As the business owner, you are constantly under high levels of pressure, stress, expectation and responsibility. It is critical for the success of your company and health of your workplace that you maintain positive mental health. At times, you will need to prioritise yourself, by scheduling self-care, and dedicating ‘down-time.’ Especially in this day and age where everything is moving at such a rapid pace, and things are changing all the time, taking care of mental health is super important. But sometimes, it’s hard to know what you can do to take care of it! In this blog post, we are going to outline a few simple ways that you can prioritise your mental health.
- Stay active
Running a business means mannnyyyyy hours at the desk, typing emails and sitting in meetings (we get it), but its super important that you make time to be active. It doesn’t have to look like an hour long boxing class or cardio hit (though if it does that very impressive), it could simply be a 15 minute walk in the morning before work. Or following a 30 minute yoga class on YouTube after work before making dinner. There are many benefits to being active that will actually help you be more productive at work, and more content in your mental health!
2. Eat well
Eating well does take a little more effort, but this effort is definitely rewarded. Dessert, and yummy treats can definitely still stay in the picture (in fact we recommend it), but taking care of your physical health can help to improve your mental health. Doing meal prep at the start of the week can help you commit to eating healthy, and it can also take stress out of your week worrying about meals, whilst also saving you money. All of these things help free up your mind to focus on other things, or to simply not worry about getting those tasks done every day, as you complete them at the beginning of the week.
3. Start journaling
Because life is so fast paced, we can easily forget accomplishments, achievements, and just keep moving on. Journaling is a great way to centre yourself, gain clarity, prioritise different things in your life, and recognise achievements so that you can properly celebrate yourself! Doing this for 10 minutes in the morning is a great way to start your day. Writing something that you’re grateful for, something you hope to do that day, and something you’re doing to do for yourself, as well as any other thoughts is what you can start journaling about!
4. Limit screen time
Screens are not the enemy, they just need to be managed. Many studies indicate that being on your phone just before bed can hinder your sleep. Start trying to do your ‘phone time’ earlier in the night, and before bed, try reading a book or working on a personal project etc.
5. Do a dance!
This might sound a bit funny, and it might even make you cringe a little…. But dancing is a really effective way of releasing ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body, and thus, improving your mental health! Pick one of your favourite songs, and put it on in the morning, enjoy a little dance! It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional dancer or you try to avoid dance floors at all costs, dancing at home is a safe space and a good place to just have a groove!
Having positive mental health is really important for everyone, but especially if you’re a business owner and under abnormal pressures and stressors. Taking time to look after yourself, even if it’s not long and something a little silly, can be super beneficial.