5 Practical Work-Life Balance Tips For Small Business Owners
Being a small business owner can feel like you're always juggling a million things at once. Believe me, I know how it feels. I’ve been there—working long hours, skipping meals, missing family time—just to keep things running smoothly. But after a while, I realized that no matter how much effort I put into my business, if I wasn’t taking care of myself, I wouldn’t be able to give it my all. So, I started making small changes to create a healthier balance between work and life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are five work-life balance tips that have really made a difference for me, and I hope they help you too.
1. Set Specific “Work Hours” and Stick to Them
As a business owner, it’s tempting to keep working well into the evening. It feels like there’s always something more to do. I totally get that! But one of the best work-life balance tips I can share is to set clear work hours—and stick to them. When I started treating my workday like a regular 9-to-5 (even though I don't technically work 9-to-5), I found that I was much more focused during those hours. After 6 p.m., I don’t check emails, and I turn off my phone notifications. It gives me time to unwind, have dinner with my family, and enjoy a bit of "me time." Setting these boundaries helped me feel less like my business was running my life and more like I was in control.
2. Delegate and Outsource (Even the Small Stuff)
I’ll be honest with you: I used to think I could do everything myself. And while I could, it was burning me out. One of the best work-life balance tips I can offer is to let go of the small tasks that don’t need your personal attention. For instance, I’ve found that having help with things like scheduling, managing my marketing, or updating my website can make a huge difference. That’s why I started Abloom Assistant, a virtual assistant service designed to give small business owners like you and me a bit of breathing room. Having someone take care of those routine tasks has freed up hours each week for me to focus on the work that really requires my attention. You don’t have to do everything yourself—whether it’s hiring an assistant or using tools to automate certain tasks, delegating can give you back your time and your energy.
3. Prioritize Exercise (Even if it’s Just a Quick Walk)
I’ll admit, exercise used to be the first thing I’d skip when I was busy. But that’s one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that taking care of my body makes all the difference in how I show up for my business. One of my favorite work-life balance tips is to make exercise a non-negotiable part of my routine. It doesn’t have to be an hour at the gym—it can be a 20-minute walk around the block or a short yoga session. When I started scheduling these workouts into my day like any other meeting, I felt more energized, focused, and ready to tackle my tasks. It’s all about finding what works for you and making it a regular habit.
4. Time-Block Your Day (And Protect Your Focus)
If you’ve ever found yourself jumping from one task to another without completing anything, I totally understand! That used to be me, and it felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. But when I started time-blocking my day, everything changed. I block out specific hours for different tasks—mornings are for creative work, afternoons are for meetings, and evenings are for admin stuff. It’s one of the most effective work-life balance tips I can share. Not only does it help me stay focused, but it also helps me avoid burnout because I know exactly when I’ll be switching tasks. If you’re unsure where to start, try using Google Calendar or Trello to organize your day in blocks. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
5. Schedule “No-Work” Time (And Actually Take It)
This is probably one of the most important work-life balance tips I’ve learned: schedule time away from work and actually take it. It sounds simple, but it’s often the first thing we overlook when we're busy. I used to feel guilty taking time off, but now I realize how essential it is. I block off time every week—whether it’s a few hours on a Sunday morning for a hobby, an afternoon to spend with my family, or a quiet evening with a book. I’ve found that when I take these breaks, I return to my work feeling refreshed and more creative. So, mark it in your calendar, and make it as non-negotiable as a meeting. You deserve that time to recharge!
Running a business is hard work, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But I’ve learned that without intentional effort, you can’t sustain that hustle for long. By setting boundaries, delegating tasks, making time for your health, focusing your workday, and carving out personal time, you can create a life that’s not only successful in business but also fulfilling in all the other ways that matter. I’m here to tell you that you can have both—a thriving business and a life outside of it. It's about making small, consistent changes, and you’re already on the right track.
This blog post was about work-life balance tips.
