Most entrepreneurs have left the corporate rat race, driven by a motivation to make a difference in the world and to carve their own path. What happens so often is that the corporate shackles get exchanged for a self-employment prison as the dreams of creating a legacy dwindle in the embers of an entrepreneurial mental health albatross.
The 2018, NatWest Mental Health in Entrepreneurship survey found 58% of those surveyed experienced mental health issues. The conditions included anxiety (21%), depression (19%) and stress (41%). 55% of respondents said that running a business has had a negative impact on their mental health. 1
It most certainly is not all doom and gloom though and a few intentional activities can get you back on track to creating the impact you desire. Helen Norbury, an expert in helping people to create the impact they desire through transforming trauma and creating emotionally intelligent leadership explains why entrepreneurs need to talk about their mental health.
Feeling lost and alone
Being an entrepreneur does not mean you have to be a lone wolf. So often this is borne of a belief that “other people let me down” or “no-one else can do as good a job as me”. However, being an entrepreneur really doesn’t mean that you need to do everything yourself and there is great strength in belonging to a tribe.Â
Having a circle of trusted advisers, friends, mentors could be the best gift you give yourself. Let them see you, let them hold you, cry, laugh, be strong and be vulnerable together. We rise together.
Feeling overwhelmed
Feeling like you are a passenger in your day in entrepreneurial life can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and overwhelm as you constantly question if you’re on the right path. Without intentional action, this can lead to procrastination and self-sabotage. When you are mindful in setting your day up for success, you can avoid this all-too-common trap.
A good morning routine puts you in the driving seat of the day as you set the intentions for the shape your day will take, in all areas of your life.Â
Set your mental health up for a day of entrepreneurial flair with affirmations, journaling, breathwork, meditation, exercise, inspiring books, and podcasts …. and don’t forget to be intentional about having fun too!
Feeling depleted
Without effective boundaries, particularly as leaders, we can end up feeling depleted, resentful, and eventually burnt out and even depressed. The most effective boundaries are those that allow us to focus on those areas of life and business that energise us and minimise or eliminate those areas that deplete us.
- Recognise what is working for you and what is not
- Release: step out of your comfort zone and let go what doesn’t serve you
- Respond from a more mindful and conscious place.Â
Feeling worn Down
We are bombarded on a daily basis with the stresses and challenges of the world, which can be really overwhelming for our nervous systems. That is not to say that we should bury our heads in the sand like ostriches; however, we can take responsibility to be very mindful about what we nourish ourselves with literally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health all require care, attention, and careful nourishment to allow us to step into our true power every day. Be mindful about the food you eat, what you drink, the exercise you take, what you read and who you socialise with.
Feeling stressed
As entrepreneurs we have a never-ending “to-do list”. Focus on your zone of genius and don’t be afraid to outsource anything else. This will allow you to be more productive, find more joy in your work and get better results. It’s a win for everyone!
