Tips to Take Care of One’s Mental Health as an Entrepreneur
Being an entrepreneur or a startup founder is an extremely stressful job.
According to surveys, entrepreneurs are 50% more likely to develop a mental health condition like anxiety, depression and stress than people in other fields of work.
The work of an entrepreneur is highly demanding.
In the foundation years, it devoids an entrepreneur of any personal time and removes the healthy distinction between home and office or work life balance.
The absence of job security or a steady salary naturally hamper a person’s mental health.
Given these scenarios, it is crucial for a person to proactively take steps for the betterment of their well being:
- Build a network of entrepreneurs with similar struggles.
A lot of people are trying to make it big with their business ideas and startups, which has led to their compromised well being. Getting together of such founders and entrepreneurs into a network may help provide emotional support and encouragement and a safe space where they can share their failures and learnings.
2. Celebrate the process.
Because the process of creating a successful brand is tedious, slow and loaded with risks, it is easy to fall into the rabbit hole of negativity and self doubt.
Entrepreneurs should actively and consciously remind themselves to trust and celebrate the process while embibing every thing they’re learning from it.
Inculcate the habit to rejoice at tiny achievements because they are the stepping stones towards success.
3. Better physical health = Better mental health.
While one might get caught up in fulfilling the many deadlines, preparing for presentations, researching, networking and doing all sorts of things for their startup, it is equally as important to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite all difficulties.
Disrupted eating and sleeping schedules, unhealthy food intake, reduced physical mobility, no inclusion of exercise and no time to introspect have a direct relation to the deterioration of one’s mental health.
Conscious steps should be taken by an entrepreneur and the people around them to make sure of a healthy lifestyle and mindful living.
4. Notes and Journals.
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle in between all the hassle, it is important to organise and sort things. Making notes and schedules, setting everyday goals and journaling your emotions go a long way. Completing daily goals gives a well deserved boost to your self esteem.
5. Seek Professional Help.
Over the years, people have become increasingly aware about mental health.
The stigma related to it is diminishing and there is an understanding about how to tackle it. Because we understand the importance of it, doesn’t mean we are capable of handling it ourselves.
When one faces problems like stress, anxiety or depression, they should seek professional help and consult a therapist.