Cultivating Healthy Habits Entrepreneurs
Being a Black female entrepreneur is an empowering journey, but it also comes with unique challenges. We often wear multiple hats—business owner, mentor, community leader, and sometimes caregiver—while also navigating systemic barriers and cultural expectations. I know this firsthand. As an entrepreneur, I’ve experienced the burnout, the pressure to over-deliver, and the difficulty in setting boundaries. But I also know that prioritizing my well-being isn’t just self-care—it’s a business strategy.
For me, cultivating healthy habits has been essential to sustaining both my business and my personal life. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about how well you take care of yourself along the way. Here are some of the habits that have transformed my journey and can help you create balance, resilience, and long-term success in your own.
1. Prioritizing Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
As Black women, we often carry the weight of our communities, our families, and our businesses, all while facing external pressures that tell us we must be twice as good to get half as much. This is exhausting, and if we don’t care for our mental well-being, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even health issues. According to the American Psychological Association, Black women experience higher rates of stress-related health conditions due to racial and gendered stressors (APA, 2022).
Healthy Habit: Regular Mental Check-Ins
One of the biggest shifts in my life was normalizing therapy and coaching for myself. I’ve worked with a therapist who understands my lived experience, and I also rely on affirmations and journaling to stay connected to my emotions. I encourage you to:
Start your day with affirmations or gratitude journaling to set a positive tone.
Seek therapy or counseling as a proactive step toward emotional well-being. Therapy for Black Girls is a great resource.
Set boundaries to protect your time and energy—say no to things that don’t serve your peace.
2. Nutrition as a Form of Self-Care
I used to be the entrepreneur who would go the entire day without eating properly because I was so wrapped up in work. Sound familiar? It took me years to realize that how I fuel my body directly impacts my productivity, focus, and mood. Studies show that a diet rich in whole foods can enhance brain function, reduce anxiety, and improve overall health (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2021).
Healthy Habit: Nourish Your Body for Success
Meal prep simple, healthy foods to avoid relying on processed snacks.
Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or protein smoothies on hand to prevent energy crashes.
Hydrate! I now keep a water bottle at my desk because dehydration causes fatigue and brain fog.
3. Movement as a Daily Ritual
I used to believe that working out had to be this big, structured event—an hour at the gym, a long yoga session. But as a busy entrepreneur, I’ve found that simply incorporating movement throughout the day makes all the difference. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that regular movement reduces the risk of chronic diseases that disproportionately affect Black women, such as hypertension and diabetes (NHLBI, 2021).
Healthy Habit: Find Joy in Movement
Make movement part of your daily routine, whether it’s stretching between calls or taking a midday walk.
Find movement that feels good—dancing, yoga, weight training, or even a quick TikTok workout.
Join wellness groups like GirlTrek or Black Girls Run to stay motivated and supported.
4. Sleep as a Non-Negotiable
There was a time when I thought working late into the night meant I was being productive. In reality, I was exhausting myself and making poor decisions. Lack of sleep affects cognitive function, emotional regulation, and even creativity. Unfortunately, Black women report higher rates of sleep deprivation due to stress and work demands (Sleep Health Journal, 2018).
Healthy Habit: Protect Your Rest
Create a bedtime routine—I now turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed to help my mind unwind.
Set a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s natural clock.
Use calming scents and breathable bedding to create a restful environment.
5. Building a Support System
Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, and I’ve learned that having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. When I started leaning into community—mentors, peers, and fellow Black women entrepreneurs—I found support, accountability, and a sense of belonging that made the journey less overwhelming.
Healthy Habit: Connect with Your Community
Join business communities like The Black Women’s Business Collective or For Black Girls Inc.
Seek mentorship or coaching to gain valuable insights and accountability.
Check in with your support system—whether it’s friends, family, or peers, having people who uplift you is essential.
Final Thoughts: Your Well-Being is Your Business Strategy
I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup, and neither can you. Prioritizing your mental health, nourishing your body, moving daily, getting quality sleep, and building a strong support system will not only make you a better entrepreneur but also a happier, healthier person. Your well-being isn’t separate from your success—it’s the foundation of it.
✨ What healthy habits have made a difference in your entrepreneurial journey? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 😊
References:
American Psychological Association (2022). Racial Stress and Black Women's Mental Health.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2021). The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Health and Productivity.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2021). The Impact of Physical Activity on Black Women's Health.
Jackson, C. et al. (2018). Sleep Health Journal: Sleep Disparities in Black Women.
