Running a business requires resilience, but when you’re also managing chronic pain, the challenge becomes even greater. For me, the unpredictability of pain is the worst part. It can make productivity feel impossible some days, forcing me to rethink how I work, set boundaries, and maintain relationships.
If you’ve ever felt caught between pushing through exhaustion and honouring your body’s limits, you’re not alone. Finding balance is hard, but it’s not impossible. Here’s what I’ve learned about managing a business, relationships, and self-care while living with chronic pain.
1. Your Body Will Set Boundaries for You—So Set Them First
Many of us are conditioned to believe that success comes from constant hustle, but chronic pain doesn’t care about deadlines. If you don’t set boundaries, trust me, your body will. Whether it’s pain, fatigue, or brain fog, your body will eventually force you to slow down—sometimes at the worst possible moment.
Instead of waiting for burnout to set limits for you, be proactive:
✅ Plan your workload with flexibility. Structure your schedule so that you can shift tasks around when needed.
✅ Communicate your limits early. Whether it’s with business partners, clients, or friends, let them know what’s realistic for you.
✅ Give yourself permission to rest. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s fuel for the next productive moment.
I used to think taking a break meant falling behind. Now, I know that resting before I’m in crisis helps me stay consistent and avoid long periods of forced downtime.
2. Chronic Pain Changes Relationships—So Prioritize the Ones That Honour Your Needs
Living with pain can be isolating, especially when people don’t understand what you’re going through. It’s hard to explain why you’re cancelling plans or why some days you’re energized while others, even responding to a text feels like too much.
The key is to invest in relationships that respect your boundaries:
💛 Educate the people closest to you. Share what you need, whether it’s flexibility, emotional support, or just understanding.
💛 Release guilt about being “unreliable.” Your value isn’t measured by how much you show up for others—it’s about how you show up for yourself, too.
💛 Accept that not everyone will get it—and that’s okay. Some relationships will naturally shift, and that’s part of growth.
I’ve found that my truest relationships don’t require me to “prove” my strength. They accept me as I am, good days and bad.
3. Success With Chronic Pain Requires Strategy, Not Just Willpower
It’s easy to feel like you have to work twice as hard to make up for your bad days. But pushing through pain without a plan can backfire, leading to cycles of burnout. Instead, build habits that help you work smarter, not harder.
🕒 Schedule tasks based on energy levels. If you know your mornings are better, reserve that time for deep work. Save lower-energy tasks for later.
🎯 Batch your work. If you have a business, preparing in advance (e.g., making products, scheduling posts, or responding to emails) helps prevent stress.
📌 Use technology and automation. Auto-responders, scheduling tools, and systems that streamline your workload can be life-changing.
As a business owner, I’ve had to rethink what productivity looks like. Some days, I move fast and other days, I’m slow and intentional. Both are valid, and both move me forward.
4. Self-Compassion Is a Non-Negotiable
When chronic pain forces you to slow down, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism. You might feel like you’re not doing enough, not showing up enough, or not being the person you “used to be.” But here’s the truth: You are still worthy, still capable, and still enough—exactly as you are.
Practicing self-compassion means:
🫶🏾 Speaking to yourself with kindness. Would you judge a friend for needing rest? Give yourself the same grace.
📅 Planning ahead without guilt. Building flexibility into your schedule isn’t a sign of failure—it’s smart preparation.
⚖️ Letting go of all-or-nothing thinking. Some days will be productive, others will be about rest. Both are valid.
I remind myself daily: Rest isn’t the enemy of success—it’s a necessary part of it.
5. Redefining Strength: Rest is Part of the Process
For so long, I thought strength meant endurance, but over the past couple of years, endometriosis has forced me to redefine that. Strength isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s about knowing when to step back. It’s about listening to my body instead of fighting against it.
✨ Rest is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it.
✨ Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re self-respect in action.
✨ Your worth isn’t measured by your productivity.
I started my candle business to help others create moments of rest and healing, but the message is for me, too. Every candle I make is a reminder that slowing down doesn’t mean stopping—it means sustaining.
So if you’re struggling to balance work, relationships, and self-care, know this: You’re not alone. Your journey is valid. And your success isn’t just about how much you do—it’s about how well you care for yourself along the way.