Is it Possible to Balance a Career and Personal Wellness? 26 Entrepreneurs Share Their Own Tips

Achieving career success without sacrificing mental health is like walking a tightrope—it requires focus, balance, and intentional steps. In this article, we've gathered insights from founders, coaches, and therapists to help leaders navigate the pressures of business while prioritizing well-being. From establishing key habits to practicing mindfulness, these 26 strategies offer practical guidance on maintaining both your professional and personal health.

Establish Non-Negotiable Habits

I believe you have to find and stick to a set of rules that suit you. These rules can evolve over time, but they are crucial for keeping you fit and mentally grounded during high-performance periods. For me, these rules include a set of habits that have become non-negotiables. One of the simplest but most powerful habits is having a glass of water first thing in the morning. It kick-starts my day by hydrating my body, aiding digestion, and ensuring I start off on the right foot physically.

I've also established similar rules around workouts, nutrition, and moments of joy or relaxation to create space for detachment from work. Whether it's a 30-minute workout or scheduling time for yoga or stretching, these habits aren't just about maintenance—they allow me to show up fully, both professionally and personally. The way I have incorporated these practices is by treating them as part of my work itself, ensuring that no matter how busy I get, they remain a priority for sustaining long-term success.

Cristina Imre, Founder & Quantum Wins Consultant, Tech Leadership Lab

Stack Habits for Well-Being

Time, particularly for women in leadership roles, is our most important resource. I've found that in order to keep myself sane and healthy, I "stack" habits so I can create moments solely for my well-being.

For example, I go to the gym at 5:00 a.m. at least three days a week. After my workout, and while sitting in my car, I put on a 10-minute meditation and practice breathing well. The combination of body- and mind-care creates a space for me to consider the day ahead with more calm and clarity than I would have otherwise.

LB Adams, CEO, Practical Dramatics

Exercise for Neuroplasticity

While it's tempting to work long hours as an entrepreneur, once you pass the point of diminishing returns, you not only are less effective and more apt to make mistakes, but you may also be literally shrinking your brain. In order to keep my thinking sharp and my spirit motivated, I make sure to schedule 20- to 45-minute exercise sessions at least three times per week.

Though this might sound "preachy," in fact, over the last 20-30 years, an increasing body of evidence in published scientific research tells us that exercise and neuroplasticity are closely linked. As we age, in particular, neuroplasticity and cognitive function decrease; however, these studies reveal that exercise can halt—and in many cases, reverse—cognitive decline. Neuroplasticity is, in fact, the creation of new neuronal pathways, which changes both the size and structure of the brain, improving, among other things, problem-solving skills, learning, and memory.

Previously, it was thought that cognitive decline was just something to be expected as brain cells die with age, but we now know this theory is outdated and patently false. Thanks to the work done by so many world-class researchers and scientists, there is ample proof that exercise may well be the secret to being able to continue doing the things you love well, both professionally and in your free time.

If I am feeling stressed, and like I'm stuck or not making progress on any given day, I jump on the treadmill or Stairmaster for 20 minutes and find myself creating solutions to business challenges as I exercise. The improvement to my health is a huge bonus too! It doesn't have to be complicated. Jumping rope, a dance or exercise video class, a quick run, or whatever is easy, just do it! Your brain and your business will thank you.

Mary Cioffi, Executive Coach, Mary Cioffi Executive Coaching Services

Schedule Movement and Exercise

One way I've incorporated my well-being is to plan out movement and exercise. I have exercise scheduled as an appointment, raising it to the importance of my other appointments and calendar invites...that I accept! For example, I've built movement into my workday by scheduling 15-minute walks. Those walks add up to 45 minutes of movement into the day, and that time provides a mental break from my tasks and meetings. I come back to work physically and mentally refreshed, ready to put effort towards the next task that needs to be addressed.

