Running your own business is stressful. There is no getting away from it…there is financial stress, you worry about your team, your clients, even what is happening in the wider world. The hours are long, there is sooo much to do and of course the buck stops with you…every decision ultimately is your responsibilities. Then there is balancing your physical health and your relationships with your friends and family.

It is no wonder that business owners often experience burn out. As it is Mental Health Awareness week I thought I would share with you my top 7 tips for good mental health for business owners.

 

Focus on what you can control

My first and most important piece of advice is to try (I know its hard) not to obsess about things you can’t change and to focus instead on what you can control and take action to actually do something about the things you can control. You cannot personally stop the Bank of England increasing interest rates and you certainly could not have prevented the Covid lockdown, but by thinking outside the box you can change the affect these National and Global changes have on your business.

 

Write down your goals and tasks

All business owners have a wide range of tasks that they need to accomplish and usually it feels like there are not enough hours in the day to get them all done! Of course this results in stress AND in feeling a bit like you are running around like a headless chicken sometimes. By setting clear goals and then defining the tasks that need to be completed to achieve those goals you will feel calmer and be more effective

 

Set clear boundaries

Just as employees have defined hours of work, so must the business owner. If you do not have a specific time to start and end your day you will find yourself working longer and longer hours and being less and less effective. It is also important to stay well away from work calls, messages and emails when you are not working or before you know it work will creep into your personal time again.

 

Take time out

Whatever you enjoy doing in your spare time, from drinks with friends, to a walk with the dog or a session in the gym, ensure you take time out to keep enjoying your hobbies. Time out does not have to mean meditation…whatever you do to de-stress keep doing it.

 

Join a group of peers

Making business owners join a Networking Group to generate more business enquiries, but consider also joining (or creating) a group of peers who you can be open and honest with about both your successes and your struggles. Your networking group may be able to provide this support, or you may need to look for a peer to peer group which has nothing to do with networking.

 

Find a trusted mentor

Although much support can be gained from knowing that you are not the only one going through  hard times in your business your peers may not be the best people to get actual advice from about how to resolve problems in your business. Finding a trusted mentor who you can be open and honest with will improve your mental health. Finding an experienced mentor will also help you grow a successful business!

 

Ask for support

If you do feel that your mental health is suffering don’t be afraid to reach out for support. If you feel consistently in a low mood, anxious or stressed then it is time to seek help. For your team, your family,  your business and most importantly for yourself.

I hope this blog has helped if you are a business owner who is feeling stressed…I am always available for a chat to all of my connections…don’t feel you have to be a client to reach out – I am always here.