Hi there, My name is Hilary Matson. I'm the CEO of Yugen Earthside, a sustainable travel booking platform and agency. I've been quoted in articles for Yahoo! News, MSN, Travel Weekly, USA Today, TravelPulse, and Best Company. -- I'd like to contribute to your article about maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running my bootstrapped travel company as a solo female founder. Here are a few things I implement in my daily life to bring balance and structure. To start, I go for a walk in the morning and listen to an audio book or podcast. This gets me up, moving, and out in the fresh air for about an hour, before I sit at my desk and have my coffee. While I'm having coffee, I time block my day before I turn my computer on. I think about my most important tasks, and organize them while assigning an approximate amount of time to each task. (I monitor my time estimates to continuously improve my organization.) This is helpful because it reduces the 'switching cost' of figuring out what to work on next - which is especially important as a founder who works from home! My days don't have many meetings and there are endless things to do, so I find this method really helps me. Though I work in the travel industry, I'm too busy to take many proper trips. Most of my travel is to visit friends and family, and that in and of itself is recharging. When I'm really trying to clock off, I try to check my email only once a day to scan for anything client related, and put the rest off until I'm back in the office. Being an entrepreneur requires incredible stamina and persistence, so finding ways to maintain energy and motivation are critical! It is possible to burn out even while building something you love, so founders need to be aware of these signs and be able to course correct when needed. -- I am active on social media and will be more than happy to share this article with my audience to help it gain extra exposure once published. Just send me a link so I can help spread the word. Thank you so much for considering my suggestion! Hilary Matson
Running a business, being a mom, being a wife, and taking care of myself is quite a juggling act. One thing that helps me a lot is to maintain boundaries with my schedule. Family time, workout time, free time, and work hours are all scheduled and are treated as non-negotiables. I also set aside time in my work calendar for office time so that I can knock out administrative projects and take calls without going back and forth from the gym floor, which helps keep things from becoming chaotic. Learning to say no is instrumental in not overwhelming my schedule and preventing burnout. If I do feel burned out, I take an extra day off and do what I like to call feeding my soul. I take a day and do whatever my heart desires without goals or too much structure. It helps balance out the feeling of always living by a schedule and gives me a chance to do all the activities I normally don't have time for, such as, go to a coffee shop, hike, window shop, bake something for fun, visit a nearby city and try a new restaurant, listen to a podcast, or read.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running a business begins with setting clear boundaries and prioritizing self-care. This means scheduling personal time just as I would an important meeting. It's about being present in the moment-whether I'm caring for clients, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a solitary walk to recharge. When I feel burned out, I turn to chiropractic adjustments, meditation, and intentional movement. These help restore my energy, align my body and mind, and remind me why I'm passionate about my work. Taking time to care for myself allows me to show up fully for my business, my clients, and my family. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup-self-care isn't selfish; it's essential.
Ah, the elusive work-life balance-also known as trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. As someone in the travel industry, I've learned that the key is to actually schedule downtime like it's an important meeting. (Because if it's not in the calendar, it doesn't exist, right?) When I'm feeling burned out, I recharge by doing what I love-but without the pressure of creating content. That means spontaneous local adventures, digital detox days, or even just lounging in my pajamas with a strong coffee, daydreaming about my next trip. It's all about remembering why I started this journey in the first place: for the love of travel, not just the hustle.
Work-life balance is hard when you're running a business, but I've learned that setting boundaries is everything. I used to think I had to be "on" 24/7, but that just led to burnout. Now, I make it a point to disconnect, even if it's just for a little while each day. One thing that really helps me recharge? Taking a five-day trip somewhere with someone I feel grounded and connected to-whether it's family, friends, or my partner-and fully disconnecting from my usual environment. No work, no emails, just being present. Psychologically, this kind of break is powerful because: It breaks the stress cycle - Constant work keeps your brain in fight-or-flight mode. A real break helps reset your nervous system. It strengthens your emotional well-being - Being around people who truly know and support you boosts your mood, lowers stress, and brings back perspective. It gives your mind space to think - When you're not drowning in daily tasks, you gain clarity and fresh ideas flow naturally. At the end of the day, taking care of yourself isn't a luxury-it's a necessity. If you don't recharge, you can't show up as your best self to keep going long-term.
