LET’S TALK BUSINESS

When I set my business up over a year ago I struggled to balance my consultancy firm, maintaining a blog and enjoying a full social life.  Thankfully, as time has gone on it has got easier to manage.  I thought I’d share what I’ve learned so far on trying to successfully do it all.

First thing first, is sleep!  Getting a good night’s sleep is essential.  When you start a business it’s easy to want to work every hour you can.

In the early days, I often found myself staying up till 3am but in reality, it proved to be completely counterproductive.  One, I would struggle with tiredness the next day and two, it made me unable to switch off.  I would go to bed tense from emails and looming deadlines.

A couple of months ago I decided enough was enough!  I made my bedroom an entirely tech-free zone.  I now no longer reply to emails or write proposals in bed.  At night, my phone is left in the office rather than on my bedside table.

I cannot begin to tell you how much it has revolutionised my sleep.  I fall asleep so much quicker and no longer wake up exhausted.

The second thing I’d recommend is getting a smartwatch.  I recently got the Guess Gc Connect and I’m such a fan.  It has streamlined my life in so many ways.

I love the choreograph face and that you can customise each sub-dial.  I have the weather, my daily steps and battery percentage all available to see in one quick touch.

Living in London knowing the weather is essential as it can change at the drop of a hat.  Also, as someone who is fanatical about getting my 10,000 steps a day in, this watch really helps me keep on track. Finally, knowing my battery life means I’m never without it.

Even this super small function has made my day that much easier, and that’s before I even talk about the real tech this watch offers, such as emails, reminders, notifications, a search function and so on!

Despite wanting a smart watch for a while I hadn’t taken the plunge and got one as I wanted something more classic and timeless which would fit with my style.  I originally considered the Apple Watch and Fitbit but I wasn’t keen on the sporty aesthetic.

Thankfully, the Gc Connect ticks all the boxes looks wise.  I love the steel and rose gold combo and that I can pair it with all my jewellery.  In a nutshell, it blends in with my outfits, rather than looking like I’m wearing a piece of tech.

Speaking of what you’re wearing, I strongly believe what you wear can change your outlook on the day.  One of my early mistakes was staying in my PJs all day or sticking on some joggers.  Now I always get dressed.

If I’ve bought something new, I’ll put it on, even if I’m just staying at home.  It gets me excited and automatically puts me in a better mood.

I’ve previously talked about how much I love the challenge of finding fun and fashionable office wear.  I have to mention my new Printworks laptop case which is customisable with the most amazing range of stickers.  I went super classic with my initials but I’m thinking of adding some more to make it that bit more fun and jazzy!

Lastly, maintaining a social life is so important.  When you’re absorbed in all things work, the first thing you let slide is making time to see your loved ones.

When my back is really up against the wall and I’m struggling to do it all, I arrange get-togethers where I’m essentially doing two in one.  For example, I’ll organise a gym class or a food shop together.  This way you get to see your friends and run your errands at the same time, win win!

Outfit details: Top – Acler (find HERE & HERE) | Trousers – Tory Burch (similar HERE or similar on the high street HERE & HERE) | Watch – Guess (find HERE) | Shoes – Dior (find HERE or similar on the high street HERE & HERE) | Laptop Case – Printworks (find HERE)

I hope these tips and lifestyle changes were helpful and if you have any tricks to staying sane when trying to do it all, please share them in the comments.

Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress, Snapchat thatnewdress and Depop @dominiquew.