Entrepreneurial Self-Love: Prioritizing Mental Health in Your Business Journey
Entrepreneurs are often romanticized as individuals who possess the freedom to work wherever and whenever they please. The reality can be far from glamorous. Behind the scenes lies the untold story of the blood, sweat, and tears poured into every aspect of the business, simply to keep it afloat. The pressure of shouldering every role within the company is immense: you become the receptionist, the accountant, the marketer, the service provider, the janitor, and the list goes on. The toll this takes on one's mental health is substantial.
I ventured into entrepreneurship seeking to reclaim my mental well-being. After nearly a decade confined to cubicles, I found myself in a dark place. On paper, I held my dream job, yet I wasn't happy.
The decision to venture out on my own proved to be the best choice. However, entrepreneurship brings its own set of challenges and stressors—a new, different kind of pressure. From one entrepreneur to another, here's how I've been attempting to prioritize my mental health.
The long hours don't go away unless you're intentional about it.
One thing I was excited about as a new entrepreneur was having control over my schedule. And indeed, I do! If I want to take a long lunch break to walk the dog, or spend time with my son, I do it! I don't ask anyone for permission and my time truly belongs to me. However, as my workload increased and I acquired more clients, old habits resurfaced. I found myself waking up at dawn to check emails and working into the late hours of the night. It became a habit I was reluctant to break.
To improve my time management skills, I had to get realistic about what I can truly accomplish in one day. I usually take my long to-do list of 100+ items and select the top 3-5 that will most impact my business and clients. If I accomplish those tasks and there's still time in the day, and I still have energy, then I keep going. Otherwise, I make a conscious effort to pause, recharge, and resume the next day refreshed
Schedule your breaks, family time, and self-care.
Just as I meticulously schedule meetings and working sessions in my work calendar, I've started allocating time for myself in my personal schedule as well. It began with setting aside a daily lunch break in the middle of my day. The rule was simple: leave my desk, leave my phone behind, prepare lunch, sit at the table, and dedicate the entire lunch hour to rest and recovery. Gradually, I began blocking off chunks of time in my schedule labeled "Stop Working," "Dinner & Family Time," or "Mental Health Day." While it's not a flawless system, the idea is that if it's in my calendar, I'm more likely to prioritize it.
Disconnect from electronics when you can.
The last time I was completely phone-free was during my honeymoon. My partner and I made the decision to turn off our phones for the entirety of the trip, and it was a blissful experience! Upon returning, I found myself questioning why we don't prioritize such breaks more often. Not only were we disconnected from our emails and the day-to-day demands of work, but we were also free from the constant barrage of social media, news updates, and the negative energy that can accompany excessive screen time.
I've been making a conscious effort to put my phone away at a specific point in the evening. I've even taken to leaving it on the charger in a different room. Not only has this helped me unwind and stress less in the evenings, but it's also allowed me to be more present with my family—which is exactly what I desire.
Have a strong support system.
Having a solid support system is one of the reasons why I even had the confidence to start my business. I would argue that entrepreneurs greatly benefit from having fellow entrepreneurs in their inner circle. My support system includes my husband, my sister, a handful of friends & family, and my mentors. While my relationship with each individual varies, they all share the common trait of listening without judgment, offering insights from their own experiences, and encouraging me to venture beyond my comfort zone—all while ensuring that I prioritize self-care and attend to my needs.
Remember, you're in charge!
Start saying yes to the things you want to do and no to the things you don't. Your mental health is more important than the project you're working on, the difficult client you're working with, or the challenges you're facing in your business. If you're dreading a client call, ask yourself, "why?" Is this a client you want to work with? Or would you rather free up your schedule for more ideal clients? Identify the sources of stress in your business and strategize ways to streamline your operations so you can focus on the areas where your expertise truly shines.
At the end of the day, you're a small business owner. That's something to be proud of, so pat yourself on the back!
What tips do you have? Leave them in the comments!
