If you’re working hard to build a creative business, it’s easy to get caught up in all the work that needs to be done and forget to really take care of yourself. But that’s a big problem.

You’re the head of your own brand. So if you find yourself unable to work because you didn’t make your health a priority, it all falls down. And even if you don’t find yourself dealing with any major health issues, you’ll probably feel really tired and burnt out at some point (or constantly). So the bottom line is: you need to make your health and happiness a priority.

So how do you do that?

Here’s a quick list of tips for things you can do to take care of yourself while you’re building your creative empire. Of course, everyone’s different. So pick and choose the ones you think might be a good fit for you. Or just try them out and see what sticks!

1. Take midday breaks to walk around your neighborhood
2. Get up and take shorter walks around your home or workspace at least once an hour
3. Plan your meals at the beginning of each week so you don’t have to put much thought or effort into preparing them when it’s time to eat
4. Join or start a book club with friends to encourage yourself to do some just-for-fun reading
5. Create a relaxing morning routine where you sit with some coffee (or tea) and make your list for the day
6. Eat a protein-rich breakfast every morning
7. Don’t check your email on your phone before you get out of bed (I was skeptical about this at first too, but I stopped doing it and it honestly makes a HUGE difference in my mornings)
8. Hang up some motivational artwork by your desk or workspace
9. Keep track of your water intake throughout the day so you can make sure you’re getting enough
10. Or buy a huge canteen and try to drink two or three of them throughout the day to keep it simple
11. Make sure there’s enough light in your workspace so that you don’t strain your eyes or feel depressed constantly
12. Consider getting a UV lamp if there’s not enough access to natural light
13. Get some reading or computer glasses to protect your eyes from the strain of staring at a screen constantly
14. Invest in a standing or adjustable desk so that you don’t have to sit in the same position while working at your computer all day long
15. Take a yoga class – even a restorative or meditation class can be helpful
16. Follow some fitness/healthy eating experts on social media to get some constant motivation
17. Constantly keep your fridge/pantry stocked with healthy snacks: fruit, granola, greek yogurt, carrot sticks, string cheese and nuts are all easy options
18. Keep your workspace separated from your living space if you work from home
19. Try your best to keep regular work hours
20. Keep track of the time you spend on each project so that you know when to stop or take breaks (and so you can make sure you’re getting paid enough for your work!)
21. Add workouts to your to-do list so that you’ll actually do them
22. Find a workout plan that you actually like (or at least don’t hate)
23. Search YouTube for access to some free workout tips and demonstrations
24. Get an accountability partner
25. Or start a Facebook group for you and some other creative entrepreneurs so that you can all encourage each other
26. Put some air-purifying plants around your workspace
27. Try and go to sleep at the same time every night
28. Get at least 6-7 hours of sleep a night, more on the weekends!
29. Take weekends off – it doesn’t need to be the actual weekend; if it makes more sense for you to take time off in the middle of the week, go for it – just take at least one whole day off every week
30. Unplug your computer/turn of your phone every once in awhile
31. Take some vitamins
32. Go to the gd doctor if you think something is wrong!!!!!
33. And set up regular checkups too, as boring as terrible as they are
34. Try sparkling/flavored/carbonated water instead of pop (stop rolling your eyes – it’s really good if you just give it a chance!)
35. Take a shower and get dressed every day (or at least most days, let’s be realistic here…)
36. Buy shoes with good support for walking/running/working out
37. Try out one of those wearables that counts your movements/steps
38. Get a hobby that you really enjoy and that has nothing really to do with your job or business
39. Drink green tea
40. Make smoothies with your favorite fruits and add some spinach/kale/other greens
41. Make a list of restaurants in your area that have healthy options for when you go out to eat
42. Keep all the healthy foods you’ve bought at the front of your fridge/pantry and the less healthy stuff in the back
43. Get a massage/manicure/pedicure from time to time
44. Go out to eat with friends, family or your significant other at least once a week and DON’T talk about work
45. Find other creative professionals, either through local groups or online, and talk to them about your work regularly
46. Get a chair with ergonomic support
47. Keep some small weights or other exercise equipment right near your desk for mini workouts between projects
48. Post your fitness/healthy eating goals online so you feel compelled to keep working at them
49. Or write them down and keep them at your desk as a constant reminder
50. Let yourself have a drink at the end of a long day

Do you have any other tips you’d like to add to the list? What’s your favorite way to stay healthy while building your creative empire?