Get a better night’s sleep
Running a business can be hugely rewarding but it’s not always restful. It’s almost part of the territory to find yourself wide awake at 2am thinking about cashflow, deadlines, staffing, or whether you’re on track.
Unfortunately, our brains don’t neatly switch off when we sleep. The problem-solving part of the brain stays active, putting issues on mental “replay” and trying to fix them for us. Not exactly helpful when the alarm goes off at 6am and you’re already running on empty.
This morning in our staff meeting, we talked about the value of the work our team does. Sometimes it might feel like we’re just crunching numbers or ticking off tasks — but the bigger picture is that we get to help our clients sleep better at night.
We give our clients clarity, help them make informed decisions, and stand in their corner as they work to bring their business goals to life and we count that a privilege.
While you can’t remove every worry, there are habits and tools that can help you rest easier. Here are a few ways to sleep better as a business owner — and where we can help:
1. Get clarity on your numbers.
Uncertainty fuels stress. Understanding your financial position — and having confidence in it — is one of the fastest ways to quiet your mind. That’s where your annual accounts, quarterly reporting, and real-time dashboards come in. They show you exactly where you stand so there are no nasty surprises.
2. Plan ahead
The brain craves predictability. Mapping out tax dates, major payments, and seasonal shifts gives your mind a sense of control. Regular check ins with current information can help you spot trends early so you can take action before a small issue becomes a big problem. It can also reduce that “open loop” feeling that keeps your brain churning at night.
3. Delegate and trust your team
You don’t need to carry every detail yourself. Share responsibilities and give others clear ownership of tasks. That includes your advisors — we’re here to carry some of that mental load so you don’t have to.
4. Create a ‘parking lot’ for ideas and worries
Keep a notebook or app handy. When something pops into your head — a to-do, a worry, an idea — write it down. It frees up mental space and signals to your brain that it doesn’t need to keep replaying it all night.
5. Give your brain some space
Ever wonder why you have your best ideas in the shower? That’s because when you’re relaxed and not actively focusing on a problem, your brain’s default mode network switches on. It quietly connects the dots in the background — sparking insights you can’t always force at your desk. Build in 5-10 minute moments during your day where you can step away from work — whether that’s a walk, a workout, or simply time to make a coffee without looking at your phone.
6. Put your own oxygen mask on first
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. You can’t help your business — or anyone else — if you’re running on empty. Looking after your wellbeing might not feel urgent when challenges are piling up, but it’s essential. Rest, healthy routines, and downtime won’t make problems disappear, but they give your prefrontal cortex — the part of your brain responsible for decision‑making — the fuel it needs to work at its best.
7. Protect your downtime
Set boundaries around work hours and give yourself permission to fully switch off. A rested mind makes better business decisions and spots opportunities more easily.
At the end of the day, getting a good night’s sleep as a business owner comes from a few helpful brain hacks and confidence — confidence that you know where your business stands, that you have a plan, and that you’re not carrying the weight of it all alone.
With the right systems, information, and support in place, you can close the laptop, switch off the light, and get the rest you need to keep your business thriving. We can help with that – talk to our team to find out how.
