Today, I stepped away from my home office, away from the client emails and the writing deadlines, and did something I don’t do nearly often enough: I took time for me.

I attended the Women’s Power Luncheon hosted by Glass Ceiling Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women to break through barriers together. And let me tell you, this event didn’t just inspire me as a business owner—it reached me as a human being.

The theme? Health and wellness. And if you’re a solopreneur, female business owner, or otherwise, I already know what you’re thinking: “Sounds nice, but who has time for that?” Trust me, I get it. We wear all the hats. CEO, copywriter, creative director, snack-fetcher (if you work from home, you know). We tell ourselves we’ll rest after the next project, after that email is sent, after things calm down.

But as the incredible panel of women shared today, the truth is: we can’t pour into our work if we’re running on empty.

6 Takeaways For the Female Business Owner

Here are just a few nuggets I carried home—simple, realistic, and, honestly, overdue reminders:

1. Ditch the “Self-Care” Pressure

Maggie Judge, creator of Tools for LYFE, said something that really stuck: She doesn’t love the term self-care because it often feels like another thing we’re supposed to get right. Instead, she shared the concept of LYFE—Loving Yourself Forward Every day. Not perfectly. Just forward. Even if that’s taking one minute, placing your hand on your heart, and whispering:

 “I love you. I am listening.”

When’s the last time you did that? When’s the last time you paused to listen to what you need?

2. Shift Your Evening Routine

Heather Owen of Get Fit. Go Figure! gave some down-to-earth tips that made me rethink my nighttime habits. She suggested replacing harsh overhead lights with red or orange lights—or even candlelight—once the sun sets. Why? Because our bodies respond to light. The softer glow can help signal that it’s time to wind down.

She also talked about something we rarely consider: EMF radiation. (Yep, those Wi-Fi signals and cell phones we sleep beside.) Her advice? Put your phone in Airplane Mode and shut down the Wi-Fi before bed. It’s a slight habit shift that might make a big difference for female business owners, students, and everyone!

3. Move After You Eat

Sheila Hittner—aka the queen of cleansing and owner of Our Healthy Homes—talked about how essential our lymphatic system is. Her tip? After you eat, go for a quick 10-minute walk to help your body process. And before you even get out of bed in the morning, pump your feet to get things moving.

Most importantly, she reminded us: You are beautiful. You are worthy. Be thankful for the things you get to do each day.

4. Rethink Breakfast

Rachel Fink, a corporate dietician with Hy-Vee, gently challenged our collective coffee-first reflex. Instead of reaching for caffeine first thing, she suggests starting the day with protein to help stabilize your blood sugar. Eggs. Greek yogurt. Whatever works for your body. Then, sip that latte if it still calls your name. And remember, this matters for everybody, not just female business owners.

5. Let Go of Food Guilt

Jessica Guerrero, founder of This is Your Life Health and Wellness Coaching, talked about the danger of restriction. When we label foods as “bad,” it can create a strained relationship with food that isn’t helpful in the long term. Her perspective: Fuel your body with intention—but give yourself grace. Food should nourish you, not punish you.

6. Breathe. No, Really—Breathe

Aeronica Singh, yoga instructor and breathwork coach, reminded us that something as simple as conscious breathing can release stress from the body. We don’t need an hour-long meditation session. Even one minute of slow, steady breathing can change our state. Inhale. Exhale. That’s all.

Staying Motivated for Female Business Owners

Leaving the event today, I didn’t walk away with a perfect wellness checklist or a strict routine to follow. What I walked away with was something much better—a reminder that staying motivated as a solopreneur, especially as a health and wellness writer, starts with showing up for yourself in small, consistent ways.

It might look like closing your eyes and saying, “I love you. I am listening.”

It might mean dimming the lights in the evening, putting your phone on Airplane Mode, or going for a short walk after lunch.

It might even be as simple as choosing a book to read for enjoyment—not for work, not for research, but just because it brings you joy.

These little shifts matter. They help us refill our creative cups and reconnect with the parts of ourselves that exist outside the hustle.

So tonight, I’m slowing down. I’m breathing a little deeper. And I’m picking up a book—just for fun.

Because staying motivated doesn’t always come from grinding harder, sometimes, it comes from remembering why you started in the first place.