If there’s one thing I’ve learned while trying to build my business, it’s that you have to take care of yourself first. It sounds so simple, right? But when you’re juggling a million things—clients, deadlines, social media, and trying to grow a business from the ground up—it’s really easy to forget about the most important part of the process: you.
Especially when your work involves social media, it can be incredibly draining. We all know how amazing these platforms are for building your brand and connecting with people, but they come with their own set of challenges. If you’re not careful, social media can take over your life, leaving you mentally and physically exhausted. And trust me, I’ve been there.
The Pressure of Always Being "On"
When you’re working in social media, it can feel like you’re always "on." There’s always another post to make, another trend to jump on, another message to respond to. Not to mention the constant scrolling—comparing yourself to other people’s perfectly curated lives and businesses. I’ve found myself doing that more times than I’d like to admit.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to keep up with everyone else, but here’s the thing: you don’t. It’s not sustainable to be constantly grinding without taking time for yourself. Your physical and mental health will suffer, and eventually, so will your work.
Why Self-Care Matters More Than Ever
We hear about "self-care" all the time, but honestly, it’s so much more than just a buzzword. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is necessary if you want to do your best work, especially in an industry that can be as overwhelming as social media.
When I’m not taking care of myself—whether it’s skipping meals because I’m too busy or staying up late working on projects—I notice a huge difference in how I feel and how productive I am. Lack of sleep makes me less creative, and constantly stressing over work makes me anxious and unfocused. It’s not worth it.
And honestly, one of the biggest things that has helped me stay grounded is therapy. I’ve made it a point to go to therapy once a week, and it’s been a game-changer for me. Therapy gives me the space to talk through the stress, anxiety, and pressures I feel, especially as someone trying to build a business at a young age. It helps me put things into perspective and gives me tools to manage my mental health more effectively. I can honestly say that therapy has made me better at handling the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Especially because my therapist Sanja is absolutely amazing and she keeps me motivated, you can check her out on Instagram @sanja_psihoterapeut she has amazing content for us girl bosses.
How I Make Time for Myself
Here are a few ways I’ve learned to balance the demands of work with taking care of myself physically and mentally—especially when social media is a big part of the job:
1. Set Boundaries with Social Media
It’s so easy to get sucked into social media, but I’ve found that setting boundaries is a lifesaver. I limit how much time I spend on it each day—especially when I’m not working. I try not to scroll aimlessly or check notifications every two minutes. It helps me stay focused on my own journey instead of comparing myself to others.
2. Move Your Body
Whether it’s a quick walk, stretching, or a workout, I try to move every day. Sitting in front of a screen all day can make you feel sluggish, so getting up and moving around helps keep my energy up. Plus, it clears my head when I’m stuck on something or feeling overwhelmed.
3. Take Breaks—Seriously!
I used to think that if I wasn’t constantly working, I was slacking. But I’ve realized that taking breaks actually makes me more productive. Sometimes, stepping away from work for even 15 minutes can give me a fresh perspective and help me come back stronger.
4. Unplug When You Need To
Social media can feel like a nonstop ride, but it’s okay to step off sometimes. I’ve started taking time away from my phone and computer, especially when I’m feeling burned out. It helps me recharge and come back with more creativity and energy for my projects.
5. Don’t Forget to Eat and Sleep
Sounds basic, but it’s so important! I’ve had those days where I’m so busy that I forget to eat until it’s 3 PM, and then I wonder why I feel so drained. Same with sleep—if you’re not getting enough, everything feels harder. I make sure I’m eating regularly and getting enough sleep because it directly impacts how I feel and how I work.
6. Therapy Has Been a Lifesaver
I can’t stress enough how much therapy has helped me. Going to therapy once a week gives me the chance to talk through the mental load of running a business and dealing with social media pressures. It’s become my safe space to unpack stress, find balance, and learn how to be kinder to myself. Having someone to talk to has helped me stay grounded and manage my mental health better.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Lastly, and probably the most important: I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. I’m not perfect, and that’s okay. Some days I’m super productive, and other days, I need to rest. I’m learning that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s essential if I want to keep moving forward.
At the end of the day, taking care of yourself is the key to success. You can’t show up for your business, your clients, or your goals if you’re running on empty. It’s something I have to remind myself of all the time, especially with the pressure of working in social media. But I’ve found that when I prioritize my health—physically and mentally—I’m able to show up as my best self, and that’s what makes all the difference.
So, if you’re hustling hard, don’t forget to take care of the person behind the hustle. You’ve got to be your number one priority, because without you, none of this works.