Mental Health Tips for Entrepreneurs
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As an entrepreneur, you’re always pushing yourself to work harder and come up with fresh, innovative ideas. Though you probably love the hustle, you also need to check in with yourself so you don’t get burnt out. You have to strike a careful balance between staying motivated and taking time off. At the end of the day, mental health should be a priority because you are more than your work.
Check out these mental health tips for entrepreneurs.
Don't Spend Too Much Time Comparing Yourself To Others
It’s perfectly normal to compare yourself to other people in your field. You’re a self-starter so you’re probably always aware of what others are doing and how they are doing it. However, there’s a fine line between doing your due diligence and research and falling down a hole of obsessing over other people’s success. Spending too much time comparing yourself to your contemporaries can take a negative toll on your self-esteem. Low self-esteem may lead to depression and anxiety. We recommend limiting the amount of time you spend on social media and channeling that impulse elsewhere.
Take Breaks
We live in a culture that expects us to be constantly working. We’re constantly pushing ourselves to accomplish more. You wouldn’t get to where you are today if you didn’t abide by a rigid schedule and respect deadlines. Though these are admirable qualities, you also need to learn how to take a break from your work. Taking regular breaks can lower your stress, improve your memory, and amplify your sense of creativity. A great thing to do on a break is exercise — you can improve your mood and decrease your stress.
Find An Outlet Away From Work
Even if you’re super passionate about what you do, it’s important to find a hobby or interest that isn’t work-related. You don’t have to be particularly great at it. What matters is that you’re taking the time to do something that’s relaxing and cathartic. Are you having trouble thinking of a low-stakes hobby? Here are a few fantastic ideas:
– Cooking: Sign up for a cooking class or order some cookbooks. If you want to challenge yourself, try tackling some extra difficult recipes and serve your friends.
– Hiking: Did you just move to a new city? There’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors. Get yourself some sturdy hiking shoes and traverse beautiful, scenic paths. You can go on a mini-adventure every weekend!
– Painting: Take some time away from those emails and messages and pick up a brush. You can either get into painting portraits or do something a bit more abstract and avant-garde.
Socialize With Friends
When you’re working long hours, it’s unfortunately pretty easy to become isolated. As you rush to meet your goals, you may feel as if you simply don’t have the time to socialize with friends. But social isolation can negatively impact your mental and physical health. Try to spend a night out with your friends at least once a week. It doesn’t have to be something elaborate or over the top. Just take the time you need to show your appreciation for those around you and make sure you’re being the best friend you can be. Sometimes, what you really need is to step outside of yourself and do something selfless for someone else.
Remember That You're More Than Your Work
Life isn’t solely about work. Spending too much time in front of a screen can actually hurt your mental health and make you more depressed. Check in with yourself regularly and think about what other parts of your life are going well that aren’t work-related. A great way to do this is by writing in a gratitude journal every morning. Start your day by writing a few things that are going well — big or small. Over time, you will see that there’s much more to life than answering emails.
Talk To Someone About Your Feelings
Managing your mental health is tough and you don’t have to do it alone. If you aren’t feeling your best, reach out to an online psychiatrist to get the help you need and come up with a roadmap to staying on top of your mental health.
