Mind Your Business!

Over the summer, our productivity here at RoRo’s has slowed. Certainly, there are always fewer orders during these months but that doesn’t mean that we’re idle – usually, we’re still running at full speed, preparing for our Halloween and Christmas rush. Lately though, we’ve both been struggling. We’ve found ourselves battling extreme exhaustion, brain fog, low motivation and a complete lack of focus and creativity. Great timing, huh?

You see, running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and stress. Yes, we work for and answer to ourselves and can set our own pace, but the truth is, that when you’re your own boss, it’s not nine to five, it’s twenty-four/seven. If we’re not careful, it can become all consuming.

And the stats show it. According to a study conducted by Mental Health UK, four in five small business owners report experiencing common symptoms of poor mental health at least a few times a year. Inability to focus (66%) was the most commonly reported symptom by small business owners, followed by anxiety (64%) and disrupted sleep (63%). And worryingly, almost half (44%) of those surveyed have never accessed mental health support.

“Business owners often feel the need to be superhuman, but it’s essential to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” Dr Emily Smith

So, we thought perhaps we could share some of the strategies that we use when we feel that stress is taking over, in the hope that it might help someone else who finds themselves struggling. By no means are we experts, so we want to emphasise that the first important step in mental health recovery is seeking the help that you need. Speak to someone you trust and ask your GP for support. We know this can be scary – admitting you need help is not easy but it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of incredible strength and the foundation of rebuilding your mental health and restoring balance to your life.

Know Your Triggers.

Recognising the factors that lead to your mental health suffering can help you avoid episodes of poor mental health, or at least, lessen their impact. Of course, these are different for everyone but common ones for in terms of business include financial stress, social media, and poor work/life balance. Once a situation begins to feel stressful, it’s important to address that. This may involve asking someone for help, taking a break to get some clarity, or abandoning the project altogether. Whichever you choose, it’s better to walk away from a situation that’s impacting you negatively, than stay in it and pay the price with your health.

Manage Your Time.

Time is money as the old saying goes, but in reality, it’s worth so much more than that. It goes without saying that if you want your business to be successful, you have to invest time. And quite a lot of it, too. However, we only get so much time and we have so much to fit in. It’s important to manage your time effectively. Have a routine working day and make a commitment to it. Decide how many hours a day you will give to your business but remember what’s really important. The truth is that most small businesses are about family – and that’s where the best of your time and energy should go. Make the most of your time by spending it with your family and friends. And carve out a little of that time for self-care too! Your business won’t suffer because you prioritise the truly important stuff – in fact, it will probably flourish!

Be Mindful.

Breathe. It’s easy, right? You’d think so but in reality, most of us aren’t taking the time to breathe properly. Just taking a few minutes of calm to breathe properly and ground yourself, can make a world of difference to how you feel and help keep you in the present. This is particularly important if you’re managing anxiety. Meditation can also help and there are lots of apps you can download as guidance, including Calm and Headspace. And remember, mindfulness is a practice and is ongoing – it’s easy to slip up and we all do. The most important thing to remember is to keep at it and you’ll feel the benefits in the long run.

Be Realistic.

You are one person, and you are not superhuman. Setting realistic goals for yourself and your small business is a hugely significant step in maintaining a healthy mind and body. And don’t forget to talk it out. Ask for help and build a support network amongst your friends, family and even, where possible, with other small business owners. Afterall, who else is going to understand what you’re going through better than someone else who’s also going through it? Don’t be afraid to ask for help – you’ll be glad you did and one day, you might just get to pay it forward too.

Running a small business can be challenging, but taking care of your mental health is crucial for long-term success and well-being and should remain your top priority. By implementing effective coping strategies, embracing mindfulness techniques, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can find the equilibrium between managing your business and nurturing your health. And remember, help is aways available if you feel you need it. Take care!