Running an e-commerce business in the beauty industry is exhilarating, but it can also be all-consuming if you're not careful, and striking a healthy balance beteween work and family life is something I've had to learn the hard way. In the early days of Blossom, like any founder I guess, I would work pretty much around the clock, constantly thinking about new product ideas, fretting over marketing strategies, and responding to customer feedback. It wasn't until I started experiencing burnout that I realized the importance of setting boundaries. Now, I make it a point to "clock out" at a reasonable hour each day, no matter how tempting it is to keep working. I've also learned to delegate tasks to my amazing team, which I never did at the start because it's so hard to trust "outsiders" to handle important aspects of what you see as your baby. It's something that not only frees up my time but also empowers my employees and fosters a positive work culture. When it comes to recharging, what works best for me is immersing myself in nature. E-commerce means I'm basically stuck to my screen all day... It's so easy to get caught up in trends and constant product launches. To counteract this, I make it a priority to disconnect from technology and spend time outdoors at least once a week. Whether it's a hike in the nearby hills or just tasking my dogs out to the park, being in nature helps me reset my mind and gain perspective. And during these moments of quiet reflection I often find inspiration for new skincare formulations or innovative ways to connect with our customers. In the beauty and wellness industry, it's crucial to practice what we preach. We're constantly advocating for self-care and holistic well-being through our products, so it's important to embody these values in our personal lives too. I've incorporated a daily skincare ritual that goes beyond just testing our products - it's a moment of mindfulness and self-appreciation. This practice not only helps me stay grounded but also reminds me why I started Blossom in the first place: to help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
When starting up and running your own business there is an endless list of tasks to complete, and everything can feel urgent. When I started my business I found myself thrust into multiple roles all at once. I was the saleswoman, accountant, website manager, marketer, social media content creator, google ads expert. I had to learn a lot of things very quickly and it was difficult to maintain a balance. I found it especially difficult to plan things because my customers would book appointments and I had to make myself available on short notice. Blocking out time in my calendar to do specific tasks simply didn't work - they'd always be a last-minute client or a fire to be put out. I started to feel overwhelmed and exhausted - working lots but never feeling like I was on top of things. So I decided to change it up. I now only schedule one thing in my calendar (aside from my client appointments), and that is the activities I love. I schedule a regular class and movie night, and always make sure I save a half day over the weekend for anything I want to do and I do it guilt-free. Now when a client asks for an appointment at one of these times, I say no, knowing it will save my mental and physical health in the long-run. I also set myself one main task each week to complete. If I finish it, I reward myself with a nice lunch. Anything else I do on top of that one task is a bonus. But by limiting my to-do list to simply one thing and celebrating when I get it done, I reduce my stress and feeling of overwhelm.
As a personal trainer and a neurodivergent business owner, burnout is a real challenge, so I've had to put systems in place to prevent it. I manage my brand, content, and client programs on my phone or laptop, but when it comes to my own plans, I go back to pen and paper. Stepping away from screens is essential for me. Too much digital input drains me fast. For me, training is my reset button. The gym is my happy place, where I can switch off from notifications and just focus on movement. It's the one thing that always brings me back to balance. I don't want my phone to ruin that time. When I am in a burnout phase, I will dedicate time to decompress. Some times this involves watching comfort TV shows or playing a mindless game on my partners Xbox. At the moment I'm enjoying 'Power Wash' which helps me switch off.
I get up every morning by 5 am to start my day with a 2-mile walk. No matter what the weather. I can't imagine not starting my day without it. I intentionally schedule some exercise that is somewhat of a commitment in the evenings. More so because I'm usually dragging by 4 pm, forcing myself to get back up and do something always revives me. For me its the only way to prevent burnout.
