Entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park. Neither is freelancing. Both can be lonely paths that need self-motivation and determination.
According to an article published in Forbes magazine in 2020, 72% of entrepreneurs are directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues compared to 48% of non-entrepreneurs.
This is clear evidence that entrepreneurs face a challenge in keeping their mental health in check.
More so, as an entrepreneur, staying productive can be very tricky because there can be so many distractions and tasks to manage. You’re often bombarded with too much work and the imminent challenge of managing it and being productive is a fine balance.
So, let’s jump to some tips that you can maintain your mental health in tip-top shape and that will help you prosper by improving your general wellbeing as an entrepreneur or freelancer.
Mental Health Tips
1. Exercise
As an entrepreneur or as a freelancer, you spend most of your time sitting. This may lead to not just lower back pains but a lack of efficient blood flow in your body. Stepping out and exercising improves blood flow and is known to reduce stress and improve mental health. You don’t have to go to the gym in your lunch break but be sure to go outside, get some fresh air and stretch those legs for a good 20 minutes with some brisk walking.
2. Build your support network
Make sure that you have a strong support system around you. It’s important that you have others who are on a similar journey to you, so other business owners and entrepreneurs are great to have in your back pocket as they can become allies for advice and brainstorming.
3. Master stress management
How do you manage stress? How do you know that you’re experiencing too much stress?
Mastering stress management can go a long way towards improving your mental health. Learn how to personally manage stress and devise the most effective ways to minimise it to keep your mental health on the upside.
4. Read
Reading is great for relaxing and taking some downtime and it also improves your overall knowledge of useful topics on both personal and business-related matters.
5. Be aware of what you eat.
There’s a common saying that ‘you are what you eat’.
In the entrepreneurial journey, this could not be truer. Food not only gives you theenergy to perform your tasks but targeting the right foods can also go a long way in reducing and managing stress.
Remember the rule of moderation and try to stick to the 80/20 rule. 80% of what you eat is healthy and nutritious for you and 20% can be from the “not so healthy” basket. After all, we all have our vices in life.
Time & Communication Management Tips
1. Have a plan
As an entrepreneur or a freelancer, you must create a plan on how to execute your tasks, and follow it to the letter; know what to start with, what is priority, and work towards a specific goal with clear objectives.
2. Take breaks
Breaks are the most underrated time management tools, ever!
Did you know that taking breaks not only helps with increased energy, but also gives you the much needed space to clear your head and find new solutions to the task you have been handling. Be sure to schedule regular breaks as they work!
3. Ask for help
Never feel shy to ask those that are part of your team for help if and when you are feeling stuck! Maybe source out some local mentoring in your area. Commerce Ballarat and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce are both offering free mentoring sessions for eligible businesses at the moment so be sure to see what’s on offer.
4. Create a road map for your tasks
Your freelancing or entrepreneurial journey is filled with many challenges which come to you as jobs and tasks. To execute them effectively, it’s best to create a clear roadmap on how you want to go about completing these tasks.
5. Utilise technology
Applications such as Monday.com and Trello are great applications that help you formulate clear lists and visually plan and manage them. Feel free to dig right in and explore the one you are most comfortable using as there are many on the market. Be sure to read the reviews to help decide which one will be the best fit for you.
The freelancing and entrepreneurial journey can be challenging and super rewarding and it presents a great opportunity to work and live the way that best suits you.
Don’t forget that if you’re looking for a flexible and suitable work environment whether on afull-time basis or for a few days a week, pop in and see us at Platypus Coworking as we could be the right fit for you.