Vanessa Francis Gray, Career Coach, VFG Consulting Group

Take Regular Breaks Throughout the Day

One way I've prioritized my well-being and mental health while balancing my career is by taking regular breaks throughout the day. I've found that stepping away from my desk, even just for a few minutes, helps clear my mind and recharge my energy. Whether it's a quick walk outside to get some fresh air or simply stretching at my desk, these small breaks make a big difference. They help me stay focused and productive, and I feel less overwhelmed by my workload. Plus, they serve as gentle reminders to take care of myself, so I don't burn out.

Remember: we're not machines who can just keep going non-stop; we need to listen to our bodies and minds and give them the rest they need. And when we give ourselves the time and space to recharge, we can show up as our best selves in both our personal and professional lives.

Dr. Brooke Keels, Chief Clinical Officer, Lighthouse Recovery

Audit and Adjust Your Energy

I am very intentional about noticing the energy that I bring to everything I do by first observing myself and then qualifying the type of energy. (Am I bringing joy? Stress? Inspiration? Reprimand? Anxiety? Gratitude?) By being clear about monitoring this, I start to recognize patterns so that I can be more consistent in bringing a higher level of vibration into all of my interactions (both personal and professional).

I have noticed that when I'm intentional about bringing great energy, I feel better, and the outcomes I experience are better. And when I observe that my energy is out of alignment, I have mechanisms that I use to shift my energy. (Do I need more rest/sleep? Do I need to eat better? Do I need to exercise more? Do I need to meditate more?) Auditing my energy and adjusting to be more aligned is what helps me in everything I do.

Carolina Caro, CEO, Conscious Leadership Partners

Prioritize Daily Rituals

I consider myself truly lucky that my career as a psychologist allows me a lot of opportunity for personal growth. So often, what I am working on with my clients also helps me with my mental well-being, which is a gift!

However, the impacts of holding others' challenges and caring so deeply about my clients and my work, particularly as a group-practice owner, can be challenging to manage. Often, I struggle with the physical effects of muscle tension or even the impact of being more worn-out for my family at the end of the day.

One of the most important changes I have made is to prioritize a daily walk-and-yoga ritual every morning before work and taking breaks during the day for brief standing workouts. I also like to engage in gratitude and mindfulness practices to help me stay connected to my values.

Additionally, since I have a young son, I view the time I spend with him as my decompressing time where I am able to put all of my work concerns aside. This focus and intention help me feel less overwhelmed, even when things are busy in our life!

These small changes have allowed me to continue meeting with the number of clients I would like and also meet my own wellness needs, which helps me feel that I can prioritize both my career and wellness.

Dr. Erica Wollerman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder, CEO, Thrive Therapy Studio

Turn Off Notifications

In the fast-paced world of personal-injury law, it's easy to get caught up in the constant grind. To maintain my well-being, I've made a conscious effort to turn off my notifications during non-work hours. An evening of digital detox allows me to fully disconnect, recharge, and come back to my work the following day refreshed and focused. It's a simple, yet effective, way to prioritize my mental health and ensure long-term success in my career. It also allows me to be fully present for my family when I leave the office. Of course, if there's an emergency, I'm always available by phone. I know the difference between a notification and a true crisis.

Molly McKibben, Attorney, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP

Develop a Daily Routine

One of the most significant ways I have prioritized my well-being and mental health while balancing my career is by developing a daily routine that centers around conscious breathwork, meditation, and maintaining discipline with my integrity and intentions. This structured approach has been a game-changer in how I show up both for myself and for others, allowing me to achieve consistent, outstanding results.

Conscious breathwork, for example, is an integral part of my morning routine. It helps me ground myself and create a strong foundation for the day ahead. By focusing on my breath, I'm able to tap into a deeper sense of clarity and calm, no matter what challenges lie ahead. This simple yet powerful practice reduces stress and heightens my mental clarity, allowing me to make better decisions and respond to situations more thoughtfully. It also sharpens my emotional awareness, making it easier for me to remain grounded in moments of high pressure, both in my career and personal life.

