I’m sharing nine ways to practice self-care as a photographer!
Set boundaries
Don’t open or answer emails after a certain time. Your brain will turn to business mode if you read a client email before bed! iPhone has lots of locks / timers on apps, so take advantage!
Know your limits
If you HATE waking up for sunrise sessions, or you know you’ll stress shooting three sessions in a day, don’t do it. You’re in control of your own schedule, so if you don’t like what’s going on, CHANGE IT! Ask yourself, does this excite me or stress me out to think about it? And go from there.
Say no
Got an inquiry in your inbox for something you really don’t like doing? Say no! Even better, refer to another photographer who does like doing it and spread the love. Better to say no than resent the client and be stressed until the job is over.
Schedule time for YOU
Block off real calendar time for Netflix, a manicure, a dinner date, wine night, or a weekend away. Don’t just take breaks “when your calendar is empty,” because then it never will be. Oh and also? Your auto-responder is lonely. Turn it on! Feel the freedom!
Get massages
Photographers spend so much time on their feet and even more time hunched over a screen. Our wrists and hands need special attention, along with backs, shoulders, legs… basically everywhere. I try to get a massage every 3 months or so (but most say once a month is best, especially during wedding season) so that I’m preventing future damage to my body. If you live in Boston, Eva Gomez at Massage Therapy Works and Bodywork by Stephanie are my favorite!
Have a morning / evening routine
Ok, this one’s for everyone, not just photographers, but I sure do love my bedtime routine. Laptop off, shower or wash my face with my favorite Lush products, brush and floss my teeth, moisturize, sprinkle some lavender oil on my pillow, and climb into bed. I’m not thinking about work, but I’m excited enough to sleep and wake up fresh and ready to tackle anything the next morning.
Take extended time off
Plan a vacation! If people with 9-5 jobs can take vacations and get away from work, so can freelancers! Block off a week or weekend and commit to not booking anything. And putting that damn auto-responder on.
Invest in the best systems you can
Taking care of yourself means making your life as easy, simple, automated, and streamlined as possible. This can be done with little things like email plugins, apps, workflows, CRM software, and more. Read about things that make my life easier here!
Get active
Yeah, we may be on our feet a few days each weekend for 8 hours straight, but during the week we can be sitting at a MacBook for 10 hours a day! Go for lunch time walks, join a gym, download Headspace for meditation, do yoga in your living room. Anything to get the blood flowing and giving your hands a break from getting carpal tunnel.
HAVE ANY SELF CARE TIPS?
Email me your favorite ways to take care of yourself and I’ll share on Instagram!
