When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care, but in our many conversations with some of the most productive business owners and creatives we’ve found that self-care is one of the most effective ways to boost productivity.

Amanda Kendler

When it comes to self-care, it’s been a doozy of a journey. I have an insane schedule that is not dictated by me. It is almost impossible not to drown into a sea of others’ needs if I am not intentional about checking in on myself. It makes me sad that self-care can be seen as a reward, especially for women. Self-care is a necessity, a responsibility we have to our mental and physical well-being. My online content creating and travel blogging is my self-care hobby. Read More>>

Lisa Zhao

A lot of times in life, I’ve felt buried under stress and pressure. Instead of pushing me forward, it shuts me down. It took me a while to realize that proper self-care is necessary for maintaining a healthy mindset and staying motivated. I’ve learned that doing nothing is sometimes the best self-care. I give myself permission to rest without guilt—whether that’s lying on the couch with a book, or going out to wander the city. I allow myself to “not work” when I don’t feel much inspired, and that’s totally okay. When I come back to my work, I feel way more grounded and motivated. Read More>>

Claudia Fehribach

Since becoming an entrepreneur, I made a conscious decision not to work in the mornings. I’ve dedicated that time entirely to self-care—whether it’s CrossFit, meditation, getting my nails or hair done, a massage, or simply doing whatever I need to feel balanced.

Creating this space in my day has been a game-changer. By taking care of myself first, I show up more focused, present, and effective in every area of my life. Read More>>

Haley Easy

Self-care is such a beautiful subject.
For me, self-care means intentionally spending time with myself and doing what I want to do—not just following what others want. Poetry is one of my favorite forms of self-care. It grounds me and helps with what’s on my mind. Read More>>

Mike Cruz

One of my main forms of self-care is enjoying a cigar after a long day or at the end of a busy week. It gives me a chance to slow down, reflect, and mentally reset. During that time, I’m able to lock in on things I need to handle—whether it’s business-related or personal. I use that moment to catch up on messages, plan my schedule, and regroup. As a barber, my days can get so packed that I’ll start with zero missed calls or texts, and by the end of the day, I’ve got a full list of people to respond to. Taking that time helps me stay focused, organized, and more effective overall. Read More>>

Maya Nguyen

As a leader, especially in the hospitality industry where a lot of us are drawn to it because we are natural caretakers, learning to prioritize myself has had a huge impact on my effectiveness. Over the years, I’ve gone up and down with self care and I’ve found that there’s a direct correlation between my effectiveness as a manager and the way I’m taking care of myself. These days, that means going to the gym even if I’m tired, cooking for myself as much as I can, and walking away from relationships that are not healthy for me. Read More>>

Sir Liao

I keep a fish tank. Read More>>

Leah Lobato

One of my favorite things to remind myself is that “Self-care is not selfish.” Self-care has been a difficult journey for me. There are many factors in my life that had me believing that taking time for self-care was in some way selfish. I spent many years of my life worrying about and caring for others. From being the oldest daughter, to being the care taker in my first marriage, stepping into adopting twin babies, transitioning through a divorce to being in a long term relationship with someone who struggled with being consistent, parenting difficult teens and believing I needed to be perfect at work. Self-care was the last thing on my list. Read More>>

Randy Cusick

I’m a recovering alcoholic (18 years clean and sober), so I’m on a spiritual journey. Right when I wake up, I hit my knees and do my morning prayers. Then I do my morning meditation. One of the things I pray for is to be of service to others. When I’m being of service to you, I’m not worried about what I’m going through. It really gets me out of myself. When I started doing comedy, I was so nervous before I hit the stage. I knew I was going up, but I doubted whether I actually could. A mentor of mine reminded that I’m not there for me, I’m there to be of service to the audience.  Read More>>

Lisette Schumacher

My self-care is keeping myself healthy and in balance both mentally and physically. I want and need to be in good shape in order to do my job. I start my day with a nutritious breakfast after which I go for a walk to catch some sunrays or off to the gym by bike. I know if I get active in the morning, my focus is much better throughout the day. At the studio I need to focus to make new works or do things like my administration, writing, photographing new works, photo editing, updating my wesbite, posting on social media, studio appointments, consultations, ordering materials etc.  Read More>>

Megan Morris

I think taking time to reset is very important. Whether it’s getting a massage or as simple as soaking in a hot bath. You can’t pour from an empty cup! Read More>>

Sekhani Karim

I enjoy making space for mindful expressions whether that be gentle movement, singing, dancing or consuming. In more detail I like to approach my self-care practices as rituals because I believe everything is sacred. These rituals include creating calm environments for me to feel safe in my own presence and invite more joy into my being. Some tools I like to incorporate are herbal teas, mushroom coffee, crystals, incense, essential oils etc. These tools help me activate my senses and become more present in life. Read More>>

Seres Hofundur

“If you can walk you can work” was the theme for most of my life.
No matter the head ache, no matter the belly pain, no matter how much my body begged me to stop. I was the force that kept pushing forward till chronic illness downed me for days on end. It was an unsustainable cycle of only filling my tank one gallon at a time. Read More>>

Beatrice Henry

In a short answer… I CREATE! Acts 26:2 says “I think myself happy” I’ve learned that so much of life is what you make of it and how you choose to see it. I’ve made a conscious decision to create what I need for the specific season or space I’m in. Whether that is my thoughts, my environment, my resources or connections; I create what I need or want. And I get JOY from sharing what I’ve created with others. Read More>>

Anie Delgado

I have what I call magic hours. Usually between 8 and 10pm. For me, this is optimal time for relaxation and manifestation. I can spend magic hours doing a number of different things. Sometimes, it’s journaling and manifesting my dream life. Sometimes it’s putting together an aspirational mood board or vision board on Pinterest. Sometimes it’s doing a tarot reading. I’m usually doing this in bed after doing all of my skincare or in a warm bath. Read More>>

Gerika Odom

What Self-Care Means to Me

Self-care, for me, is necessary. It’s how I pause when life feels too heavy. I’ve learned to take myself on solo dates, try new things alone, and spend time in nature, not to escape, but to reconnect with who I am. That’s how I learn myself, and that’s how I keep going. Read More>>

Danalyn Savage

I have not always been great at self care. Some days, I still struggle. I tend to be hyper-responsible and that distracts me from what I need. For a long time, I did not even know what I needed or wanted in order to take care of myself. When I think about this question, I believe there are three distinct practices of self care then help make me a better mom, wife and boss. Read More>>

Carmen Boone

I believe taking care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually is so crucial. I grew up with my father being very active and prioritizing his health. I remember him telling us “take care of your body, it’s the only one you will ever have!” I enjoy working out whether that be by walking, dancing or doing weight training. I love all of it and I feel so much better when I am active. Spiritually, I enjoy reading the Bible every day as well as praying. Read More>>