Sponsored by
STEP 10
Safeguard your own mental health and happiness
Holly Astbury MSc
Health & Wellbeing Director of onTap Training ontaptraining.co.uk
“Stress remains a huge problem for small-business owners, with research suggesting that two-thirds prioritise financial success over their own mental health. You must invest time in your mental health, as you would your physical health. “That means looking after your mental health all of the time, not just when you’re struggling, stressed or low. Investing time in mental health improves our present and helps us to cope with future difficulties. There’s strong evidence that improving our mental health can also help reduce risk of physical health issues. “When times are tough, it’s even more important to safeguard our mental health. When we’re under excessive pressure, our body activates the ‘stress response’, alternatively called ‘fight or flight’. This can be beneficial; it can optimise our performance and energise us, helping us through pressurised or nerve-wracking experiences. But we must return to a resting state. When our stress response is activated repeatedly or stress becomes excessive, it can soon lead to burnout. “Continually working long hours can damage your relationships and lead to burn out. It’s tricky when running your own business, but try to keep your workload manageable and have realistic expectations of yourself. Take regular breaks, too, because it can boost your mood and productivity. Even a 10-minute walk will help you focus better when you return to work. Also make time for rest and relaxation; it’s essential to a balanced life, so build it into your daily routine.
Holly Astbury MSc
“Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial, too, because it can sustain your energy and concentration. Don’t rely on sugar and caffeine to get through the day. Short term, it may work, but your energy will later crash, while caffeine consumption causes an average loss of three to five hours of sleep per week.
of business owners believe safeguarding your mental health is a key piece of advice for someone starting a business.
“Good sleep habits are key to cognition, concentration, productivity and performance. Poor sleep impairs brain function and reduces immunity, making it much harder to do anything, let alone run a business. If you can only change one thing, focus on sleep. It’s the tide that lifts all boats. It is so much easier to exercise or eat healthy food if you aren’t already exhausted. “Good relationships are also vital to our health, so, protect them. Keep active, too, because physical activity can boost self-esteem, improve mood, enhance sleep quality and increase energy levels. It also reduces your risk of stress, depression, dementia and many chronic diseases. If your stress response has become chronic or you feel unable to cope, getting help is vital. Confide in friends and family. If your mental health is affecting your ability to function, speak to your GP immediately.”