If you have managed to break out of the 9-5 cycle you hated so much but found yourself in a new kind of struggle, you are not alone—many people who freelance or run a small business experience significant burnout.

Burnout is often accompanied by guilt – why do I feel like this? I am letting myself down. And, the combination can make small business owners feel like they aren’t going to succeed. There is no denying that running a small business can be a difficult journey from time to time, but it should feel more like a joy than a pain.

Taking care of your health needs is taking care of business, and here is how you can do that.

Brain Food

They say you are what you eat, and for the most part, that is true. You should be aiming to feed your brains as much healthy fats and protein as possible. Keeping your brain in good working order will help those long deep-work hours be more productive.

Here are some foods that you should add to your diet:

• Fatty fish like salmon.
• Blueberries are packed with anti-inflammatories and antioxidants.
• Turmeric is known to benefit memory and boosts the growth hormone that helps.
• Broccoli is packed with antioxidants and vitamin K.

So next time you are thinking about what to have for lunch, choose a salmon and broccoli salad and enjoy a fantastic working afternoon.

Medical

Small business owners and freelancers will put off their medical needs repeatedly just in case it is going to take a while to be resolved after. Working through things that should get some medical attention, hoping for the issue to go away.

But getting the proper medical care is one of the most important ways to keep your business running. Handing over to your team or a VA for a few days can give you a break that you need.

Rest after medical procedures is a must, even though it is challenging. Still, there is a massive difference between you not resting and something that requires the attention of a medical malpractice attorney.

Health is more important than wealth, but if you aren’t healthy, your bottom line will suffer.

Move

In between everything else you are doing, you need to fit in some time to move. It can be in any way that you like – it is just important that you do it.

Regular exercise gives us more stamina, which can work those long hours that we want to.

Running, static cycling, yoga, swimming, or even just taking a break and going for a walk can make a big difference to your overall health and help you be more productive.

Reflection

It is essential to get some perspective on how things are going, what is going well, and what could be improved. Reflection periods are often quiet and relaxed, allowing you to consider the decisions you are making carefully.

Spending a few hours reflecting can be relaxing and beneficial to small business owners.

Your business can’t run well if you aren’t in the right frame of mind and health to be able to take care of it. So make sure you put yourself first.

It’s not just you as the business owner that needs to be in the best physical and mental health, your employees deserve it too. If that is something that you are struggling with, then read this great post: Supporting Your Employees in All the Ways That Matter.