Running a business can be emotionally demanding, so it’s important you take care of your mental health for long-term business success and your wellbeing. Psychotherapist and author of ‘But Are You Alive?’, Eloise Skinner offers her advice on how to look after your mental health as a business owner.
Here are just some of the ways Eloise suggests you can look after your mental health as a business owner:
- Practise self care: Set aside time for you to take care of your wellbeing. Self care looks different for everyone – perhaps you’ll practise meditation, take a walk or write down how you’re feeling. Try to incorporate relaxation techniques into your day-to-day to clear your mind.
- Set boundaries: As a business owner, keeping a healthy work-life balance can feel tricky, especially if you work from home. Try to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Make sure you establish specific work hours to avoid overworking and make time for your hobbies and family and friends.
- Take regular breaks: Be sure to take regular breaks throughout the day, away from your desk, to recharge and prevent burnout. Also, make sure you take time off throughout the year to switch off from work and unwind.
- Professional help: Seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can provide you with valuable support and ways to cope when you’re struggling. You can voice any anxieties you may have confidentially, to take some weight off your shoulders. Remember that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness – if you had a physical problem, you’d see a doctor and the same should apply to your mental health.
“Make sure you have stable foundations in place for the rest of your life, as you start your journey as a business owner. This means prioritising your own wellbeing (sleep, nutrition, fitness, etc.), and your relationships (friends, family and colleagues). It also means setting aside time for your passions and hobbies – and retaining a sense of self outside of your business.
Starting a new venture can be overwhelming, often in a good way, but sometimes in an intimidating way too. Building a life that feels stable, secure and balanced – both within the workplace and outside of it – might help you to navigate the rollercoaster of business life a little better.”
For more detail, visit: https://www.suaz.co.uk/knowledge-base/mental-health-and-stress-in-business