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Why Self-Care Is a Non-Negotiable Skill for Entrepreneurs

Why Self-Care Is a Non-Negotiable Skill for Entrepreneurs

21 January 2026

Paul Francis

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Entrepreneurs are builders, decision-makers, and problem solvers who often carry the full weight of their business on their shoulders. That constant pressure can quietly erode health, focus, and judgment if it’s left unchecked. Self-care, in this context, isn’t about indulgence; it’s about maintaining the physical and mental capacity required to run a company well.


"SELF CARE TIME in wooden letters on a teal background. Surrounding items: pumpkins, brush, cream jar, candle, leaf decor. Cozy mood."

The Short Version

Entrepreneurial performance declines when recovery is ignored. Regular movement, intentional relaxation, and smarter use of time and delegation protect energy, sharpen thinking, and reduce burnout risk. Self-care is less about doing more and more and more about creating space so you can operate at your best.


The Problem Most Founders Don’t See Coming

Long hours, irregular schedules, and persistent stress often feel “normal” in entrepreneurship. Over time, though, this lifestyle can lead to poor sleep, chronic fatigue, irritability, and diminished creativity. The result isn’t just personal discomfort; it shows up in slower decisions, strained relationships, and missed opportunities.


The solution isn’t a drastic lifestyle overhaul. It’s a set of practical habits that fit into real entrepreneurial lives.


Movement That Fits Real Schedules

Exercise is one of the most reliable ways to regulate stress hormones and improve mood and focus. The mistake many founders make is assuming workouts must be long or complex.


Simple, effective options include:


Consistency matters more than intensity. Even 20–30 minutes a few times a week can significantly improve energy and resilience.


Stress Relief Beyond Exercise

Physical activity helps, but it isn’t the only tool. Entrepreneurs benefit from practices that actively calm the nervous system and create mental space.


Four Gentle Ways to Lower Daily Stress

There are several non-invasive approaches people use to unwind. Breathwork and guided meditation help slow racing thoughts and encourage mental clarity. Progressive muscle relaxation can release tension built up during long workdays. Some individuals also explore herbal supplements like ashwagandha, which is commonly associated with stress balance. Others look into hemp-derived options such as THCa, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid some people use as part of a relaxation routine. If you’re curious, you can check this out for more info.


(As with any supplement or wellness product, personal research and professional guidance are important.)


Time Is the Real Self-Care Currency

For entrepreneurs, stress often comes from overload rather than lack of willpower. One of the most effective self-care strategies is removing unnecessary friction from your schedule.


How to Reclaim Time Without Burning Out

Use this checklist to identify easy wins:


Delegation isn’t a luxury; it’s a health strategy. Freeing even a few hours a week creates room for rest, exercise, or simply thinking without interruption.


What Self-Care Looks Like in Practice

Not all self-care activities deliver the same benefits. The table below shows how different habits support entrepreneurial performance.

Self-Care Habit

Primary Benefit

Business Impact

Regular workouts

Stress reduction, energy

Better focus, stamina

Relaxation techniques

Mental clarity

Improved decision-making

Outsourcing tasks

Reduced overload

Strategic thinking time

Consistent sleep

Emotional regulation

Fewer costly mistakes

A Useful Resource for Building Sustainable Habits

If you’re looking for science-backed guidance on forming routines that actually stick, Harvard Health Publishing offers accessible articles on stress management, exercise, and sleep. Their overview on stress reduction techniques is a solid starting point. This kind of evidence-based perspective can help entrepreneurs separate fads from habits that truly work.


Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t self-care unrealistic during busy growth phases?

It may feel that way, but growth phases are when self-care matters most. Small, consistent habits prevent burnout that can derail momentum later.


How much time should entrepreneurs dedicate to self-care?

There’s no fixed number. Even 15–30 minutes a day of intentional recovery can make a measurable difference.


Does outsourcing really reduce stress?

Yes. Reducing cognitive load often has a bigger impact than working fewer hours, because it frees mental bandwidth.


A Final Word

Entrepreneurship is demanding by nature, but suffering isn’t a prerequisite for success. Self-care protects the very traits, focus, creativity, and resilience that make founders effective. When you treat your energy and health as strategic assets, both you and your business are better positioned to grow.