Meditation is another cornerstone of my wellness practice. This daily ritual helps me cultivate mindfulness and awareness, which are critical for staying focused and aligned with my goals. In my career, especially as a life and business coach, maintaining a high level of presence is essential. When I meditate, I create space for stillness and reflection, which strengthens my ability to tune into others while staying connected to my own values and objectives. Meditating isn't just about quieting the mind; for me, it's about listening to my intuition and gaining the clarity to act with purpose and confidence in all areas of life.

Discipline around my integrity and intentions ties everything together. This means consistently honoring the commitments I make to myself and others and staying aligned with my core values. Whether I'm working on a project or facilitating breathwork sessions for others, my integrity acts as a guidepost, ensuring that I'm delivering with authenticity and purpose. By setting clear intentions each day, I stay focused on what truly matters and avoid distractions that could derail my progress. This level of discipline has helped me achieve results not just for myself but for the people I coach and collaborate with.

I've found that when I invest time into my mental and physical well-being, I'm able to operate at my peak, consistently delivering value and support to those around me while remaining centered in my personal life.

Brett Baughman, Founder and CEO, The Brett Baughman Companies, Inc.

Prioritize Physical and Mental Health

I opened a Hot Pilates studio six months ago, and from the moment my doors opened, the floodgates also opened, and it has been nonstop ever since. And let's face it, being a solopreneur is not for the faint of heart. It takes grit and the ability to be knocked down day in and day out, then get back up the next day, ready to do it all over again. So the mental fortitude it takes to succeed is unparalleled, and the only way I have been able to find resilience and perseverance is by putting extreme attention and focus on my daily physical and mental health.

With my studio's instant and massive success, I was forced to put in 14+ hours a day for six months straight with no breaks, and the only reason I have been able to continue on is due to the physical and mental stamina I've grown and fostered. How? Daily fitness. I know it is so cliche, but truly the only thing that keeps my mind clear and ready to take on the next fire.

For me, prioritizing myself means taking an hour out of every day for my mental and physical health regardless of how I feel or how the day looks. When I prioritize my mental and physical health, I am better able to lead my team and make more informed business decisions because I am not reactive, or working from a place of fear and scarcity. In turn, I begin working from a place of calm and reason, ultimately allowing for more creativity, flow, and success.

It's no surprise, but my favorite way to move my body is Pilates; however, when I am truly scrapped for time, I walk outside. Getting outside for a walk—even just 20 minutes—helps regulate the nervous system, ground you back to the moment, and move stuck, unmotivating energy up and out of your body.

Chelsea Stewart, Founder + Pilates Coach, HAVN Hot Pilates

Collaborate With Other Business Owners

As a business founder, I have learned that to have a healthy business, I have to be a healthy individual. I personally maintain my mental health in my career by collaborating with fellow business owners. This includes silent co-working on Zoom for an hour at a time; collaborative work times at coffee shops in my city of Austin; joining masterminds and collaborative groups. Most of the individuals I collaborate with are not in my field, but the co-regulation I receive from them is incredibly helpful to what can often be a lonely career of entrepreneurship!

Michelle Dew, Interior Decorator, Cultivate Your Space

Lead by Example

My path to becoming a certified Integrative Health & Wellness Coach specializing in hormone health was not just a career choice; it was a calling born out of personal trials, profound loss, and an unwavering commitment to healing naturally. When I started my practice, I dedicated my life to supporting women navigate the complexities of health and wellness with compassion, understanding, and expertise. Within my practice, I try to lead by example. I'm here to hopefully guide them to a brighter and healthier future.

When our hormones are balanced, our adrenal system is happy. A stressful, unhappy, anxious, sleep-deprived lifestyle takes a really negative toll on our body and affects our hormone health. In my practice, I focus on diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and stress optimization. I focus on three pillars: mind, body, and spirit. Contextualizing health as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual helps to understand why we possess the same habitual patterns and triggers.

