It’s so important to take care of ourselves in order to avoid burnout. As a Jackson Hole photographer, I finally reached a point in my business where I began booking dream clients and started bringing in the income I was hoping for…only to find myself exhausted, unmotivated, lacking creativity, and the joy of the job gone. These are the self care patterns that helped me find joy again.

Limit Social Media & Screen Time

First, I moved my phone charger out of my bedroom and end screentime at least one hour prior to bedtime. I replaced nighttime screentime with reading and a book (not a self help book, but one for pure enjoyment). I go to bed at a reasonable hour now because being off screens reading gets me tired. 

Take a Hot Bath

Next, baths help me get better sleep. Adding a healthy amount of magnesium bath salts (Salty Tub Co is a bathtime game changer) to soothe sore muscles after a hiking elopement, long wedding day or an editing marathon. I usually ditch the phone to just be alone with my thoughts (we busy humans don’t do that enough) or if I really want to watch a show, doing so in the bath helps me limit my binge time. 

Morning Sunlight is Self Care

Did you know that you absorb more Vitamin D by getting sunlight in your eyeballs? And you can help set your circadian rhythm by waking up at or near sunrise to get that soft morning light in your eyes first. Try to get up early as a grace to yourself to start the day.

Nourish Your Body with Healthy Food

In a fast paced world, we aren’t in the habit of making time to give our bodies the nourishment they need. We are always looking for the magic pill to heal all our ailments, make us skinny, energetic and feeling good. The truth is, there isn’t a magic pill. The things that make us feel good take time and effort.

However, there are ways we can begin to add these things in our lives. Simply prioritize fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. I have gotten into the habit now that when I travel or have a long wedding day, I buy healthy snacks. Eating well makes me feel well. 

Move Your Body for Self Care

Being a business owner usually ties you to your computer for long hours at a time. I thought being an adventure elopement photographer would help me be active, but those amazing days take a lot of planning that happens at my computer! Not to mention all the other tasks that require you to sit at your desk in order to market and run your business. Find ways of moving your body that you enjoy and do at least one of those things, even for a short time every day.  

Stick to Your Self Care

These things can be very hard to prioritize! EXTREMELY hard, I know! But they are SO IMPORTANT. You can’t run on fumes forever. Your body will break down and your life and business will suffer. 

When I am walking around the block to get my morning movement, I think of all the work things I need to be doing. But repeating in my mind the phrase “this is important” helps me so much. When I take the time to make a healthy meal instead of reaching for the easy snacks, I repeat in my mind, “This is important.” Start small. 

Tiny habits become bigger habits. And as a Jackson Hole photographer, self care is one of the things that really helps me slow down and enjoy the work I do for clients like you. Looking for help with your unique wedding challenges? Reach out and book your next session here.