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2024 Golden Globe Awards: Oppenheimer Takes the Spotlight with Five Wins

  • Writer: Paul Francis
    Paul Francis
  • Jan 8, 2024
  • 5 min read

Illustration of Margot Robbie as Barbie
Created with Leonardo AI

In a dazzling night of glitz and glamour, the 2024 Golden Globe Awards celebrated the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry. The big winner of the evening was undoubted "Oppenheimer," which took home five prestigious awards, including the top honour for Best Film – Drama. The star-studded event also featured notable victories for outstanding performances, with Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. receiving accolades for their acting prowess. Christopher Nolan added to the film's success by clinching the award for Best Director.


Succession Dominates TV Categories with a Historic Win

The acclaimed fourth and final season of "Succession" made a resounding impact in the TV categories, securing the most wins of the night. The gripping saga of the Roy family earned the title of Best TV Series – Drama, with Sarah Snook receiving the award for Best Female Actor in a TV Series – Drama. The show's success continued to solidify its place as one of the most lauded series in recent years.


Barbie's Box Office Triumph

In a groundbreaking moment, "Barbie" won the inaugural Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award, recognizing its exceptional performance at the global box office. Grossing an impressive $1.4 billion worldwide, "Barbie" stood out among the nominees, including "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3" and "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."


Diversity and Milestones: Lily Gladstone's Historic Win

The Golden Globes made history with Lily Gladstone's win for Best Female Actor in a Film – Drama. Her stellar performance in "Killers of the Flower Moon" not only earned her a well-deserved accolade but also marked a historic moment as the first indigenous person to receive this honour. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, added to its success by claiming the Best Original Song award for "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish and Finneas.


Diverse Wins and Outstanding Achievements

The evening was filled with diverse wins, with multiple films taking home two awards each, including "Anatomy of a Fall," "The Holdovers," and "Poor Things." The Best Animated Film category saw "The Boy and the Heron" soaring to victory, while Ludwig Göransson's evocative score in "Oppenheimer" earned him the Best Original Score in a Film award.


Acting Triumphs: Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, and More

Cillian Murphy's riveting performance in "Oppenheimer" secured him the Best Male Actor in a Film – Drama award, while Emma Stone charmed her way to victory as the Best Female Actor in a Film – Musical or Comedy for her role in "Poor Things." Paul Giamatti's comedic prowess in "The Holdovers" earned him the Best Male Actor in a Film – Musical or Comedy award.


Acknowledging Excellence in Television

The TV categories showcased the best of the small screen, with standout wins for "The Bear" in the TV Series – Musical or Comedy category, and "Beef" claiming the top spot in the Best Limited TV Series, Anthology Series, or TV Movie category.



The 2024 Golden Globe Awards celebrated excellence, diversity, and groundbreaking achievements in the world of entertainment. From historic wins to outstanding performances, the winners of the night have left an indelible mark on the industry, promising an exciting future for film and television. As we applaud their triumphs, we eagerly anticipate the continued innovation and brilliance that the world of entertainment has in store for us. Here is a full list of the Winners and nominees.


Best film – drama

  • Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Maestro

  • Past Lives

  • The Zone of Interest

  • Anatomy of a Fall


Best female actor in a film – drama

  • Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon – WINNER

  • Carey Mulligan, Maestro

  • Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall

  • Annette Bening, Nyad

  • Greta Lee, Past Lives

  • Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla


Best film – musical or comedy

  • Barbie

  • Poor Things – WINNER

  • American Fiction

  • The Holdovers

  • May December

  • Air


Best male actor in a film – musical or comedy

  • Nicolas Cage, Dream Scenario

  • Timothée Chalamet, Wonka

  • Matt Damon, Air

  • Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers – WINNER

  • Joaquin Phoenix, Beau Is Afraid

  • Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction


Best TV series – drama

  • 1923

  • The Crown

  • The Diplomat

  • The Last of Us

  • The Morning Show

  • Succession – WINNER


Best female actor in a TV series – drama

  • Helen Mirren, 1923

  • Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us

  • Keri Russell, The Diplomat

  • Sarah Snook, Succession – WINNER

  • Imelda Staunton, The Crown

  • Emma Stone, The Curse


Best TV series – musical or comedy

  • The Bear – WINNER

  • Ted Lasso

  • Abbott Elementary

  • Jury Duty

  • Only Murders in the Building

  • Barry


Best limited TV series, anthology series or TV movie

  • All the Light We Cannot See

  • Beef – WINNER

  • Daisy Jones & the Six

  • Fargo

  • Fellow Travelers

  • Lessons in Chemistry


Cinematic and box office achievement

  • Barbie – WINNER

  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

  • John Wick: Chapter 4

  • Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

  • Oppenheimer

  • Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • The Super Mario Bros Movie

  • Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour


Best original song in a film

  • Addicted to Romance by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa (She Came to Me)

  • Dance the Night by Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt (Barbie)

  • I’m Just Ken by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt (Barbie)

  • Peaches by Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond and John Spiker (The Super Mario Bros Movie)

  • Road to Freedom by Lenny Kravitz (Rustin)

  • What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish and Finneas (Barbie) – WINNER


Best original score in a film

  • Ludwig Göransson, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Jerskin Fendrix, Poor Things

  • Robbie Robertson, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Mica Levi, The Zone of Interest

  • Daniel Pemberton, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • Joe Hisaishi, The Boy and the Heron


Best male actor in a film – drama

  • Bradley Cooper, Maestro

  • Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Colman Domingo, Rustin

  • Andrew Scott, All of Us Strangers

  • Barry Keoghan, Saltburn


Best female actor in a film – musical or comedy

  • Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple

  • Jennifer Lawrence, No Hard Feelings

  • Natalie Portman, May December

  • Alma Pöysti, Fallen Leaves

  • Margot Robbie, Barbie

  • Emma Stone, Poor Things – WINNER


Best director in a film

  • Bradley Cooper, Maestro

  • Greta Gerwig, Barbie

  • Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things

  • Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Celine Song, Past Lives


Best animated film

  • The Boy and the Heron – WINNER

  • Elemental

  • Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

  • The Super Mario Bros Movie

  • Suzume

  • Wish


Best male actor in a TV series – drama

  • Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us

  • Kieran Culkin, Succession – WINNER

  • Jeremy Strong, Succession

  • Brian Cox, Succession

  • Gary Oldman, Slow Horses

  • Dominic West, The Crown


Best female actor in a TV series – musical or comedy

  • Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

  • Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

  • Ayo Edebiri, The Bear – WINNER

  • Elle Fanning, The Great

  • Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building

  • Natasha Lyonne, Poker Face


Best non-English language film

  • Anatomy of a Fall – WINNER

  • Fallen Leaves

  • Io Capitano

  • Past Lives

  • Society of the Snow

  • The Zone of Interest


Best performance in stand-up comedy on TV

  • Ricky Gervais, Ricky Gervais Armageddon – WINNER

  • Trevor Noah, Where Was I

  • Chris Rock, Selective Outrage

  • Amy Schumer, Emergency Contact

  • Sarah Silverman, Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love

  • Wanda Sykes, I’m an Entertainer


Best male actor in a TV series – musical or comedy

  • Bill Hader, Barry

  • Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building

  • Jason Segel, Shrinking

  • Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building

  • Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso

  • Jeremy Allen White, The Bear – WINNER


Best screenplay for a film

  • Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Barbie

  • Tony McNamara, Poor Things

  • Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

  • Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Celine Song, Past Lives

  • Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, Anatomy of a Fall – WINNER


Best supporting male actor in a TV series

  • Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

  • Matthew Macfadyen, Succession – WINNER

  • James Marsden, Jury Duty

  • Ebon Moss–Bachrach, The Bear

  • Alan Ruck, Succession

  • Alexander Skarsgård, Succession


Best supporting female actor in a TV series

  • Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown – WINNER

  • Abby Elliott, The Bear

  • Christina Ricci, Yellowjackets

  • J Smith-Cameron, Succession

  • Meryl Streep, Only Murders in the Building

  • Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso


Best male actor in a limited TV series, anthology series or TV movie

  • Matt Bomer, Fellow Travelers

  • Sam Claflin, Daisy Jones & the Six

  • Jon Hamm, Fargo

  • Woody Harrelson, White House Plumbers

  • David Oyelowo, Lawmen: Bass Reeves

  • Steven Yeun, Beef – WINNER


Best female actor in a limited TV series, anthology series or TV movie

  • Riley Keough, Daisy Jones & the Six

  • Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry

  • Elizabeth Olsen, Love & Death

  • Juno Temple, Fargo

  • Rachel Weisz, Dead Ringers

  • Ali Wong, Beef – WINNER


Best supporting male actor in a film

  • Willem Dafoe, Poor Things

  • Robert DeNiro, Killers of the Flower Moon

  • Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer – WINNER

  • Ryan Gosling, Barbie

  • Charles Melton, May December

  • Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things


Best supporting female actor in a film

  • Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer

  • Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

  • Jodie Foster, Nyad

  • Julianne Moore, May December

  • Rosamund Pike, Saltburn

  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers – WINNER

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