I make time for the things that recharge me. For me, yoga and meditation have become non-negotiable. They've helped me find peace and perspective, and they've taught me that everything always works out, even when it doesn't feel like it. I also indulge in a few little pleasures like reading, enjoying a good dessert, and getting the occasional massage to help me reset. Plus, I love planning vacations-they give me something to look forward to when I need a break.
It's incredibly difficult to find the balance but I love Hotwox! It's an infrared sauna that you exercise in. It has a lot of health benefits. It also boost your mood! It detoxifies because of a lot of sweating. It's also very relaxing because you're in a dark space on your own while you work out and it's meditative in nature. I also always recommend a good soak with magnesium salts and lavender or a great gin martini after work.
Operations at LAXcar, a premier black car service, always involve something unpredictable-late-night client requests, VIP events, operations in various regions in California. In an effort to preserve my work-life balance, I've learned to delegate, to offer my team opportunities to take on ownership of projects instead of trying to control every detail myself. The last thing I organized was a structured dispatch system so that my team can deal with last-minute booking changes without requiring my intervention. The change freed up my time while also easing the constant mental burden. I also draw strict time boundaries - I don't check emails after a certain hour unless it's an emergency. This allows me to fully engage when I'm away from work. When burnout sets in, I recharge by changing things up, switching roles from provider to traveler. Rather than handling transport myself, I book myself a trip and outsource the logistics. My favorite method of recharging is often a mini weekend retreat - anywhere from a half-day to a 3-4 hour drive up the coast. Just last year, following a grueling work stint, I made an appointment to stay in Napa, set my phone to do not disturb, and just concentrated on being a passenger. It was a reminder of why I enjoy travel in the first place, and I returned to LAXcar with new ideas on how to improve the client experience.
I know firsthand how demanding the travel and luxury hospitality world can be-it's a constant cycle of meetings, planning, and ensuring every experience is seamless. Balancing work and life in such a fast-paced industry isn't easy, but I've learned that boundaries are everything. I make a conscious effort to carve out personal time, whether it's blocking off an evening for myself or taking a step back when I know I need to recharge. It's about recognizing that the best work comes from a well-rested mind. When I feel burnout creeping in, I turn to wellness travel. Immersing myself in a new setting, whether it's a spa retreat or a destination that encourages mindfulness, helps me reset completely. I've found that changing my environment, even briefly, reignites my creativity and motivation. It's a reminder of why I love what I do. I'd love to read the final article-thank you for the opportunity!
Psychotherapist | Mental Health Expert | Founder at Uncover Mental Health Counseling
Answered a year ago
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running a business is challenging, but I've learned that setting clear boundaries is key. For me, that means creating a structured schedule where I dedicate focused time to my clients and business while also carving out time for myself and my personal relationships. I remind myself that stepping away from work doesn't mean I'm neglecting it; I must show up as my best self. When I feel burned out, I pause and prioritize something that helps me reconnect with myself. For me, that's walking around my neighborhood parks or journaling, a simple act that lets me process my thoughts and emotions. These moments of intentional self-care recharge my energy, keep me grounded, and ensure I can continue to support myself and those I work with.
Running a niche perfumery like Pairfum London, demands creativity and precision but also balance. One of our co-founders, a female entrepreneur, juggles every aspect of the business from New Product Development, Finance, Customer Services to Operations. This makes it easy for work to spill into her personal time. To maintain an equilibrium she has developed clear boundaries. At the end of each day she puts away her phone & tablet, switches off the laptop and closes the door to her home office. This ritual signals the transition from work to personal life allowing her to focus fully on family and relaxation. Another key habit is making the time for 30 minutes of meditation at lunchtime. This practice trains the mind to step away from work entirely. The act of meditating or conscious relaxation creates a non-negotiable pause where nothing else can intrude. If she doesn't feel like meditating, she takes a 'power snooze', a quick and timed nap. The lesson? Set clear physical or mental boundaries. Even as an entrepreneur it is vital to carve out moments where work does not intrude. The discipline required pays off in improved well-being, stronger relationships and ultimately better performance in both personal and professional life. As she says: "Balance is not a luxury. It is a necessity."