I approach the spiritual aspect of wellness through our feelings and interpretations of our own lives. For instance, do you look in the mirror and truly love and admire what you see? Do you feel joy and admiration when seeing your reflection? This puts a different perspective on our wellness journey and how we view our daily intentions. This pillar (spirit) is essential for emotional well-being and directly affects your hormone health and imbalances. Practices such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, or time spent in nature can reduce stress hormones. These practices create feelings of peace and fulfillment.

We approach the mind aspect of wellness through examining the level of stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns that habitually occur within us. These patterns can lead to hormonal disruptions and cause adrenal fatigue. By utilizing many different practices, including mindful meditations, managing stress, positive mindset, deep breathing exercises, and journaling, we discover what truly lies within our soul.

The last pillar we focus on is our body. By examining exercise, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle choices, we honor our tangible needs of our physical form. With the right mindset, emotional well-being, and spiritual strength, we can define better choices for our body. By laying a strong foundation with the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pillars, our body has a sense of peace and fulfillment and becomes at a more optimal place.

Candice Schutz, Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Wholeistic Wellness

Prioritize Mental-Health Days

Balancing a demanding role at a fast-growing, VC-backed startup alongside the responsibilities of being a mother to two kids has been a constant journey of learning how to prioritize my health and well-being. Throughout my time at my company, I went through pregnancy and motherhood, which not only shifted my personal priorities but also deepened my connection to the mission of the company—making a positive impact on the world.

While my work energizes me, giving me purpose and a sense of fulfillment, my kids are a constant reminder of why I do what I do. They motivate me to create a better world through the work we're doing. At the same time, they pull me away from the office and the screen, giving me opportunities to enjoy the world through their fresh eyes, whether we're spending time in nature, biking, or simply being present together. That quality time helps create a natural balance in my life and prevents burnout.

Of course, there have been seasons where I've felt stretched too thin, leaving little room for self-care. In those times, I've learned to be intentional about prioritizing mental health. I take conscious mental-health days where I immerse myself in nature, go hiking, visit hot springs, or spend time at the beach. Even on my busiest days, I try to find at least five minutes to ground myself—literally—by standing with my bare feet on the earth, which helps me stay centered.

These practices help me manage the demands of a fast-paced career and family life while staying connected to what truly matters—my well-being.

Kat Dey, Co-Founder and President, ettitude

Optimize Time Management

Before kids, I had the energy and love for my work to go overtime, work nights and weekends, and travel wherever and whenever there was an opportunity. After kids, I've found that if I'm working while they're not in school, I feel weighed down by guilt and regret that I'm not spending that time with them. For me, time management has been the best way to bring balance into my career, being able to turn down opportunities that take me away from the family on weekends and after hours, and optimizing the time I have during my "office hours."

Carla Wingett, Founder, Idlewild Floral

Manage Your Productivity

I used to be constantly busy, juggling all sorts of tasks that needed to be completed. It quickly became clear that being busy and being productive are not the same thing. By always focusing on the next task I had to finish, I lost sleep, felt stressed, and didn't know where to start.

To counter this, the first step was to measure and track my productivity. As an Apple user, I put my phone on "work-focus" mode to eliminate external distractions like notifications and other interruptions. Additionally, I organized all my tasks and workflows in productivity software, where I track the hours worked on each task. This has given me peace of mind and a clear understanding of what is important and what isn't.

Thanks to better planning, I now have enough space in my schedule to hit the gym 3-4 times a week, and I can take weekends off, go diving, or go surfing without feeling stressed. I always have an overview and insight into the tasks I (or my team) need to manage. By staying active and reducing stress, I also have time to relax and boost my endorphins, which helps me stay balanced and energized.

