Many small business owners don’t sleep well at night. Instead, they lay awake wondering what they could do better to grow their business or keep their businesses. This is especially true in the past several years, right? So, what can a small business owner do?
With this in mind, here are some tips to help you, as a small business owner, get a better night sleep and work more efficiently.
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How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Unsurprisingly, small business owners often struggle to get enough sleep. The demands of running a company can be relentless – there’s always another task, another fire to put out. But skimping on shut-eye is counterproductive.
Sleep deprivation hurts decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity – essential skills for any entrepreneur.
Experts recommend aiming for 7-9 hours per night. That may seem laughable when you’re swamped, but prioritizing sleep pays off. It boosts energy, focus, and emotional resilience – helping you tackle challenges head-on.
Establishing a nightly routine, disconnecting from work before bed, and delegating tasks can all help snag those valuable z’s. The bottom line?
Sufficient sleep isn’t a luxury for small business owners – it’s a necessity for sustained success.
1. Plan Your Days and Not Let the Days Plan You
Most business owners go from one thing to another. However, they often get sidetracked. It happens out of habit. Generally speaking, most business owners don’t like to sit still.
They love to solve problems and run around their businesses solving issues for everyone else and their business.
Now, take time at the end of the day to write a to-do list for the following day. A to-do list will help you NOT get sidetracked.
Ultimately, this list will keep your mind more at ease so you can sleep better that evening! Otherwise, you will wake up at 2 am and start doing things from your laptop computer! (or worse, drive to your location and begin working.)
Add as many things as you can think of to this list. It really can make a difference in how you can “let go” after you set aside your work for the day.
Turn off cell phone notifications too if you can. Leave electronic devices off at least an hour before bedtime.
According to the Cleveland Clinic “Checking your phone stimulates the brain so we are more active and awake,” says Dr. Walia. “Even just a quick check can engage your brain and prolong sleep.”
#WednesdayWisdom: Great people have bad days. Customers have emergencies. Make sure distractions don’t dominate your day. Create reminders to keep you on track even when the world goes nuts. What do you have to do today that only you can do? #Leadership #Mindset #WorkingLeader
— Bill Garland (@BillGarlandSpkr) September 1, 2021
2. Eat Well and Take Breaks
Another thing many small business owners do is skip meals and breaks. They run themselves ragged. That is not good for your health which in turn is not good for your business. Who will pick up the slack if you get sick?
In the past few years, I’ve had issues with sciatica as I didn’t take breaks from working on the computer. Not good! I was unable to do more as I could barely walk at times.
Then, I had to go to physical therapy which took time away from work. Not only that, but it cost a bit of money too.
If only I took those breaks it would have avoided the pain, time, and money! So please learn that lesson here from me.
According to an OnDeck study, only 57% of business owners take a vacation. Imagine, barely only half of the business owners take a vacation during any given year.
Now, if you can’t take a full week or more off do take a day or two away from your business. It will help you feel more energized!
3. Small Business Owners Prepare for Others to Get Sick or Have Personal Issues
Now, what if those that work for you get sick or have issues preventing them from working for you? Do you have a reserve of workers to fill in for you? Always have a pipeline of people that are willing to work for you.
Otherwise, when someone leaves out of choice or need you will not be left holding the bag. This could really drag down your business’s success and growth.
How do you generate that pipeline? Get to know people you meet at networking events and online webinars. Keep in contact with them on LinkedIn and other social media networks.
However, if those don’t work you may have to hire out or advertise with Indeed or other job boards to find someone to work for you.
However, you may consider hiring freelancers to help you fill in the gap and try them out before hiring full-time. Biz Sense has a quick guide on how you can find freelancers today.
4. Budget and Re-Budget For Better Small Business Owners Sleep
Always know what is in your budget. Whether it is what monies are coming in or what expenses are coming up, be aware of them. Have you gained or lost any clients this month? Be sure to plan ahead for those gains or losses.
Obviously, you can plan better that way going forward. With new clients comes the need to hire more people or hire some freelancers.
Many small business owners can sleep better if they know how much are phone bills per month or other business expenses are. Not knowing how much expenses are can keep someone up at night.
For instance, you will know when you can spend more money marketing your business to grow it. Or, you may need to cut back just to stay in business.
Are you making any profits? You should have a handle on this month-by-month at the very least. You can use an excel spreadsheet or other finance apps to help you stay on top of this.
The more profit you have, the more money you have to reinvest in your business, employees, and your own success. #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesses #smallbusinessowners #smallbusinesslove #smallbusinessmarketing #smallbusinesstips #smallbusinesslife pic.twitter.com/aSIkOIReI3
— Raymond Huan (@BizCoachRay) August 27, 2021
5. Small Business Owners Always Learn Something New
When you continue to learn something new, you grow. When you grow, others around you also grow and so does your business.
Most small business owners learn something new every day and things are changing at a rapid pace.
Practice growing and learning. Like everything else, evolving is learned. The more we do it, the better we become at doing it again and better.#thursdaymorning #thursdayvibes pic.twitter.com/5dOZ9v1ZEL
— Ken Wallace (@KenWallace207) September 2, 2021
In order to stay in business, one has to adjust and be agile. That means learning new things is a necessity. However, it doesn’t mean you have to take courses or go to college.
You can learn from mentors, coaches, and others in your specific industry.
Many small business owners learn by doing as well as from their mistakes.
There is nothing like a good old fashion mistake to learn from. Oftentimes, they will not be repeated.
Of course, many times mistakes can lead to other opportunities for you and your business. It’s how we learn more and grow.
- “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.” – Mary Tyler Moore.
Your Turn On Small Business Owner’s Sleep
How are you sleeping better at night as a small business owner? I’d love to know more in the comments below!
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