Between the cost of living crisis, the climate emergency, and political instability, times are tough. Business owners are facing increasingly complex challenges, with customers and clients tightening their belts as bills continue to rise – and these mounting pressures can negatively impact our mental wellbeing.
Many business owners insist they don’t have the time or energy to take care of their mental health, but the harsh reality is if you don’t make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness.
So, how do you keep your head above water when everything feels uncertain? What actions can business owners take to look after their mental health? We’re sharing our tried-and-tested advice on how to survive tough times as a business owner to help you recognise your triggers, communicate more effectively, and learn to manage your mental wellbeing.
How can small business owners survive tough times?
(Normalise conversations about mental health support within the workplace
It’s tempting to hide away and keep everything inside, especially when it seems like none of your fellow business owners are speaking up about their mental health.
The AXA SME Wellbeing Report revealed that 48% of business owners surveyed found it hard to know who to talk to about business concerns and worries, with 66% sheltering their loved ones from certain topics surrounding their businesses. These findings affirm how important it is to normalise conversations about wellbeing within the workplace and beyond.
If we open up about the realities of owning a business, we can build communities filled with like-minded business owners we can turn to for honest advice and support. In their article on how to become someone people will confide in, The School of Life says, ‘To demonstrate our position as an empathetic receiver of confidences, we have to show our broken and flawed sides: we’ve failed, so another can tell us of their failure; we’ve been hurt so, they can admit to being hurt; we’ve done, and admitted we’ve done, very stupid things so we’re not going to turn against those who have also been at points very silly.’
Actively encourage open conversations and wellbeing check-ins with your colleagues, connections and loved ones to take stock of how you’re doing and lend an ear to people in need. You could even join networking sessions with fellow business owners or book a few virtual cuppas on your video messaging app of choice to find and share further support.
Embrace mindfulness and be more present
Battle burnout, boost your cognitive function and stop your imagination from running wild by focusing on being present and embracing mindful practices.
Mindful practices might include:
- Connecting with your mind and body. Check-in with yourself throughout the day. Stretch, breathe deeply, review your senses, or maybe even treat yourself to an exercise class during your lunch break. (Becky Wright, Founder of New Leaf, recommends Hotpod Yoga for a clear head!)
- Adopting intentional routines. Make your schedule work better for you. Plan plenty of breaks, schedule meetings for when you’re most receptive, avoid leaving sizeable tasks for the afternoons and make space for self-care.
- Finding pockets of joy every day. The best things in life can pass us by when we’re fretting about the future. Fill your journal with gratitude lists, or take 10 minutes at the end of each week to reflect on the things – big or small – that made all the difference.
- Working on developing a positive mindset. Watch our talk, hosted by Becky, on knowing yourself and detoxing the mind to begin decluttering your headspace and thinking differently about yourself and others.
(Focus on what you can control
How many hours a week do you spend pondering every potential outcome to every potential problem that may crop up in the near future? We’d wager a fair few!
Unforeseen challenges, quiet spells and disappointments are all part of the professional process for many business owners. It can be easy to feel alone in experiencing setbacks when our social media timelines are filled with everyone else’s exciting projects and good news. Channel your energy into developing strategies and creative solutions to the challenges you’re facing in your business, and steer clear of the soul-sucking comparison trap.
Focus on the things you can control instead of fighting against the things that you can’t. Recognise when problems are beyond your control – or, perhaps, require you to lean on other people for support – and you’ll find you have more time to focus on the areas of your business where you can make a real difference.
(image credit)Enjoy a rich, purposeful life outside of work
When you’re overwhelmed with professional pressures, it’s easy to forget to prioritise pleasure outside the workplace. You cannot stay switched on 24/7, however.
Here at New Leaf, we provide mental health support for business owners and encourage leaders to disconnect, pause and reflect on the bigger picture so they can see things more clearly. Step away from your inbox, turn off your work phone, and embrace the things that bring you joy!
Adopting healthy habits and setting clear work-life boundaries supports both your physical and mental wellbeing. Invest in yourself by taking proper time out, and you’ll be able to refocus your mindset, boost your energy and avoid total burnout.
- Get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Gain some much-needed perspective by venturing for a bracing walk uphill. Check out our blog post on how to connect with nature during autumn and winter for more inspiration!
- Catch up with friends and family. Enjoy a day out together, cook a delicious meal for everyone (or order in!), or natter over a good ol’ cuppa.
- Enjoy a cosy day at home. Watch that film everyone has been talking about, tend to your garden, listen to a podcast or an album you love, read a good book or bake some delicious treats.
- Explore local destinations, landmarks and beauty spots. Check out Visit Somerset’s calendar of Somerset festivals and events and pop along to one or two.
Make time for your health and happiness, and return to work with renewed energy and appreciation.
Reach out to us here at New Leaf Workplace Wellbeing
Alongside Mental Health First Aid training and ‘Pop-up Wellbeing’ events, we also offer a confidential, pay-as-you-go employee counselling service providing proactive, practical help for a wide range of issues and blocks.
You don’t have to do this alone! Email [email protected] for more information about how New Leaf can support you through tough times.
There are plenty of other ways to connect with New Leaf and learn more about looking after your mental wellbeing. You could:
- Sign our SME Wellbeing Pledge.
- Check out our dedicated SME wellbeing resource pages for the following sectors: Agriculture, Arts and Entertainment, Construction, Health and Social Care, and Hospitality and Visitor Economy.
- Read some of our past blog posts on mental wellbeing:
How to look after your mental wellbeing at work
8 green initiatives to boost workplace wellbeing
How to talk to someone about mental health
How to connect with nature to boost your mental health during autumn and winter
Don’t be a stranger – we’d love to hear from you!
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Here at New Leaf, we are passionate about empowering mindful and compassionate communication. Delve into the archives and read some of our mental health blog posts for business owners looking to support their employees, create a more open and inclusive workplace culture, and help save the planet along the way.
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Are you keen to discover how New Leaf Workplace Wellbeing can help you act upon your corporate social responsibility, or perhaps you’re looking for mental health support? Email Becky at [email protected] for more information.
This post was written in collaboration with Bee Higgins, the copywriter and content writer behind Vivatramp Creatives.