I tallied up my to-do list this morning, and it had 77 items on it in various aspects of my life. I’ve got a company to run and a house to maintain. Just recently I also had graduating from my masters programme on the list, but I can cross that off now. I count myself lucky, as I know owners that can add kids to that list, plus school, household tasks, and a business. Are we insane? Well, probably. It does come with the territory, but it doesn’t have to define us.

When you own a company, you often look alone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a freelancer working from home or have and office and staff to work with. Most of the time, you are working on a to-do list a mile long. It’s also likely that you spend most of that time in your head, too. Can you even remember the last time you truly turned your brain off work for a few minutes?

I know I can’t remember the last time I stopped thinking about what needs to be done next. There have been days when I’m talking to my fiancé, but yet I’m thinking about that epic to-do list, my strategy for next week, what needs to happen next to take my company to the next level, and enough clients to keep the freelancers rolling in extra cash.

However, as a business owner you owe it to yourself and others to maintain a balance. Draw yourself away from the knife-edge of insanity (unless that’s how you get creative sparks flying), and spend a little quality time keeping the fire in your soul going.

Yes, you read that right. That is a permission slip written in indelible ink that gives you permission to kick back, relax, and do what needs to be done to keep your drive going forward.

It may seem like it’s been so long that you’ve forgotten how to disconnect from work to relax. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Exercise — find one that you enjoy and will stick with. Your health is a great foundation that can drive you through many things.
• Sleep however long you need — shortening your sleep to get things done can harm your health, your ability to concentrate, and eventually your stamina.
• Eat well and drink plenty of water — a good diet and staying hydrated is a better fuel than junk food and caffeine drinks any day, under any situation.
• Create systems to help you achieve more. Need a little help and direction? Check out Systems Rock for some ideas and tips on how to design a system for your own unique needs.
• Organise yourself and your time to benefit your goals.
• Have a yearly theme for your objectives, both personal and business, to keep you on the path of greatness.
• Indulge in rituals that make you feel great so you can be the most energetic, creative, motivated you that you can be.

We want to hear from you! What is your favourite way to re-centre yourself? Leave a comment to let us in on your secret to being sane and an owner.

Featured image from Voice in Recovery.