Entrepreneurship can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavour, but it can also be hella demanding and stressful. To maintain their mental health and well-being, entrepreneurs should take steps to protect themselves. Here are four things that every entrepreneur can do:
- Take breaks. No, real breaks. Phone down, away from the computer, out of the office. Entrepreneurs often work long hours and may feel pressure to be constantly productive. This is especially true if your social media is full of people exhorting you to ‘crush it’ or ‘take massive action.’ Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining mental health. Whether it’s a quick walk outside, a brief meditation, or a longer vacation, taking breaks can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. And if you’re worried this will affect your output levels, don’t worry, it will. In a good way! A fresher, more relaxed you is a more productive you.
- Seek support. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and it’s important to have a support network to turn to when needed. This could include friends, family, mentors, or a therapist. Having people to talk to and confide in can help alleviate stress and provide a sense of connection and community. It’s important to have friends that are entrepreneurs and friends that aren’t. One set of friends will be able to relate to you and your issues, while the other set will get you out of entrepreneur mode for a while.
- Practice self-care before you need it. Too much of what we do as self-care is actually what I’ve seen called “after care.” Self-care is essential for maintaining mental health, and entrepreneurs should prioritize activities that nourish their minds, bodies, and spirits. This could include exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation. Do these things regularly, not reactively.
- Set boundaries. Entrepreneurs may feel pressure to always be available and responsive, but setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental health. This could include setting aside specific times for work and rest, saying no to unreasonable requests, and delegating tasks whenever possible. If you find your business can’t get along without you, you’re doing it wrong. Start dumping the knowledge in your head into processes and procedures to empower your staff to get stuff done without you having to micromanage or babysit. By setting and respecting boundaries, entrepreneurs can prevent overwork and burnout.
Image credit: Midjourny