Today, starting a side gig can be done at the comfort of your home and is very simple and easy. As long as you have the time and resources to dedicate to it, a side hustle can generate a lot of extra income. However, it is hard finding a perfect balance between life and work as it is a complicated process. If you choose to have a side hustle, your current life balance will be affected significantly.
You need to be careful not to let your goals and ambitions become an excuse for neglecting self-care. Here are some simple ideas to help you implement a routine that prevents burnout.
Plan a solid start and stop time for your solid hustle
Boundaries are very important for more than just your relationships. You need to set boundaries on the time you put into your side business and what you put in for self-care. Planning a solid start and stop time where you can walk away from your laptop and take a mental break can help you refuel and start on a new fresh when it's time to get back.
Establish boundaries between work and personal relationships
When you are obsessed with your side hustle, it is very easy to turn every conversation into something business-related. Having personal relationships and conversations that are about more than just work is important for your mental health.
Therefore ensure that you have set some boundaries for yourself, and that is where your supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs comes in.
Optimize your schedule
Being proactive in managing your energy to optimize your results and success is key for daily balance. Commit to a daily routine of updating your schedule with priorities such as; self-care, work, education, family, entertainment, and any other key activities.
Also, ensure that you have scheduled time aside for;
- Exercise
- Healthy meals
- Sleep
- Social relationships for family and friends
Ensure that you are disciplined, selective, and protective of your priorities that maximize excellence and afford your balance.
Strive to improve your flexibility
Work on being flexible in all areas, mental, physical, and work flexibility will let you reach your goals much faster than expected. Ensure that you are able to switch situations whenever needed in case of an emergency.
For flexibility in your freelance businesses and side gigs, consider creating a DBA (doing business as) name for your company. Starting one allows you to be flexible by doing business in a different name other than your own. A formation service like Zenbusiness.com can help with the process. Consequently, you’ll be able to sell products and market them under a different name.
Ditch the structure of a typical work week
Give yourself as much flexibility as you come in, where, when, and home you get work done. You need to structure your entire week around your peak productivity windows. Negotiate this with your employer if needed. Save time where you can.
Set and mage your priorities
We can never manage time, but we can manage priorities. If you are juggling three different paths like work, family, and side hustle, you must focus on one at a time. When at work, work, and when you are at home, focus on family. For instance, when you have an exercise routine, maybe Zumba classes with Sheila, set the most appropriate time aside and focus in order to get the most out of every session.
Several kinds of research show that multitasking is the most unproductive way to live life and do business.
Include your family
It is very exciting to be taking action to achieve your dreams and goals, and it is important to still perform well at work plus keep the fire burning at home. To make work easier, include your family in making the side gig successful. That includes visioning, planning to product development- leverage their strengths and emotional support for you.
Run toward what you love
When balancing a side gig with a full-time role, you will need to run towards the activities that bring you energy, utilize your natural strengths and what you love to do. Every role can be accomplished, all you have to do is run towards what you love rather than away from what you do not.
Create work-life alignment
It is very important to explore why you are doing the side gig and how the hustle can support your overall goals and objectives for your life and career. Seek ways to leverage your time to achieve your efforts and support in areas you cannot manage alone.
Conclusion
A side gig can be very profitable and if it’s well managed, it can become a permanent source of income. With discipline and being able to separate your side gig from your day job and personal life, you will be able to run your life smoothly and take care of yourself.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself by eating right, sleeping enough, and exercising regularly. You don’t want to make a lot of money and spend it all on hospital bills.
