Life as a solopreneur can feel like juggling a dozen flaming torches at once—answering emails, setting up sales funnels, managing finances, troubleshooting tech problems, and everything in between.
I’ve been there. When I first started HackSpirit, I wore all the hats. I was the writer, the editor, the marketing guy, the customer support rep—yep, all of it.
But here’s the kicker: doing everything alone can lead to burnout faster than you can say “deadline.”
Over time, I realized I needed to adopt a few small but mighty habits to keep my sanity in check and my productivity high. Today, I want to share five self-care habits that have made all the difference for me—habits that are easy enough to implement right away, even in the midst of solopreneur chaos.
Let’s dive in.
1. Walking in nature
I’ll admit, I used to be one of those people who believed the only way to get ahead was to hustle 24/7. But the truth is, working nonstop without a break is a recipe for stress overload.
That’s where nature strolls came in for me. Something as simple as leaving my laptop at home and walking in a nearby park changed my entire outlook.
As noted by nature.com, “Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing.”
And I can vouch for it. When I step away from my screen, and breathe in some fresh air, I return with a clearer head and renewed energy.
If you’re looking for a tiny habit that packs a big punch, put on your sneakers and head outside—no fancy gym membership required.
2. Practicing mindfulness
If you’re a regular reader here, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of mindfulness but you might not know why.
Well, early in my solopreneur journey, my mind was constantly buzzing with new ideas, looming deadlines, and the anxieties of “What if this fails?” Practicing mindfulness helped me reel in my racing thoughts and focus on the present moment—without drowning in endless what-ifs.
The benefits are well backed up by pros, too. For instance, the team at the American Psychological Association has noted, “Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce rumination, increase focus, and even increase relationship satisfaction.”
For me, mindfulness doesn’t have to be a grand 60-minute meditation session. It can be as simple as taking five minutes to close my eyes, tune into my breath, and gently guide my wandering mind back to the here and now.
It’s a tiny shift with huge ripple effects.
3. Getting in some movement (even if it’s just a little)
“Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever” – Mayo Clinic Staff
Exercise has always been a part of my daily routine. My go-to is a quick 5K run almost every morning. There’s something so therapeutic about lacing up my shoes, getting out there, and letting my feet hit the pavement.
Lately, though, I’ve been dealing with a running-related injury—frustrating, but also a chance to explore other forms of movement, like stretching, yoga, or even a brisk walk.
Anyway, the goal isn’t to become an ultra-marathon runner or a gym rat—it’s to move your body in a way that releases tension and elevates your mood.
And when you’re building a business on your own, stress relief is priceless.
4. Cultivating gratitude
Running a solo venture can sometimes feel lonely or overwhelming, right?
Well, in those moments, it’s easy to focus on everything that’s going wrong. That’s where gratitude swoops in like a superhero for your mental health.
As noted by the folks at Harvard Health, “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”
I can attest to this, too. I’ve found that a quick gratitude list each morning shifts my perspective.
Instead of obsessing over an email that never got answered, I start my day appreciating the small wins—like a kind comment from a reader or the simple fact that I’m doing what I love for a living.
5. Taking micro-breaks
Ever catch yourself staring at the same paragraph for 20 minutes, getting nowhere? That’s your brain telling you it’s time for a break.
I used to think breaks were a sign of laziness—until I realized taking regular pauses can actually boost productivity.
A micro-break can be just a minute or two. Stand up, stretch, grab some water, or do a quick breathing exercise. Sometimes I’ll even do a quick body scan: close my eyes, take a deep breath, and notice where I’m tense.
These tiny breaks keep me from spiraling into a burnout trap. They’re also a chance to reset, refocus, and get back to my work with a fresh perspective.
Final words
Building a business alone is both exhilarating and exhausting. And it’s all too easy to forget about yourself when you’re busy handling every single task that comes your way.
But the reality is, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable survival tool.
By weaving small habits like walking in nature, practicing mindfulness, exercising (in any form), cultivating gratitude, and taking micro-breaks into your routine, you’ll not only keep your sanity intact but also become a far more effective entrepreneur.
These are tiny habits—easy to start and quick to implement. Give them a try, and see how they transform both your well-being and your business. Trust me, when you’re the only one driving the ship you’ve got to make sure you’re in top shape for the journey ahead.
