Christmas mental health tips for business owners
Here, I’ll provide advice for looking after yourself during peak sales times. Mental health for small business owners can be tricky when you’re busy juggling several things at once, but even small moments of self care can make a really big difference.
1. Manage your time
If you’re running a small business, mental health issues can happen as a consequence of working long hours over a prolonged period. That’s why time management is so important: rather than working 12 hours unproductively, you should be aiming to work 6 hours productively.
Here are some tips for managing your time better:
- Set a routine and stick to it: You can do this by deciding which tasks need to be done, and assigning each task a specific amount of time in your day.
- Set alarms to stay on track: Once you’ve decided what you need to achieve, set alarms so you know when it’s time to switch tasks.
- Delegate where possible: If you have a team around you, delegate tasks to free yourself up for strategic decisions and higher-level tasks that only you can handle.
- Schedule time to relax: Make sure you take a lunch break and give your body the fuel it needs. Take a walk in the evening. Enjoy quiet time before bed. Whatever it is, take time every day to do something for yourself.
2. Accept support
You know what they say, it takes a village. I know that business owners want to do everything themselves. But, I am here to tell you that it is more than okay to accept help and lean on your support system.
Mental health support for business owners can come from a number of places, including:
It’s easy to allow yourself to feel alone when you are overwhelmed or dealing with stress. Even going for a coffee with someone can be a healthy outlet for you. Your loved ones want to support you. You just need to let them.
3. Create a mental health plan
The constant demands of overseeing operations, making decisions, and supporting your team often leave little time for self care. However, neglecting your mental health can lead to poor decision making and long-term health consequences. By being proactive and developing a mental health care plan, you can establish strategies to cope with stress and maintain a balance between your work and your personal life.
Here are some things to consider when creating your mental health plan:
- Identify situations that cause stress: The first step to reducing stress in your working life is to bring attention to what tends to trigger it. Then, see if you can develop strategies to address, mitigate, or avoid them.
- Set boundaries: Define clear work-life boundaries to ensure you have personal time to recharge. This may involve setting limits on work hours or disconnecting from work-related communications during off-hours.
- Incorporate time for self care: Schedule time for activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in activities you enjoy.
- Seek support: Build a network of support, whether through friends, family, a mentor, or a therapist.
- Monitor your mental health: Regularly check in with yourself and evaluate how you're feeling mentally and emotionally. This helps you adjust your plan when necessary to stay balanced.
If you’d like to discuss your mental health concerns with a healthcare professional, this article provides helpful advice: What is a mental health care plan and how do I get one?
4. Let go of what you can’t control
As a business owner myself, I can confidently say that sometimes things go wrong. You probably feel a huge sense of responsibility for everything to go perfectly. Of course, that’s the goal. However, it’s healthy to accept that some things are just out of your control.
When you hit those bumps in the road, try and remember it’s all part of the process, and you are doing your best. Focusing on the aspects of your business that can be controlled will be more productive than fixating on those details or situations that are out of your hands.
If I can leave you with one thought, it is that you are not alone in these feelings. Every business owner struggles, and you do not need to be perfect. By following these holiday tips for mental health, you’re doing what is best for your business. So take a breath, lean on your support system, and remember to let go of what’s out of your control. You’ve got this!
5. Prioritise physical health
Your mind and our body are connected in more ways than you might realise. Did you know, for instance, that there’s a direct link between your gut and mental health? For this reason, it’s important to make time for fitness and nutrition to stay on top of your game as a business owner.
Here are some ways you can look after your physical health during the holiday season:
- Aim for around 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to boost your mental resilience
- Fuel your body with balanced meals to maintain energy levels and support mental clarity
- Try to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine – either by going for a walk, doing some yoga or perhaps going for a quick swim
- Mindfulness practices such as meditation can also help to maintain balance between your body and your mind
- Schedule a holiday break for yourself after the busy season is over, so you can look forward to a period of rest and recovery
6. Seek financial help
Financial stress is a common source of anxiety for business owners, especially when you’re faced with fluctuating income, rising expenses, or economic downturns. Juggling cash flow, managing debt, and ensuring there’s enough capital to cover operating costs can often feel overwhelming.
Working with a financial advisor or accountant is one of the most effective ways to alleviate this financial stress. These professionals can help organise your finances, provide strategies for managing cash flow, and ensure that your business stays financially stable. They offer expert advice on tax planning, budgeting, and investment decisions, which can lead to better financial health and fewer sleepless nights.
