Rebecca Newenham, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise consultant, explores why franchisees need to make themselves the number one priority when growing their business.
Is self-care part of your franchise growth plan? If not, it should be. Running a franchise can provide great autonomy and freedom. But it also brings with it a weight of responsibility. Your success, your customers and your team all depend on you. That’s why you must prioritise self-care and look after your franchise’s most critical asset – you.
Here are some ideas on how to make self-care happen and reap the rewards for your franchise:
Schedule it
Block out time for all the essential aspects of your life. Put exercise in your diary, just like you would a meeting. Prioritise social interaction by scheduling a coffee or a drink with a friend each week. Set the dates well ahead in your diary. Think about the best use of your time so you say no to more of the wrong things and yes to more of the right ones.
The four-day week is a classic example. You might think you are rushed off your feet and there is no way you could squeeze everything you need to do to grow your franchise into four days. However, companies that took part in research by academics at the University of Cambridge and America’s Boston College found that a four-day week actually increased productivity, reduced stress and sickness and increased wellbeing. Levels of anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and burnout all decreased substantially. Taking time out of your franchise can deliver significant benefits.
Commit to exercise
Exercise is critical for our physical and mental health. But you don’t have to run up mountains. Find what works for you, whether that’s a walk before work, a Zumba class at lunchtime or an evening swim. There are so many ways to get active, get moving and spend more time in the fresh air.
Pay for classes in advance and diarise them, or schedule your daily walk to ensure it happens. If you are heading out for exercise, try to keep your phone in your pocket or at home so you make the most of nature’s benefits and give your brain a break from screen time.
Fuel your body
Along with exercise, food is critical. Reaching for a quick bag of crisps or chocolate bars for energy isn’t prioritising what your body needs. Choosing the right foods gives you the best chance of success. High protein breakfasts like eggs are a great choice to set you up for the day ahead.
Listen to Podcasts
Podcasts can be a brilliant way to use downtime while driving or walking. There are so many to listen to – from business podcasts to health, sports, family life and everything in between. Business podcasts can help you gain insight into growing your franchise. But try to vary what you listen to. Non-business-related podcasts that are fun and make you laugh are just as valuable for your mental health.
Declutter to create headspace
As a busy franchise owner, multiple people and tasks compete for your attention. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Creating headspace is essential. For example, dictate your to-do list on a dog walk at the start of the day so you focus on what you need to get done. ‘Eat the frog’ and tackle the most challenging ones first, as they will only stress you otherwise. The Any List app is great for getting any actions or stresses out of your head, enabling you to think more clearly and work more efficiently.
Think about your environment as well. Research has shown that living in a cluttered environment increases stress and anxiety. Taking the time to tidy your workspace or home and keep it that way can positively impact your mental health.
With Stress Awareness Week taking place in November, now is the perfect time to prioritise self-care. Burnout poses a considerable risk to your franchise, even though you might not consider it. Spending time on yourself is arguably the most critical investment you can make in growing your business.