So to answer the question: manage your productivity and be honest with yourself. Being busy is not the same as being productive. Guarding your productivity and banning all unnecessary "time-consumers" like doomscrolling and checking your emails every 5 minutes should be number one on everybody's list.

Thomas Brasseur, CEO, AT Digital

Schedule Downtime for Reflection

As an entrepreneur, I understand how important it is to pencil-out some downtime in my calendar just as I would on any other fully-scheduled day. This dedicated time is not just a luxury but a necessity for my mental and emotional well-being. During these breaks, I reflect, meditate, and avoid looking at a screen or being bombarded with information. This method allows me to recharge myself and boosts my creativity and ability to troubleshoot.

A break from work-related thought allows me to approach my tasks with a fresh perspective. I have noticed that this intentional period of downtime alleviates stress and eliminates the risk of burnout, which is most important in the life of an entrepreneur. My team is more effective, and my judgment is clearer when I focus on my mental health. These optimizations support the success of the company in the long run.

Ashot Nanayan, CEO and Founder I Digital Marketing Expert, DWI

Embrace Frequent Breaks

In my early twenties, I was fully subscribed to the hustle-culture mentality. I genuinely believed that constantly pushing myself—body, mind, and spirit—was the secret sauce behind my productivity and success. Late nights, zero downtime, and a relentless pace felt like badges of honor. But as I've grown older (and maybe a little wiser), I've realized that I wasn't thriving; I was surviving. And that constant grind? It was actually driving me straight into a year-plus-long burnout that wiped out my productivity entirely.

After that crazy level of burnout, I started rethinking how I approach work and life. I had never been a believer in the magic of frequent breaks or the power of meditation—I thought I didn't have the time! But once I became intentional about carving out space to stretch, eat well, and meditate, I discovered something surprising: my quality of life improved, and I became just as productive as I was before, if not more. Sometimes, slowing down is the best way to get where you want to go.

Raymond Angel, President, Founders

Take Control of Your Schedule

One key way I prioritize my mental health and well-being while having a very busy career is by taking control of my schedule and energy. Every Sunday, I sit down to map out the upcoming week with flexibility in mind. I make sure to allocate time for myself, my son, my husband, and my work—along with all the other responsibilities I juggle as a mom, wife, and CEO. Having intentional time blocks is essential.

During those moments, I focus on activities like working out, yoga, Pilates, journaling, or simply enjoying quiet, screen-free time. Above all, I don't believe in the concept of balance. Instead, I aim for work-life harmony, which allows me to integrate the different aspects of my life in a way that feels more sustainable and fulfilling.

Marina Middleton, CEO, Create & Cultivate

Attend Weekly Therapy Sessions

In my 30-year career, I've learned that professional success isn't just about skills—it's fundamentally about mental health. The most impactful way I've prioritized my well-being is through weekly therapy sessions with a psychologist.

Choosing a psychologist over a psychiatrist was intentional. I wanted to focus on talk therapy and coping strategies rather than medication. Finding the right therapist—someone who understands you and can guide you through personal issues—is life-changing.

Initially, I hesitated due to the stigma around therapy in professional circles. However, I quickly realized this step was crucial for my overall well-being and career. I committed to weekly sessions as non-negotiable appointments with myself.

The impact has been profound. Therapy has provided a safe space to release anxiety and deal with deep-seated issues. This process of self-discovery has removed boundaries I didn't know existed, significantly boosting my productivity at work.

One valuable outcome has been learning to address issues more effectively. Problems that once lingered for weeks are now tackled head-on, allowing me to be clearer and more present—a quality invaluable in high-pressure environments.

The benefits extend beyond individual sessions. The skills I've gained have improved my interactions with colleagues and clients. I'm better equipped to handle stress and communicate clearly, which has been key to my success.

Surprisingly, the positive changes from therapy aren't just internal. People notice the confidence and calm that come from regularly addressing mental health. This subtle shift can open doors and create unexpected opportunities.

