Being a business owner can be stressful. When the buck stops with you, it can be easy to let the pressure mount up and to discount your own well-being.
But taking care of your own mental health is equally as important as taking care of the business – research on mental health statistics MYOB showed that 53% of business owners suffer from stress and anxiety relating to the running of their business So, what can you do to take care of your own mental health and work mindfulness into your usual life routines?
Ways to nurture your well-being as an entrepreneur
A business owner's mental health is as important as their balance sheet. That’s the reality. So, having an improved focus on rest, well-being, and talking about your struggles is a big part of moving towards becoming a better business leader.
For example:
- 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 working 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 well-being – 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 empty your mind of business concerns and allows you to become more grounded and calm. Even something as traditional as a 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 partner, fellow entrepreneur, accountant, or 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.
As your accountant and business advisor, we’re in the perfect position to help you open up about your business worries. We know your business and your sector inside out, and we know the common threats, challenges, and goals that will be on your mind.
Talk to us about your concerns 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 well-being.