One thing that works for me is finding creative escapes. When I feel burned out, I step away from fashion and immerse myself in something else creatively. It could be cooking a ridiculously complicated dish or painting. My aim is to give my brain something fresh to work with. These usually end up being completely fashion-free days. No sketching or trend research. Because sometimes the best way to stay inspired is to step away so that you can come back obsessed with your passion all over again.
Having a work-life balance in the running of a wellness business is deliberate. So I begin my day by doing a little yoga and meditation, getting myself set up for the rest of the day. That quiet time of day just helps me to clear my mind and keep focused and stress-free. I block time each morning to attend to such personal practice, not let work demands compromise them. This discipline grounds me and prevents burnout because it keeps my mental and physical energies fresh and active all day long. Simplicity replenishes my energies when I feel burned out. A few minutes of mindful breathing or stepping away for a walk can help reset my energy. It's easy to get caught up in email and meetings, but taking a moment away from that noise allows me to reconnect with myself. These moments of pause are all important to me because they help restore balance and ensure my energy is focused on what matters most.
Work-life balance can be extremely tough for me personally, because we have 3 med spas in the Atlanta metro area. I'm also Mom to a busy 9-year-old with lots of extracurriculars, and my husband travels frequently for his job. My secret to maintaining balance (and sanity) is basically, "Work hard play hard!" For example: If I know I have a 13-day work streak coming up, I'll book a flight to a random city to recharge and reset... then put my nose to the grindstone until I complete day 13. When I go out of town, I unplug and engage in activities that bring me joy... like visiting a museum, attending a musical or simply reading on the beach. I do my best to stay off my laptop and postpone checking my emails until I am back to work from my brief getaway. This strategy may not be for everyone, but it definitely keeps me from burning out on the job.
I have to keep my health and the growth of my business in mind at all times. It's easy to forget about your own goals when you work in the health field and focus on helping other people reach theirs. Being successful isn't just about making money; it's also about having a happy life. That's why I make it a point to follow what I preach. One of the most important things I do to keep a good work-life balance is set clear time limits. I make plans for each day to make sure I get enough sleep, work out, and eat well. I won't be able to do my job well if I don't take care of myself. When I can, I also give other people work to do. If you try to do everything, you'll get tired very quickly. That's why I trust my team and focus on what I do best. When I'm tired, moving around helps me feel better. Moving around makes me feel better and clears my mind. You could do something like lift weights, go for a long walk, or just get some fresh air outside. I've always cared about being fit. Going for walks is not only part of my brand; it's also how I stay grounded while running a business. To be balanced, you don't have to do everything at the same time. It means knowing when to recharge, rest, and keep your energy safe so you can do the things you love at your best.
One thing that keeps me balanced while running a business? Time-blocking for personal wellness-without guilt. Early on, I fell into the trap of always being "on." In a high-pressure industry where deadlines are tight and demands never stop, I felt the need to be available 24/7. Eventually, burnout hit hard-productivity dropped, decision-making suffered, and stress became unsustainable. The turning point? I started scheduling wellness time like a high-priority meeting. Every morning, I block 30 minutes for exercise, reading, or simply stepping away from screens-non-negotiable, just like a key business decision. At first, I worried it would slow me down, but instead, I became more focused, energized, and effective. During a major project rollout, I stuck to this habit despite overwhelming demands. That small reset gave me the clarity to identify an overlooked risk, allowing us to pivot and avoid costly delays. My advice? Wellness isn't a luxury-it's a necessity. If you don't take control of your schedule, burnout will take control of you. Success isn't just about working harder-it's about working smarter while staying mentally and physically strong.