Incorporating therapy into my routine hasn't always been easy; it requires time, financial commitment, and emotional energy. However, the return on investment has been immeasurable.

For anyone looking to prioritize well-being while pursuing career success, I cannot recommend therapy strongly enough. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a proactive step toward becoming your best self. The clarity and resilience you gain become your secret weapons in navigating modern professional life.

Remember, success isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder or hitting targets. True success includes being mentally healthy and present in all aspects of life. By prioritizing your mental health through therapy, you're not just investing in yourself—you're setting the stage for sustainable success in your career and beyond.

Greg Ghia, Photographer, Greg Ghia Fine Art Photography

Implement Wellness Wednesdays

I believe that well-being is a productivity multiplier and that you don't have to sacrifice health and happiness to be successful.

I implement and practice "Wellness Wednesdays." It's a day that I carve out once per week to check in with myself and prioritize my well-being. I try not to take work calls on this day outside of therapy and utilize my time to sleep in, journal, schedule doctor appointments, work out, and check in with all of the life responsibilities that I need to create space for.

I also love to cold plunge and sauna after work to practice somatic therapy. It's also a way for me to physically integrate into a resting state of being from my crazy work-brain. When you're sitting in extremely hot and cold temperatures, your body has no choice but to be present!

Helene Servillon, Founding Partner, JourneyOne Ventures

Set Clear Boundaries

As a wellness expert and mom coach, I have made it a priority to set clear boundaries between work and personal time for both myself and my clients. This includes scheduling regular breaks and non-negotiable "me-time" during the day, even if it's just 10 minutes of deep breathing or a walk outside. It helps me recharge mentally and emotionally so that I can be fully present for both my career and my family. I've also learned to delegate tasks when possible and practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the moment.

LaReine Chabut, Founder/CEO, MOMGEVITY

Play Tennis

Tennis is my answer for just about everything.

When I was in my 20s, I thought the answer would be golf, because that's how the men did it. They got out of the office and into fresh air in the middle of the day and made friends while making deals.

For me and many of my contemporaries, the storied two-martini lunch and courting clients on the links have been replaced by two-hour tennis matches followed by a chopped salad and a side of protein.

Recent studies are documenting my lived experience. Tennis players are living longer, healthier lives thanks to the sport's provision of stress relief (hello, put-away volleys and overheads), physical exercise (two hours of intense aerobics, which also provides stress relief), mental stimulus (my brain lights up doing rapid-fire calculations of wind speed, trajectories, court positioning, shot selection, and dispute resolution), and social stimulus (my friend group has tripled since doubling down on tennis in my late 30s).

I turn my mental, physical, and social well-being over to tennis, and tennis returns to me the ability to calmly handle pressures at home and work. A surprise side perk is my network and new client relationships have flourished on-court; I estimate that 30% of my tennis family is also now part of my work family.

Stress comes in many forms when founding and running a 15-year-old marketing and PR firm, solving clients' problems, sustaining a marriage, raising kids, caring for older parents, and still somehow finding time to care for myself. Tennis is my silver bullet, the antidote for all stress and the mechanism for personal and professional growth.

As a lifelong tennis addict, I've often joked how nice it would be if tennis could pay me back for all I invest in it. What I see now is it already has.

(This message was not funded by The World of Tennis. These thoughts are my own, I swear.)

Christine Rogers, Co-Founder, SparkFarm

Prioritize Introspection and Alignment

Health and wellness are integral to achieving career success, a truth I discovered on my own journey. My career—initially in recruiting and human resources—was marked by success but also significant personal dissatisfaction and stress.

Despite the apparent success, I felt a profound disconnect—drained from long, 50-hour weeks and a job that left me feeling purposeless. This dissonance between my professional achievements and personal happiness was a wake-up call. I realized that true success wasn't just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about feeling alive and fulfilled every Monday morning.

