I’ve been working for myself full-time for just over three years. I converted a 2.5 car garage into a studio, but my office is in my home. I spend 8-10 hours a day in that office, sometimes more.
Employers are bound by law to provide breaks and lunch periods and most even provide a separate break area. How many of us ignore this kind of self-care and munch on a quick lunch while continuing to work, or fail to eat at all? How many of us only stop working to take a bathroom break and other than those quick breaks, we hunch over our computer for the remainder of the day?
This phenomenon has become even more noticeable to me since I quit smoking about two months ago. I used to at least dash outside every few hours for a quick smoke break, but now that I no longer have that excuse for a break, I rarely leave my desk.
Recently I’ve discovered the importance of taking care of my “self,” and in the quest to do so, I’ve recently (as in “today”) revamped my office to include a corner area for relaxation. A place where I can sit and drink my coffee, catch up on my issues of “Professional Photographer”, do a little research in my software manuals or just journal for a few minutes. I brought my favorite chair into the office as well as some photos and gifts I’d received that make me smile.
I challenge you to do the same. Grab a comfy chair, stick it in a corner and make sure you sit in it at least 15 minutes a day. Your “self” will be grateful. 
