Mental Wellbeing
Small business owners aren’t just juggling a variety of tasks at once, they are also balancing responsibilities to their business, their employees and themselves. It is easy to get overwhelmed, and over time this can take a toll on your mental health. Mental wellness is a topic that has finally become less taboo, so let’s dive in!
I’m a big believer in living a well-rounded life. Over time it can become boring to be completely engrossed in one thing (i.e., your business). My work is incredibly important to me, but what else do I do that offers me a sense of purpose? Or what can I do that is just plain fun? I recently took up the piano again, and I’m learning how to play tennis, both have been enjoyable and gratifying! The integration of activities and hobbies into our lives makes us more fulfilled and well-rounded, and brings us joy.
Being in touch with your mental health is important for everyone, and critical for small business owners. Here are a few tips that work well for me.
Set boundaries. It is important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means something different for everyone, but defining guardrails and abiding by them is key.
Take breaks. It is important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Taking a short walk outside for fresh air can help you to clear your head, you’d be surprised at how effective this is!
Delegate. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to others. Relinquishing control is something that many small business owners struggle with. Knowing when to offload work to an employee or contractor to free up your time can help you focus on the things that are most important.
Talk to someone. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, talk to someone about it. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone you trust. And if that feels like too much for you, perhaps just sitting down with a pen and paper and listing what is bothering you so that you can better understand any you’re struggling with.
Take care of yourself. For me, fitness is just as important for physical health as it is for mental health. Working out is an incredible stress reliever that everyone has time for if they prioritize. Whether it is a half hour walk outside, a 45-minute bootcamp session, or an hour of yoga, the benefits of getting your body moving can be substantial. We all know we are supposed to eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly, and these things can be as simple or as complicated as you make them. Everyone has to start with something attainable, and progress from there.
Taking care of your mental health is critically important for overall wellbeing and managing stress-levels. Motivation and work ethic are things I pride myself on, so is knowing when it is time to rest and recharge.
