With the increasing cost of living, interest rate rises, and the impacts of the lockdowns still being felt, small business owners need to take a break and look after their mental health.
Small business owners wear many hats and are often someone’s spouse, parent, or even carer.
Whilst stress and worry are a part of being human, there are a lot of things we can do to prevent these feelings and negative thoughts from escalating. Read on to find out.
Tip 1: Stop doomscrolling
Yep, that’s the term for excess screen time digesting negative news. You may or may not realise it, but constant exposure to doom and gloom can impact your mood, especially during these times of uncertainty.
It’s important to remember that it’s normal for there to be ups and downs in the economy and life in general. On top of this, humans have navigated through these difficulties since the beginning of time. So it’s best to focus on what you can control. This will help you build another important skill: resilience.
Go the extra mile for your mental health as a small business owner
Need to do a little more to limit screen time? You’re not alone. Try these tips:
- Set time limits on your preferred apps or tech of choice
- Turn your phone off before bed and use an alarm to wake up in the morning
- Get in the habit of not checking your phone first thing in the morning
Tip 2: Catch up with good friends
Small business owners often find themselves in front of a screen or in meetings for most of the day. If this sounds like you, when was the last time you caught up with a good friend, face to face?
There’s something therapeutic, or even cathartic, about having a conversation with a close friend. That connection brings us back to the real world, reminding us we’re not alone.
Tip 3: Eat a balanced diet
Not only does this make you feel good, but it can help increase your energy levels, and concentration and help you make better decisions, which small business owners need for the multitude of roles they play each day!
Say goodbye to unrealistic expectations
Thanks to meal inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest, many of us have unrealistic expectations of what a balanced meal looks like. Something as simple as a homemade tuna salad with rice or bread, or an omelette with vegetables and toast, is nourishing and balanced.
If you don’t have time to cook during the day, you could try meal prepping on a designated day of the week. Another option is a meal delivery service that specialises in healthy meals. You could try Hello Fresh, Dinnerly or My Muscle Chef.
We hope we’ve given you some helpful tips on how you can navigate through these current times and look after your mental health as a small business owner. As mentioned earlier, ups and downs are a normal part of being human, no matter your circumstances. By learning to build your resilience, you can ride these waves and be prepared for any other challenges that life will inevitably throw your way.
