This informative and wonderful post is written by:
Fi Jamieson Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., The LifeStyle Aligner
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner. She’s an experienced practitioner since 1992 in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, speaker, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, personal trainer, philanthropist and Health Brand Ambassador. She loves to globe-trot with her husband Chris and relishes an outdoor lifestyle with family and friends.
Being a business owner can be like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle and singing your favourite karaoke tune, all at the same time.
It’s exhilarating, exhausting, and sometimes makes you wonder if you’ll ever find a moment to breathe, let alone take care of your heart, your soul, or that pile of laundry staring you down. As a healthy-heart coach who’s seen countless people just like you and me pour their everything into their dreams, I know the hustle is real, however so is the need to keep your heart beating strong and your spirit soaring.
So press the pause button for 5mins with your favourite herbal tea and let’s talk about strategies for maintaining work-life balance that don’t just sound good on paper – they actually work for you, the fierce, fabulous business owner you are, who’s ready to thrive, not just survive.
First of all, let’s reframe this whole ‘balance’ thing, because, honestly, it’s not about splitting your life into perfect little pie charts where work gets 50% and life gets 50%—that’s a recipe for stress and disappointment. Instead, think about work-life integration, a beautiful, messy dance where your business and personal life flow together like a river, sometimes merging, sometimes diverging, however always moving toward a healthier you.
For me, this looks like scheduling client consults in the morning (after my morning exercise) and early afternoon when my energy is higher, then gifting myself 20-minutes in nature, usually taking a gentle walk to clear my head and let my heart pump gratitude for the day as it unfolds.
You might trial blending your passions—maybe you’re in retail and you love yoga, so you host a ‘stretch and energise’ morning for your team, combining business with movement.
The key is to find small, intentional ways to weave your work and life together so neither feels like a sacrifice, instead you have two parts of a whole, vibrant you.
Let’s start with time management, because, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been there when it comes to staring at a to-do list longer than you’ve actually worked on it, wondering how you’ll ever get through it all.
It’s worth pausing for a mo and considering your time as the precious resource that it is because stress from overworking can be a sneaky thief that can take a toll on your heart.
Start by setting boundaries that feel non-negotiable – maybe it’s no emails after 7p.m., or dedicating Sundays to family, friends, or time in nature. Harness tools like a digital calendar to block off time for both work tasks and heart-healthy habits, like a 10-minute meditation or blending up a quick smoothie.
Pro tip – prioritise one big task each day that moves your business forward, then let the smaller stuff fill in the gaps. This way, you’re not just checking boxes; you’re making progress without burning out, and your heart will thank you for the reduced stress.
When it comes to personal well-being, running a business can feel like you’re pouring from an empty cup if you don’t take care of yourself first. For those of us who are women, we’re often conditioned to put everyone else, clients, employees, family, before ourselves, however your heart health demands you flip that switch.
Start small – drink water like it’s your job, because dehydration is no friend for your cardiovascular system.
Move your body daily, even if it’s just dancing to your favourite playlist while you answer emails.
And be sleep-focused, those late-night strategy sessions might feel productive, however they’re robbing your heart of the rest it needs to keep you shining.
I’ve found it really works well for me to set a ‘heart check-in’ reminder on my phone – once a day, when I pause, breathe deeply, and ask myself, ‘Am I ok? What do I need right now?’
Sometimes it’s a power-nap, sometimes it’s texting a friend – simply a moment to reconnect with me.
You deserve this too.
One it’s worth noting is to delegate like the boss you are. You don’t have to do it all, trust me, your heart doesn’t need the extra load of micromanaging.
Engage a virtual assistant for admin tasks, or train a team member to handle customer inquiries. This frees up mental space for creativity and strategy, and it gives you time to nurture your relationships outside of work, which, let’s be honest, are the heartbeat of a fulfilling life.
It’s empowering to say ‘no’ sometimes, politely declining that extra project or networking event that doesn’t align with your goals is a power move that protects your energy and keeps your stress levels in check.
Finally, let’s talk about joy, because what’s the point of building an empire if you’re not enjoying the journey?
Scheduling moments of delight like they’re business meetings,whether it’s a kombucha date with a friend, a walk in nature, or even just 10 minutes with a good book, can be a game-changer. These moments recharge your heart, both physically and emotionally, and remind you why you started this wild entrepreneurial ride in the first place.
As a healthy-heart coach, I’ve seen how stress can dim even the brightest spirits, so make joy a priority, not a luxury. You’re not just a business owner; you have a heart full of dreams, and you deserve a life that feels as good as it looks.
It’s worth a quick re-read of these strategies to keep your work and life flowing together, your time managed with intention, and your well-being at the forefront. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and your heart is the engine that keeps it all going.
Treat it with love, set those boundaries, and let yourself shine.
Fi Jamieson Folland D.O., I.N.H.C.
The LifeStyle Aligner
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner. She’s an experienced practitioner since 1992 in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, speaker, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, personal trainer, philanthropist and Health Brand Ambassador.
She loves to globe-trot with her husband Chris and relishes an outdoor lifestyle with family and friends.