Looking After Your Mental Well-Being When Running A Business
Starting and running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be very stressful. Many entrepreneurs are so focused on their businesses that they forget to take care of themselves, leading to mental health issues and burnout. Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your business. In this article, we’ll discuss some strategies for looking after your mental well-being when running a business.
Are you looking for bookkeeping and accounting services for the day-to-day financial management of your business, or seeking more complex support that requires the expertise of an accountant? Outsourcing some tasks in your business can help you avoid burnout and make some space for relaxation. At Joanna Bookkeeping, we offer a comprehensive range of bookkeeping and accounting services tailored to businesses of all types and sizes. We cater to clients across the UK and our Oxford-based accounting team is here to help.
We understand that navigating your way through hectic work days can be tough. You’re trying to get through a million tasks, you need some admin time, and there are just not enough hours in the day. Working excessive hours or taking on more tasks than you can handle can end up really bad both for your business and your mental well-being.
We’ve put together this list of tips on how to look after your mental well-being when running a business.
Set Boundaries
As a business owner, it can be difficult to turn off your work brain, and it’s easy to find yourself working and answering calls at all hours of the day and night. However, it’s important to set boundaries and take time for yourself. This could mean scheduling specific hours for work and sticking to them, or setting aside time each day for relaxation and self-care. Make sure your private life doesn’t blend with your work life.
Set Realistic Goals And Prioritise Tasks
It’s also extremely important to prioritise your time when it comes to your to-do list. There’s always something that needs doing in a business. This never ends. That’s why it’s so important to set realistic goals that are meaningful to you and you’re sure to feel more accomplished at the end of the working day. Learn to prioritise things instead of trying to do absolutely everything. Not everything has the same importance and value.
Practice Mindfulness and Accept that Things Won’t Always Go To Plan
Mindfulness is the practice of being present at the moment and aware of your thoughts and feelings. It can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, or by practicing yoga or meditation.
Accepting that things won’t always go to plan can have a really positive impact on achieving your goals, it’s part of life and part of running a business. Try not to have the fear of the whole world coming to an end if things don’t go the way you originally planned.
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Connect With Others
Running a business can be isolating, but it’s important to connect with others and build a support system. This could mean joining a networking group, attending industry events, or simply reaching out to network with fellow business owners in your community. Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly helpful for reducing stress and improving mental well-being.
But you don’t have to talk only to other business owners. A chat with a good friend or a family member can also be beneficial. A perspective of a person that isn’t in business can also open your eyes to some issues and problems. Emotional support is important when running a business.
Take Breaks
It can be tempting to work non-stop when you’re running a business, but taking breaks is important for mental health. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and give your brain a rest. This could mean taking a walk or simply sitting quietly for a while. It’s important to not think about your business during these breaks. It has to be not only a physical break from your business but also a mental break.
You may think that you’re losing out on opportunities when you’re having a full break from your business. But it’s completely the opposite. When you feel refreshed, you are more productive, enthusiastic, and full of new ideas.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being, but it can be difficult to get enough sleep when you’re running a business. Getting enough rest is crucial for reducing stress and improving mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep schedule. You may be thinking now that sleeping very little isn’t going to affect you but it is just a matter of time if you keep ignoring the natural needs of your body.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental well-being. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, or simply being outdoors more often. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. You don’t have to follow any fashion here. Just do whatever feels best for you. It can be a simple walk.
Seek Help If Needed
If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to seek help. This could mean talking to a therapist, seeking support from a support group, or talking to a friend or family member. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
Celebrate Success in your Business!
Celebrate success in your business even when it’s something small. It will help you to see positive things happening instead of only focusing on what sometimes goes wrong. If you struggle to see good things, start practicing a little routine each day where you write down a few good things that happened during the day. It may be difficult at the beginning but with time you will see how much quicker you can think of good things!
Running a business can be so rewarding, but it’s essential to prioritise your mental well-being. Why not try and apply some or all of these strategies when it comes to looking after your mental well-being when running a business? And remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business if not even more important.
If you feel outsourcing to a professional accountant or a bookkeeper can help you with your mental well-being when running a business, please don’t hesitate to contact the Oxford-based accounting team at Joanna Bookkeeping.
Your Accountant in Oxford
Oxford Office
Joanna Bookkeeping
The Wheelhouse Angel Court
First Floor, Angel Court
81 St Clements St
Oxford
OX4 1AW
Connect
joanna@joannabookkeeping.co.uk
01865 591952
