Realistic Self-Care for Freelancers

Happy New Year, Freelancers! Looking for some actionable ways you can start the year fresh? Here are our favorite steps for realistic self-care for freelancers. See how you can include one or more of these tips into your routine to see a positive result on your day.

Get Ready for the Day

Put together a morning routine that gets you excited for the day. Fill your morning with motivation to get you out of bed and moving in the world. Even if your calendar is free from Zoom meetings and you don’t plan on working in a coffee shop, put some effort into making yourself look good for you. 

It doesn’t have to be a complete beauty routine to help you feel your best, but taking some easy step can make a difference in how you approach the day. Taking a shower in the morning can wake you up to feel energized and open up your senses to take in what the day has to bring. Put on something comfortable and fitting after to avoid distractions from itchy or ill-fitted clothing. Style your hair in a way that keeps it out of your face while you’re getting work done - who has time to keep adjusting when we’re in the zone?

Move your Body

If you’re looking for something affordable and convenient, start by walking in your own neighborhood for 30 minutes. Take new routes to explore your area and keep yourself guessing to stimulate your mind. Use this moment to find peace in the noise of the outdoors or to call a friend and digest the day together.

Keep a yoga mat at home to make mid-day flows and meditations attainable. Consider working in some arm and shoulder stretches if working at a computer all day is common for you. Even if you only have 5-10 minutes for spare, those few moments can make a big difference on your entire day. 

Outsource Personal Tasks 

Consider outsourcing something around the house or in your life to give yourself more free time, even if it’s just a one-time occasion. Small things like bringing someone in the clean your home, ordering a week of meals from a delivery service, or hiring a sitter/dogwalker to give you extra hands can make a major difference in your stress levels - and free up time to help you recharge and refocus as a freelancer. If you’re on a budget, a self-watering planter might be an easy start to making you feel like you’ve got some extra help around the house or office while keeping your plant babies green and growing. 

Take a Creative Break 

Remember how it feels to do something fun without needing to monetize it? Take yourself back to those times and dive into a forgotten hobby.

Stepping away from the office to do something creative when you’re mentally stuck at work can make a major impact on any creative blocks you’re feeling If you’re not able to do anything too crazy during the workday, something simple and quick to keep your hands and mind busy could do just the trick to get you back on track.

Cleanse Social Media

Detoxing from technology is always a good idea when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but take it a step further and do a deep dive into everything digital that isn’t serving you. Unfollow anyone that doesn’t bring you joy or triggers a negative reaction. Curate a feed that inspires you to be the best freelancer and encourages you to reach your goals. Unsubscribe from emails and newsletters that no longer serve you to help clear your inbox and your mind.

Make sure to prioritize your self-care in 2023 to bring your best self to the table in all aspects of life. It’s always a good time to start forming positive habits that will benefit you all year long, good luck on your self-care journey as a freelancer!