Taking care of mental health is crucial for Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) owners who often face multiple responsibilities and stress.
Because the business is “your baby”, it’s not always easy to hand the reigns over to someone else – but sometimes it not only gives you a chance to reset, but shows you how well you’ve trained your staff to stand in when necessary.
Here are some simple ways to take brief mental health breaks:
Schedule regular breaks: Set specific times throughout the day to take short breaks. Step away from your desk, stretch, take a short walk, or engage in a brief mindfulness practice. This can help refresh your mind and increase productivity.
Delegate: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to capable team members or consider outsourcing certain responsibilities. This can lighten your workload and allow you to focus on essential business functions while limiting stress.
Practice time management: Managing your time efficiently can help prevent burnout. Prioritise and diarise tasks and set realistic deadlines. Avoid overcommitting – the adage, “under promise and over deliver” is sound business advice. Remember to set aside time for personal activities and hobbies.
Take a tech break: Constant connectivity has been shown to contribute to stress and anxiety. Take intentional breaks – mini digital detoxes – from e-mails, social media and work-related technology. Set boundaries by designating specific offline periods to recharge and engage with your staff in face-to-face activities.
Get physical: Regular exercise has significant mental health benefits. Make time to engage in physical activities you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, yoga or any other exercise you enjoy. Even small workouts like a lunch-time walk can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Seek support and connection: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs or join business networking groups where you can share experiences and challenges. Having a support system can provide emotional support, guidance, and valuable insights.
Importantly, if you find yourself feeling constantly tired or not enjoying things that used to delight you, seek professional help. A chat with a counsellor, spiritual leader or your doctor could re-ignite that entrepreneurial spark again.
