We asked some of the most productive entrepreneurs and creatives out there to open up to us about the role self-care plays in boosting their effectiveness.
Maddie Zumstein
As someone who has always had a packed schedule her whole life, I’ve learned to be effective and efficient with my time management skills. Everyday I dedicate at least a few hours of my time to prioritizing myself in order maintain a healthy balance. To be effective with my management skills, I always keep myself on my toes, prioritizing stepping out of my comfort zone. Read More>>
Kitty Bird
I have a simple ritual of unplugging and ‘just being’ multiple times a day. I try to absorb nature and reeaaaaally (say that slowly) enjoy my cup of coffee in the morning. I tend my orchid plants, I enjoy the birds at my feeder, I garden and get outside. As much as I can, I go for walks. I don’t live on a nature preserve, but on a daily basis, I make the most of my yard, windows and my neighborhood. Read More>>
Liza Paniz
Self-care has honestly been one of the biggest reasons I’ve made it to where I am today. When I’ve neglected it, I’ve felt the consequences. In my early 20s, I was working 12-hour shifts as a nurse assistant at a hospital. I remember feeling completely drained with constant back pain. I started using food as a way to comfort myself. Chicken strips during lunch became the highlight of my day, and I’d grab fast food on the way home to reward myself for getting through the shift. Read More>>
Rachel Krahenbuhl
Self-care isn’t something I check off a list—it’s woven into how I live, relate, and work.
One of the foundational habits that supports me—both personally and professionally—is starting my day with presence. I often begin my day with mindful movement to wake up my body, followed by meditation. This daily rhythm helps me center myself before I support others. It’s a way of aligning with my nervous system so I can show up with clarity, calm, and compassion. Read More>>
Richard Van De Water
For me, self-care looks like going out on the boat, fishing or beach day with friends, surfing, write-off trips to another country to take pictures so I can be inspired again. But I’ve learned that self-care can be difficult when you’re building a business. There are so many tasks and goals you’re trying to accomplish that it often feels impossible to slow down. Read More>>
Andy Sanchez
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit,” – Edward Abbey
I am extremely fortunate that I have been able to blend many facets of my life into my absolute favorite thing to do. Getting away from everything. Living in our part of New Mexico offers solitude in any direction. We have any type of wild area anyone could want to explore. New Mexico is a big state, and not a very populated one. Read More>>
Liuyazi (Arya) Hou
For me, the most transformative form of self-care is allowing, giving space for whatever arises within me to move through, without judgment. Often, this takes the form of meditative presence or intuitive dance, which flows directly into my creative process. This practice not only nourishes my emotional well-being but also fuels authentic, original work, whether I’m sculpting personal pieces or crafting narratives for games. Read More>>
Nate LaBrusciano
Selfcare has been incredibly important to me for quite some time. I had a depressive rut early in my college career due. It was a funk that was new to me and I didn’t know how to handle it. I was had trouble falling asleep and there was not much that could fix it. My time was spent hanging out with friends, playing video games, completing school work, and working. Read More>>
Elizabeth Green
What does self-care really mean? I suppose it’s different for everyone. In my mind, self-care isn’t about doing any one particular thing like taking a bath or exercising, but more about the intention behind the action. It’s about caring enough about your well-being to make time to find ways to fill your own cup. A lot us nurturing types are really good at responding to what others need, but may not make room for our own needs. Read More>>
Stephan Jackson
For self-care when I need a break from a project:
-I take a weekly trip to the Torrance Farmer’s market each Saturday, and take a drop of Lion’s Mane Tincture alongside a refreshing meal
– I attend church every Sunday to get into the Bible, as well as socialize with my church family
– I play my Nintendo Switch 2 with YouTube video essays or a movie playing in the background
– I go take a walk to Redondo Beach or Wilson Park Read More>>
Mikel Elam
I have several daily practices which has had a great impact on my life . Especially the last 10 years .
It begins with a twice a day meditation practice . First thing in the morning and again by late afternoon.
I write in my gratitude journal soon after my morning meditation. I recognize that life isn’t perfect. It will always surprise us with it fragile nature . Yet there is great beauty and strength in the natural world . Read More>>
AK Westerman
I am a full-time freelance artist and designer, and I work from home. I also have a spouse who travels for his job, so this leaves me with quite a bit of time alone. While I do go to networking events and a few client meetings, most of my work takes place solo in my office/studio. Without a rigid schedule or anyone else in the house, it’s very easy to put in an unhealthy number of hours. Because I own my own business, there is no shortage of tasks that need to be completed to fill that time. Read More>>
Nova Maddux
For me, self care is such a crucial part of my life. After all, we need to put our best selves out in the world, especially if we seek to help others. Self care is something that provides me with the richest sense of love. It’s about nurturing yourself, especially on the hard days. As far as my self care, it all starts with skincare! I’m a big believer in prevention versus counteracting, so using the right face washes, and developing my own skin care line has made drastic differences in both the appearance of my skin, as well as my confidence to head out into the world. Read More>>
Jay Maybry
I started running about 9 years ago which was not long after I started playing guitar and writing songs. I’m a firm believer that physical health and mental health have reciprocal benefits. I use the mental clarity that comes after a run as well to foster any critical thinking about a song or an idea for a song. Read More>>
