{"id":31297,"date":"2023-05-18T11:34:50","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T10:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peopleperhour.com\/discover\/?post_type=guides&p=31297"},"modified":"2024-01-25T12:18:33","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T12:18:33","slug":"cracking-the-cost-of-living-5-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health-as-a-business-owner","status":"publish","type":"guides","link":"https:\/\/www.peopleperhour.com\/discover\/guides\/cracking-the-cost-of-living-5-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health-as-a-business-owner\/","title":{"rendered":"Cracking the Cost of Living: 5 Ways to look after your mental health as a business owner"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Being a business owner has its perks, but building a company requires a lot of energy and attention, which over time can take its toll on your mental health. More business owners and entrepreneurs are reported to be experiencing poor mental health post-pandemic<\/a>, with higher anxiety and burnout at the top of the list for reasons why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s never been more important to know how to support your mental health and well-being so that you and your business stay on top. To help, we\u2019ve put together 5 easy ways that you can look after your mental health as a business owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why being a business owner can affect mental health negatively<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s talk about this. When you go into business, the start of the journey isn\u2019t always smooth sailing. There are financial implications to consider, which is reported to be the biggest contributor<\/a> to poor mental health amongst business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With finances playing a significant role in keeping your business afloat and running, it\u2019s no surprise that as a business owner, you feel the intense pressure and responsibility to succeed. Without the right mental health tools in place, you\u2019ll find yourself overwhelmed with the everyday stresses of running a business, which can ultimately lead to the business\u2019 detriment too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of mental health to successfully running a business <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Business owners who experience poor mental health such as higher levels of anxiety, and disrupted sleep are more likely to develop substance abuse,<\/a> panic attacks, increased feelings of burnout, and symptoms of depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s therefore easy to see why it\u2019s so important to implement effective strategies to ensure you’re in the right headspace to optimise the success of your business. Strong mental health lets you prepare effectively for any new challenges thrown at you and allows you to cope with these instances much more calmly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Ways to look after your mental well-being while running a business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Communication and relationships <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Relationships are key to practicing good mental health. It\u2019s easy to get swept under whilst running a business, especially during the early stages where it\u2019s all go go go. But it\u2019s crucial to take some time out and hang out with your loved ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Schedule that long overdue coffee with a friend, make plans for a Friday night, or organise a group activity. Getting some space from the craziness of work will do you the world of good and get you back to feeling recharged and in a better headspace.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Bursts of exercise <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      We\u2019re not breaking the mould here – exercise is great for your mental and physical health. But, finding the time or the energy to do this is often what puts people off. Did you know that even just 4 minutes<\/strong> can have a positive impact on your mood and alleviate stress? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The Tabata method,<\/a> created by Japanese scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata, suggests exercising at 100% effort for 20 seconds, followed by a 10-second break, and repeating this 8 times. And that\u2019s it! You could do this while you boil the kettle or after you blast out a few emails, whatever time you find in the day – it\u2019s a manageable way to decompress and benefit your health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Next time you\u2019re feeling a little overwhelmed, try this technique and see how you feel after!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Workspace<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Our surroundings can influence our mental health<\/a>. If you\u2019re spending the majority of your day at work, then it\u2019s important to consider the environment you\u2019re working in too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Making small changes like introducing calming colours like green and orange; introducing more open space, and moving your desk to a window or into a brighter area will not only help you feel more relaxed and calm, but are proven to reduce irritability, increase productivity and protect your mindset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Take regular breaks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          After around 25 minutes,<\/a> your brain seeks a break, and listening to your brain can do all the good to your mental health. Don\u2019t be afraid to take or schedule them in. Allow yourself to reset your batteries, as well as your mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          It\u2019s been found that taking regular breaks not only boosts creativity and productivity, but also improves concentration and restores your ability to focus. Ensure your burning passion can continue to burn and your business can continue to glow.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Boundaries <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Post-pandemic, a lot of how we work has changed. The increase in remote working means that face-to-face interactions have decreased with colleagues, clients, and employees, meaning it\u2019s become that bit more challenging to switch off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Creating much-needed boundaries<\/a> between your business and personal life will help restore some balance and ensure you\u2019re not constantly consumed by work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The following steps could make all the difference to your mental health: <\/p>\n\n\n\n