Starting a side-hustle is a great way to earn extra money, but for some, it’s also an introduction into self-employment that can lead to bigger things. However, whether you’re interested in a temporary side gig or want to grow it into a career, it’s important to practice self-care to prevent burnout. 

Working at your day job and taking care of responsibilities at home while balancing extra work is no small feat. If you look for small ways to give yourself a break, find help and support for your business venture, and learn how to find work/life harmony, you’ll be able to do it all successfully. Here are some self-care tips that can help you while getting started with a side gig.

Look at your options

If you’re ready to try self-employment, freelancing is a great way to get started. Not only does it allow for quite a bit of freedom, it will help you get a feel for running your own business without investing a lot of time or money. You will need a few things to get up and running, however, such as a business license that will allow you to keep up with your local taxes. You should also consider registering a name for your business so that customers can easily find your services. A DBA–or “doing business as”–name will simplify things and give you some flexibility in case you decide to sell different products or services under a new name down the line. A DBA is also helpful if you want to protect your identity, and it can lend you credibility as you get started with your freelance business. Do some research before registering your DBA name and get familiar with the required steps before jumping in.

Take care of your body

While running your business more efficiently will certainly take some stress off your shoulders, you may still have trouble finding time for yourself with such a busy schedule. Getting adequate rest is crucial in preventing burnout, however, so it’s important to create downtime when you can and maximize your bedroom for the best sleep possible. Getting organized can help you focus and work some me-time into the day, so declutter, keep your home clean, prep meals ahead of time, and lay out clothes for the next day to prevent a stressful rush in the morning. Create to-do lists to stay on track.

Your physical health also relies on good nutrition, plenty of water, and daily exercise, so it’s essential to create healthy habits as a form of self-care. If you have a full schedule, look for ways you can work in a quick walk outside–which can be beneficial for your mental health as well–or fifteen minutes of yoga. Keep healthy snacks handy while you work, along with a large reusable water bottle that will help you keep track of how much you’ve had during the day.

Set some boundaries

Once you’re organized and are feeling good, it’s time to think about how you can set a few boundaries and prevent exhaustion from creeping in. Working a side gig can make you feel like you should be doing something all the time, even when you should be relaxing at home, so set a schedule and stick to it as closely as possible. Let customers and clients know what your work hours are, and don’t answer emails or phone calls after those times. Learning to say “no” when you’re overwhelmed or overbooked is also crucial.

Self-care is an important part of all our lives, but it can be especially tricky to achieve when you’re working both a day job and a side gig. Make time for yourself now so you can focus on successfully building your business in the future.

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