One of the most rewarding things you may ever do for yourself and your future is to start a business. It can set you up with a career for life and can help you turn a passion into a money-maker – and all with the help of experts like business mentors and financial planners.
However, according to career coaches, it can be incredibly trying on your mental health during those early days, and you may not know what you’re supposed to do to take care of it. If you need a helping hand to stay on track, the following tips may be worth trying.
Surround Yourself With Experts
You may know all there is to know about your line of work, but that doesn’t mean you know everything about starting a business and running one, nor will you always be familiar with what some practical tips are to take care of your mental health.
If you aren’t an expert in a particular thing, find someone who is. For example, you can reduce your stress levels by aligning yourself with a financial planner who can help with everything from business insurance and succession planning to guarantor protection and business valuations.
When you know your mental health isn’t up to scratch, contact people who are professionals in this area, as well. Therapists and counsellors can provide you with some helpful tips and tricks to help you manage your stress levels. They may even recommend specific exercises and mindfulness meditation.
Involve Friends and Family
When a business venture is yours alone, you may feel like you have to keep everything relating to it to yourself. Even though it might be your business, you can still talk about and work through issues relating to it with friends and family.
Everyone needs support from time to time, and you may be able to take care of your mental health if you feel you can rely on your friends and family when you’re feeling low, stressed, or exhausted.
Look After Your Body
Entrepreneurs put in long hours when getting a business off the ground, with some working night and day to ensure they’re well set up to start accepting paying customers. It’s easy to let everything else fall by the wayside, including your health.
As easy as it can happen, try not to let it happen. Eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Your schedule may be chaotic right now, but you’re bound to feel better when you’ve taken the time to nourish your mind and body.
If you’re worried about not remembering to eat or drink, set reminders on your phone until it becomes second-nature.
Get Plenty of Sleep
When you’re mulling over the advice of professionals like therapists and financial planners, it’s not always easy to fall asleep. You might know you need at least eight hours to feel at your best, but those eight hours can quickly tick down to just a few.
Being sleep-deprived may exacerbate any mental health issues even further, so prioritise your sleep above all else. Avoid drinking caffeine in the afternoon, go to bed at the same time each night, and invest in blackout curtains that keep your room as dark as possible. Removing technology from the bedroom and drinking tea before bed may also be things you’d like to consider trying.
Eventually, you’ll get into the groove of being a new business owner and form a new routine. However, in the meantime, take control of your mental health and stress levels by talking to experts like financial planners, sleeping well, and looking after your body.