If you run your own business, you know how easy it is to lose yourself in the process.
You started with passion and purpose — and then came the deadlines, the to-do lists, the late nights, the comparison, the pressure. Before long, it can feel like you’re just managing chaos instead of building something meaningful.
But here’s the truth: you can run a business and still feel like you.
Over the years, I’ve built little rituals into my days that help me stay connected to myself, not just my goals. These aren’t fluffy wellness tips — they’re the things that keep me clear, creative, and energized even when things get messy. They’re simple, real, and easy to build into your life without a full overhaul.
Here are 10 habits I swear by — I hope one (or a few) become part of your rhythm too.
1. Go outside with your phone on airplane mode
Getting outside is non-negotiable for me — but I’ve learned that how I do it matters. Instead of leaving my phone behind entirely, I switch on airplane mode so I’m unreachable but can still take a photo of something that sparks joy. A weird tree. A shadow on the ground. The way my coffee looks in the morning sun.
I don’t always share the photos — they’re just for me. It gets me out of my head and back into the moment. But, I've decided to share a recent favorite of mine with you!
2. Make a “me” hour part of your daily rhythm
Every day, I give myself one hour that’s just for me — not my business, not my inbox, not my team. Sometimes it’s breathwork. Sometimes I tinker with a personal project I’ve been dreaming about. Other days I journal, or go for a walk without a destination.
The point is: I stop pouring into everyone else and start pouring back into myself. It’s the best hour I spend all day, and it’s made me a better founder and human.
And if you don't have an hour, which many days I don't, even 5, 10, or 30 minutes makes a difference. Start with what you have.
3. Reach out to one person a day (yes, really)
I have a little list I keep — people I’ve worked with, people I admire, people I just like as humans. Every weekday, I reach out to one. Sometimes it’s to catch up, sometimes to collaborate, sometimes just to say, “Hey, I see what you’re building — it’s inspiring.”
It helps me stay connected and grow my network without feeling transactional. If you’re reading this and want to connect, reach out on LinkedIn — I’d love to meet you.
4. Feel good, look good
I’ve noticed that what I wear affects how I feel — even when no one’s around to see me. On the days I wear my favorite sweater or put on real pants, I show up differently. It’s not about dressing up. It’s about feeling like me. Whether that’s wearing gold earrings or cozy sweats, I pick what helps me feel grounded, energized, and confident. Tiny shift, big impact.
5. Write down your “why” and keep it where you can see it
Running a business is hard — and on the messy days, it’s easy to forget why you started. That’s why I keep a little sticky note on my desk with my core “why.” It’s scribbled, messy, and totally personal. When I feel tired or overwhelmed, I glance at it and remember — oh right, I’m building something that matters. It reconnects me to the heart of it all in seconds.
6. Create a sunshine folder
This is where you save the good stuff — a glowing testimonial, kind words from a client, a message from someone who saw your work and felt something. I screenshot or copy them all into a single folder on my desktop. On the days when I feel stuck, small, or unsure of myself — I open it. It’s like fuel for my future self. And if no one’s said anything nice yet? Write yourself a note now — one your future self will be grateful for.
7. Plan for snack time — like a real part of your day
This tip comes from Blake Eve, founder of Younii, and it’s completely changed how I think about energy and nourishment throughout the day.
She said something that stuck with me — “Snacks are self-care — especially when they’re balanced, blood-sugar-friendly, and already waiting for you.” Now I prep my snacks with intention, just like I plan meetings.
Things like protein balls, fruit and nuts, or rice cakes with almond butter are my go-to. Having those options ready makes the 3pm window feel easier — more steady, less scattered — and it gives my body what it needs to keep going without the crash.
8. Do a midweek check-in — like a little team huddle with yourself
Wednesday mornings, I check in with myself. How’s the week going — (like actually going)? What’s working? What needs to shift? Sometimes I’ll rework priorities or shift one task to next week completely. It keeps me from running full speed toward burnout.
Bonus: I light a candle and treat it like a cozy meeting with me, myself, and I. Recently, I've been obsessed with my new Valley & Ember candle from Coastal North!
9. Try “batch dreaming” instead of batch working
We always talk about batch creating, but what if you sat down and batch dreamed instead? I’ll take 30 minutes every few weeks to sit with pen and paper — no expectations, just visioning. What would feel fun right now? What’s something wild I could try this year?
No timelines. No pressure. Just space to think bigger than the day-to-day. I always leave with at least one idea that lights me up.
10. Find a go-to celebration ritual
We’re so good at pushing through to the next goal — but what about pausing to celebrate? I picked a ritual that’s become my little tradition: a walk with my favorite coffee after sending something big, a song I blast when I hit a win, or a text to a friend that just says “WE DID IT.”
Your nervous system needs to feel the win — so make space for it, even if it’s "small."
If even one of these habits made you pause and think, I could try that, then I hope you do. You’re not just building a business — you’re building a life around it. Let it be one you enjoy.
Want more ways to make your marketing feel like a part of your rhythm — not another to-do list? That’s exactly what Navia was built for.
