Amy Kerman-Gutzmer - Self-Care Series 4
Put on your own oxygen mask first!
Self-care is anything we do in order to take care of ourselves, whether that is emotionally, mentally or physically.
Self-care is overlooked way too often, especially when it comes to business and work-life.
Good self-care is absolutely necessary.
Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others... If you're gasping for air, you won't be able to help anyone.
Before we go into this week's interview, here are a few things you might want to consider putting on your list of self-care items.
Getting enough sleep
Eating a healthy diet
Getting enough alone time
Moving your body and getting exercise
Meditation
Now, it can be very easy to look at this list and view the items on it as requirements... Don't.
If you only got 5 hours of sleep, don't beat yourself up for it... Treat yourself gently.
If you're not into meditation, scratch it off your list. Self-care is about you and looks different to each of us.
Now, let’s get into this week’s self-care talk:).
I had the great pleasure of talking with Amy Kerman Gutzmer, who runs her own online yoga studio!
Super excited to jump into the talk with you and share more self-care ideas and practices!
What is your name?
Amy Kerman-Gutzmer
How long have you been working in your field?
10 years
Why did you choose this career?
Going through some health issues with family members, I wanted us to become more proactive in our own health. At the time, I was going to yoga classes and seeing the impact it had on my own health and my life.
I wanted to be able to help others find that same gift!
Since then, I've grown and expanded and found new ways to help others find calmness and healing (in addition to yoga, I have added meditation and reiki).
What did you struggle with the most in the beginning of your business?
Getting the word out & learning how to be a business owner in addition to a yoga instructor.
I realized early on being a solo-entrepreneur meant that I would be teaching yoga and producing yoga videos and guided meditations...
I soon realized that it also meant learning about actually running a business - learning the legal and accounting aspects of running a business, learning about marketing and networking and hiring contractors to help when it was appropriate.
I feel like I’ve come a long way but am still learning new things about running a business all the time.
I feel like I’ve come a long way but am still learning new things about running a business all the time.
How do you balance your work/life?
Great question! That is still a bit of a struggle, but trying not to work 24/7 and when I am working, enjoying what I do!
Also, setting aside specific family time so that I know I have some time that is specifically NOT for work and that I can’t schedule something for work.
I also have a journal where I write down what I need to get done for my business that day as well as non-work, self-care items that I want to make sure I get in each day or week.
That way I can keep track to make sure I include things for me in my day, such as meditating, journaling, taking time for my own yoga practice, getting out in nature in the nicer weather or listening to personal development.
What does self-care look like for you?
I am going through a personal development program and working with a coach.
Staying true to myself and allowing myself to grow is so important and I think one of the best ways to do that is with personal development.
In addition to that, I meditate for a few minutes each day and have my own personal yoga practice.
I live in the Chicago suburbs, so the weather isn’t always conducive to it, but I love getting out in nature for a walk or a bike ride... anything to be outside and breathe in the fresh air. I enjoy reading as well.
How did you overcome your struggles?
Launching my online yoga studio was a long time in the making and brought together so many things that I love (being able to help more people, teaching yoga, recording guided meditations)!
It was a labor of love!
It isn't easy and I wouldn't say I've completely overcome my struggles, but it was definitely a proud moment.
If you met yourself 3-5 years ago in that struggle, what is the one thing you would tell yourself that could help?
Take care of yourself!
Struggles can be so overwhelming, it is often difficult to remember to take a little time and do something to get away from the struggle, even if that just means stopping for a moment and taking a deep breath.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years when all your dreams come true?
Helping as many people as possible find calmness and live their best lives! Working together with others in similar fields to help people to feel better, and loving every minute of it.
What are you working on that you want to share?
I'm always continuing to grow and evolve... Reiki is a new aspect that and I'm excited to find new ways to add in to my business.
It's always interesting to see where the road leads as I move forward with my business.
MINDFUL MODERN NOMAD, EMPOWERMENT COACH, EMOTIONAL BODY MAPPING COACH/TEACHER, LMT.
I can happily say that my dreams came true with both my mindset and holistic business coaching and with my bodywork and emotional body mapping teaching. I feel I am finally fully able to be there every step of the way with my client's needs and be a witness to the process.
ARE YOU A HEALER, A GIVER, WORKING IN A SERVICE-BASED BUSINESS (WHETHER IT’S YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR NOT)?
Are you forgetting to make space for your personal expansion, healing and growth? Do you put YOUR wellness on your calendar? Stay inspired doing the thing you do for other people by joining our EMOTIONAL BODY MAPPING ACADEMY, created for people just like you and I, who serve to be reminded that holistic care starts with holistic self-care.