Mental health support for entrepreneurs is essential for success and growth.
The life of an entrepreneur is very stressful and full of uncertainty. This can be compounded by unhealthy comparisons that come with the lifestyle and also social isolation. The struggles that entrepreneurs face are very real and it is said that entrepreneurs are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance abuse, compared to other people.
Mental illness, if left untreated can have debilitating consequences and therefore, please take the time to speak to a mental health care professional. For now, here are the five (5) simple ways you can boost your mental health:
1.Create A Support System
A great support system will give you the support you need, particularly in ensuring that you take care of your mental health needs. Every successful business has had a great support system to get off the ground. We are talking about family, friends, mentors and colleagues.
All successful business out here thrives on a highly connected, well fostered social network that the entrepreneur can reach out it to resolve issues and grow. So, don’t completely discount the help of others.
2. Strive For Productivity
It isn’t about how long you work – though admirable – but, it’s better to get things done. Done. Also, avoid burnout from mental exhaustion that may come from working extended 60+ hours every week. Your brain needs to rest and recharge too.
To increase your productivity, try working on high priority stuff by optimizing your to-do list. This way, you can minimize any distractions by not sweating the small stuff that may be time-consuming and non-consequential at the time. Finally, learn to say no to things that don’t serve you or bring you closer to your goals.
3. Keep A Gratitude Journal
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in what is going wrong in our lives that we forget the pleasant surprises that we have experienced. It is very easy to get caught up in the hullabaloo that comes with entrepreneurship – people expect you to make it in a snap of the finger and when you haven’t they will keep asking, “When will you get a job?”. It’s a trap. Sometimes, people are simply managing impressions i.e. putting a facade to impress others.
So don’t feel crummy about yourself. Keep going, good things are still happening to you too. The easiest way to say focused on these things is to regularly reflect and write a list of the awesome things that are happening. Keeping a gratitude journal will at the very least keep you happier and more optimistic about life in general.
4. Develop A Self-Care Routine
In the thick of things, don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself. Every day, strive to do at least one thing that makes you happy (not work-related). It will help you better cope with the stress and anxiety that comes with the entrepreneurial journey.
Alongside that, ensure you invest in a healthy work-life balance to keep mental health problems at bay. Take some time to spend with family and friends, and doing interesting things like swimming, yoga or forest bathing. Your mind and body need fuel to stay healthy, so also exercise regularly and eat healthily.
5. Strike A Superhero Pose
I first saw this in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, when Amelia struck a superhero pose to regain her confidence after a mini-meltdown. She said that research shows that striking a super-hero pose improves one’s confidence. I was super sceptical, so I did some research on it and sure enough, there was a body of text to support her claim.
Surprisingly, according to researchers assuming the super-hero, high power pose increased testosterone (power hormones) and decreased cortisol (a stress hormone), triggering changed behaviour by elevating confidence.
So next time your confidence levels are low, relax, open up and assume the superhero pose. Hopefully, then, you can at the very least reduce the amount of anxiety you are experiencing.
Final Words
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy and can drive you to the brink if you let it. The hack is to develop a routine that boosts your mental health in order to increase the chances of success in your business. Therefore, take care of your mental health. It is only then that it becomes easier to absorb whatever the entrepreneurial journey has the throw at you – risk, stress and uncertainty.
Image credits: Top by Madison Inouye from Pexels
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Thank you for this vital information
A true game-changer!
Great.