There’s no doubt that running a business drains you both physically and mentally. As a business owner, you’re often focused on the health of your business. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so now is a great time to pause and take stock of your own health—especially your mental condition.
Forbes reported that most business owners have been working longer hours and skipping vacation time, so it’s no surprise that more than 40% of business owners are struggling with burnout and their mental well-being. If you’re feeling like this, here are a few tips that might help you improve your mental wellness:
- Reduce stress by taking control of your time. Start scheduling time for yourself to address problems and stressors. Identify what must get done and learn to say “no” when you need to. Author Jenny Blake suggests following the 6 T’s and delegating tasks that are tiny, tedious, time-consuming, time sensitive, teachable, or things you’re terrible at.
- Establish a daily routine and stick to it. For some people, a routine is key to wellness. This means going to bed at relatively the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning, even on weekends. Find a balance in your daily routine and maintain it.
- Spend quality time with family and friends. As humans, we are social beings and need relationships as support. Social media and the internet can help us keep in touch but remember to regularly disconnect from your electronic devices and focus on building relationships in real life.
- Consider your physical health. Your physical and mental health are closely linked, so remember to pay attention to both. Getting regular check-ups from your doctor, exercising and eating a nutritious diet can all help improve your overall well-being. Try taking a walk during lunch to take a break from your computer and get some fresh air.
- Get some rest. We all know a good night’s sleep can make a big difference in how we feel. Take time off when your body tells you to and get some rest. If you find yourself staying up late worrying, try to pinpoint what’s concerning you and seek help if possible. For example, if you’re worried about your finances, try talking to an accountant or tax professional.
- Set Boundaries. Whether it’s a designated time to leave the office, a set number of tasks you can take on, or turning off your notifications when you’re off work, keeping a boundary between work and personal time can help make your rest time more restful. If you work from home, try not to allow yourself to continually return to your workspace when you’re off the clock.
- Stretch and grow your mind. You can always learn more. Even if you have already learned and accomplished a lot, push yourself and expand your brain power! Focusing on learning rather than doing can help energize your mind and spark your creativity. Try something new…perhaps learn a new language or try out a new hobby.
- Try to find humor every day. We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine — and it’s true that laughter does have a short-term stress relieving effect by releasing endorphins. Seek out things that make you laugh, even at work. Your health will appreciate it.
Mental health is necessary for your success. If you’re struggling, try using a journal to track your mental health. You can log daily items such as your diet, sleep habits, and social activity, and make lifestyle adjustments when needed — just like you use records to track the health of your business and make adjustments.
Mental health is as nuanced and individualized as physical health, so no solution is one-size-fits-all. Don’t hesitate to talk to a professional about your mental state, especially if you are struggling with serious negative thoughts or intense anxiety.
But if financial worries are contributing to your overall stress, Padgett is here. Our full-service support can help you feel more confident in your business’s finances. Find a location near you today.