Being a business owner can be stressful. I am the worst offender when it comes to (not) prioritizing self-care, but I also know that I must take care of myself so that doing what I love will be sustainable for many years to come.
But taking care of our own mental health is equally as important as taking care of the business – research from MYOB showed that 53% of business owners suffer from stress and anxiety relating to running their business. So what can we do to take care of our own mental health and work mindfulness into our usual life routines?
Ways to nurture your wellbeing as an entrepreneur or small business owner
Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your balance sheet. That’s the reality. Improved focus on rest, wellbeing and talking about your struggles is a big part of moving towards becoming a better business leader.
Some suggestions:
- Don’t overwork yourself – it’s tempting to work every hour that’s available, in an attempt to meet your goals. But working yourself into the ground is ultimately a destructive thing to do. If you’re tired and burnt out then you’re in no position to lead the company. Try to stick to set work hours, and avoid working 60+ hour weeks wherever possible. Sleep, rest and downtime are vital.
- Schedule time for non-work-related activities – make sure you have time blocked out for things that aren’t work. That might be a walk in the countryside, time with your kids, or a game of tennis. The aim is to take yourself away from the stresses of the business and to give yourself a broader life outside the company. It’s a chance to have fun, to relax or to be someone who isn’t just ‘the boss’
- Take up an activity that promotes wellbeing – there are plenty of pastimes that can help you bring down your anxiety levels and bring you to a calmer place. Yoga is a good way to stay fit, but also an excellent form of relaxation. Equally, finding time for meditation helps you to empty your mind of business concerns and allow yourself to become more grounded and calm. A camping or fishing trip could help you to chill out and relax, away from a screen.
- Talk about your worries, concerns and anxiety – if business-related stress is building up, the worst thing you can do is keep it all bottled up. It’s beneficial to open up and talk about this anxiety. This could be with a significant other, a fellow entrepreneur, or even a professional counselor. Be transparent about your state of mind and you’ll find people are more than willing to listen, understand and offer some support.
Talk to us about your business worries
As your accountant and adviser, we’re in the perfect position to help you open up about your business worries. As your trusted partner, we will learn all about your business and the common threats, challenges and goals that will be on your mind.
Come and talk to us about your business worries and let us take some of the weight off your shoulders. A chat can be the start of a whole new way of thinking about your own wellbeing. Schedule a chat here – as always, consultations are complementary, no-pressure, and no-obligation.
