept them grounded. Others have gotten more creative, integrating something called “medi-ccinos” into their daily routines.
We’ve collected some of your best responses below. Hopefully, one of these suggestions helps you through the day!
1. Physical Activity
Many responses focused on physical activity as a way to create routine and stay connected to their bodies:
For me, exercise has helped me so much. Exercising daily is about the only routine I find myself consistently sticking too and it goes a long way to have that outlined daily. I think it’s important to have a routine to help with our well-being whether it’s daily goal setting, reading, etc.
Geena Toscano of Social Sellers Academy
Waking up before the rest of my family and meditating, exercising, and making my list for the day. Life can get pretty hectic and that provides me an opportunity to spend some time investing in myself before the rest of day gets the best of me.
@megglesmac11
Every morning, my hubby and I take turns playing with our dog outside. Whoever isn’t on fetch duty is on coffee duty! It’s a nice way to center and start the day on the right foot.
@sophiazisook
Walking is a big one for me — forces you to go slowly and really look at things. An overly indulgent coffee ritual. Stretching.
@jo_layne_s
2. Mindfulness Practices
Other community members set aside time each day to set intentions, reflect, and recharge:
Find something that you really enjoy that takes you away from your business and just be with yourself. For me personally, I get massages at least once a month. I meditate every morning for five minutes. Building self-care into your daily routine is what has helped me.
Ashley Roberts of Competitive Edge Basketball Training
For me, it’s journaling each morning. Helps me clear my head and start my day calmly.
@danielleana
Meditation is what keeps us grounded and puts things into perspective.
@madamegabrielabeauty
We implemented medi-ccinos! Which is every day at 3pm the team and I take an espresso break and then meditate for 5 minutes! ☕️?? This helps us to relax (even if it’s just for a few minutes) and have energy for the rest of the afternoon.
Tiffany Dominguez of Taudrey Jewelry
3. A Resilient Mindset
For some, the best advice is to keep going and to stay optimistic after a year of uncertainty:
In 2020, instead of slowing down, I put things in overdrive for my business. I’ve been trying to recharge over the past few month and just recently found a second wind. Now, we are elevating and shifting again for the post-pandemic surge and managing growth. The increased risk that now exist in overextension will be a challenge for many and I don’t think they see it coming.
Vernon Logan of Logan Ventures
Keep creating. Keep giving and sharing. Keep walking. Keep baking. Keep building and growing. Keep believing.
Elizabeth Gadbois of The Body Lounge
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