For a long time, I was on the verge of burnout without even realizing it. I kept going, kept producing, but inside, I felt hollow. I had forgotten what it meant to take a break, to pause for myself, to breathe.
I used to dream of grand escapes: luxurious hotels (even though I don’t like staying in hotels), spa days with exotic treatments (which I find awkward), or shopping sprees (I actually hate shopping). But after some tough business decisions and limited funds, I shelved those ideas for a future “someday.”
Then everything shifted. I started my solo business, and more importantly, I started building a life that felt like mine. And in doing that, I discovered something important:
The things that truly refuel me don’t cost much at all.
Here’s a list of simple joys that recharge my energy and bring me back to life. Most of them are free, all of them are priceless.
Go on a hike
I used to think I needed someone to go with me on a hike, and while I love going with friends, I got tired of waiting for other people to have time and decided to just go whenever I feel like it.
Some of my best hikes where spur-of-the-moment decisions.
Like, looking out the window on an early winter morning and watching the snow trickle down.
And off I went with my dog in tow, having a one-of-a-kind hike in a snowstorm
- when I realized I would not meet a single person, because only someone like me who hiked this path 100 times would actually know where the path went.
- The top of the mountain, where I realized I could not have a break for a minute because I would freeze.
- The way back in the car, where the road was covered by thick snow, because the snow plough was probably stuck in the snow, down in the valley.
The same day in the afternoon, the fresh snow was all washed away by the rain.
This adventure cost me 3 hours and it gave me a memory for a lifetime.
And if you don’t have a mountain near your home: a lake, a field, a forest hike is just as good to refuel.
You can go on a hike with friends or alone, whatever suites you best.
Cook with friends
I love cooking and I love having dinner with friends. So I love inviting friends to dinner and think up some nice food.
Yes, I am aware that this is not for free. But it also does not have to cost you a lot.
Not every meal I make has to be a turkey for Thanksgiving. The dinner I made for my last birthday was a mix of Tapas – and you know which variety people loved the most? Pimientos de Padron, small green peppers fried in a pan with sea salt. Yes, I also had some seafood dishes but people will also love the simple stuff.
Watch a sunrise
Have you ever gotten up early to see the sun rise? You can start doing so in winter, when sunrise is not quite that early.
You will never forget that light, when the first rays of the sun kiss the horizon in the east and then, quicker than you thought the sun goes up.
Watch a sunset
For most of us this involves less effort than the sunrise as we are usually up and awake when the sun sets.
Up here on my mountain, I can watch the sun set every evening as the valley opens into the west and the setting sun turns the sky all shades of pink and orange.
One of the best evenings I spent last summer was in Tuscany. We went to the beach after everyone else had left, took pizza and wine with us, and celebrated the sunset in style.
Have a movie night – or afternoon
What I love about winter is the slowing down on weekends. Sometimes I love to cuddle down on the couch, put on a movie and eat Christmas cookies – or popcorn.
Just make sure that you celebrate the movie and not just have the TV on while you are working.
Have a picnic
The last couple of years, my father had trouble walking longer distances but we still wanted to do something special for my mom’s birthday. I said, no problem, let’s have a picnic.
I don’t know about your country, but here in Germany there are picnic tables all over the place, you just have to know where they are.
So, I packed a basket with fancy stuff including wine and we went to have a picnic with a view.
I also prepare picnics for hikes with friends.
Take a swim in a lake
It is summer and I love going to the lake in the early morning and go for a swim.
I live near several very clean lakes, so I am lucky that I can just walk to the lake and jump in. I sometimes even go for a swim in a mountain lake but that is only for hot summers as the water stays very cold all year round.
Meet a friend for dog walks
What keeps me sane as a solopreneur are my friends. I meet some of them every weekday morning for dog walks before work.
This group of women started as a chance meeting between me and my Newfoundland Dog and one other woman with her Great Swiss Mountain dog. The two dogs loved each other and after a couple of unplanned meetings we decided we should make it a regular date. Over the years other women joined the group.
Now, 9 women and 10 dogs meet for talk and friendship. These friendships have expanded from forest walks to enjoying parties, and even holidays together.
Go for a trail run and enjoy some beautiful views
Whether I am in the mountains or in the city, I love running. And I find beautiful trails and spots for breaks everywhere.
Me, my thoughts and nature is my secret source for new power. It clears my mind and refuels my creativity.
Read a good book
I love reading but during the times when I have so much on my plate, I shy away from reading more than cheap entertainment.
Diving deep down into a good book, forgetting time and becoming part of that different world is a real treat. Giving me the time to forget about all the worries of every day life and getting lost in this far away world is like going on a holiday for my mind.
Have a coffee date
Meeting friends for a coffee and maybe some cake (I love cake and cookies) is a great way to keep in contact. Nothing big and fancy, just coffee (or tea), friends, and a good chat.
You can go to a cafe, but you can also invite your friend to your home – or simply meet in a nice spot in a park, at a lake, the dog park or any other place where there is a bench to sit. You can bring coffee and tea in flasks, bring a biscuit or make a cake. Remember the goal is to talk to a friend, not to boast your baking skills.
So, what if your favorite way to recharge isn’t on my list? That’s perfectly fine: just do what you love. Who is stopping you from giving your body and mind exactly what they need?
And if you feel like you need someone to share it with: look around. There are clubs, groups, and meetups for almost anything. You just have to start looking.
If I ever moved full-time to my mountain home and felt the need for more connection, I’d join hiking groups. I’d look for a local search and rescue dog team—I used to work with one in Berlin. I’d train for trail running events.
I’d find groups for gardening, dog walking, or anything else I enjoy because whatever lights you up: there are people out there who love it too.
