Confession time: I haven’t had the best work-life balance this month. And this week, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my energy levels, mood and body. I’m stressed at work and at home (moving is one of the top stressors in our lives, and I’ve done it both at work and home this week). I’m finding myself snapping at my husband, Blake, I’m reaching for chocolate in the afternoons, my jaw is nearly wired shut from constant clenching, I’m relying on takeout because I’m too tired to make dinner (and because I’m still looking for the pressure cooker). I’m not putting the right things into my body, and I’m not putting out my best self.

Ever have one of those days where you feel like you’re floating through time: struggling to start a project, lacking the motivation to get out of bed, facing a blank screen without a clue what to write.

That’s where I am this week. Sometimes, when I feel stuck like this, I don’t even know what day it is!

It can be difficult to pull ourselves out of the cycle of overwhelm, confusion and disinterest.

The good news is that there is one simple thing we can do to give our brains a break and let inspiration flow naturally: practice self-care.

It may seem counterintuitive to allow yourself the time to step away from your work when you have competing deadlines and demanding clients. But it’s time to lose the guilt.

Making time for self-care will improve your productivity because it allows you to focus on the most important asset in your business – you!