To reclaim my well-being, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my mental health. I began by allocating time for introspection during what were once hectic lunch breaks. These moments, previously spent aimlessly browsing job boards, became opportunities for self-discovery. I focused on understanding my strengths and passions, recognizing that well-being comes not just from what we do but from aligning our work with who we are.

This shift in perspective was transformative. It led me to create a life where work is a source of joy and not just a means to an end. Incorporating mental health and well-being into my daily routine meant setting boundaries, reducing work hours, and eventually transitioning to a career that felt like a calling. This approach didn't just change my career; it changed how I approached each day, turning potential burnouts into breakthroughs.

Now, I guide others to prioritize their well-being as the foundation of their professional success. Because when we are at our best personally, we perform at our best professionally.

Theresa White, Career Clarity Coach, Career Bloom Coaching

Practice Purposeful Detachment

Balancing the demands of a fast-growing brand with personal well-being is essential for long-term success. For me, one of the most transformative practices I've implemented is what I call "purposeful detachment."

It's easy to get lost in the hustle of entrepreneurship, especially when you're passionate about what you do, but I've learned that if you aren't purposeful about detaching, you can't recharge...and if you don't recharge, you'll eventually burn out, losing the very passion and drive that got you started in the first place. Without that balance, you're not just risking your mental and physical health, but also the quality of your work and the longevity of your business.

I don't view recharging as a luxury; it's a necessity for sustainable success. I schedule time each week that's dedicated to activities that replenish my mind and spirit. Whether it's hitting the gym, spending quality time with family, vegging out on video games, or even immersing myself in creative projects like writing or photography, these moments are non-negotiable.

Entrepreneurship, at its core, is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritizing my mental health allows me to lead with clarity, make decisions that are in line with the long-term vision of my company, and set a powerful example for my team. The bottom line is this: if you're not taking care of yourself, you can't fully take care of your business. That's the mindset that has helped me navigate the demands of both personal and professional growth.

Brian Smith, Chief Operating Officer, The Doux

Get More Sleep

The most significant way I improved my health and wellness while pursuing my career goals was by getting more sleep.

Sleep is highly underrated, particularly in circles where people are focused on advancing their careers and businesses.

I still hear people say, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," but this mindset is harmful. It fosters unhealthy habits of neglecting one's well-being in the name of hustle culture. As Professor Matthew Walker, a renowned expert in neuroscience and psychology, points out, neglecting sleep can actually shorten our lives.

My productivity consistently improves when I prioritize sleep. For years, I sacrificed sleep, thinking I could use the extra time to "catch up" on tasks, but instead, I fell farther behind. To make matters worse, I was given even more responsibilities because I was perceived as a workhorse, trapping myself in a vicious cycle.

By making sleep a priority, I've been able to adopt other healthy habits, like setting boundaries.

So, increasing my sleep quantity and quality has improved my productivity, my general outlook, and my ability to engage in other healthy behaviors. I wish I had focused on this earlier, but I'm thankful to be getting better sleep now.

Jessie Zaylia, Founder & CEO, twrk, inc.

Implement Daily Mindfulness Practices

As a clinical therapist, I've come to understand firsthand how crucial it is to prioritize my own well-being while serving others. One of the key ways I've balanced my mental health with the demands of my career is by implementing daily mindfulness practices. Each morning, I set aside time for meditation, reflection, and intention-setting. This ritual grounds me and allows me to start the day centered and calm, ensuring that I'm mentally present and emotionally available for my clients.

Additionally, I've established firm boundaries around my work hours. Running my own clinic can be demanding, but I make it a point to carve out personal time—whether it's for exercise, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying moments of solitude. These practices have been essential in preventing burnout and fostering a sustainable balance between my personal and professional life.

By integrating self-care routines into my daily schedule, I'm better equipped to provide high-quality care to my clients and maintain my passion for the work I do.

Nigeria McHellon, Licensed Clinical Therapist, New Perspectives Therapeutic Services