With his tactical dog harness and bright green reflector collar, Dylan dog looks quite stylish. It’s 6:20 a.m., dark out, and we are about to go for our walk. I’m looking less than Lululemon in an old, comfortable, long-sleeved T-shirt, hoodie and yoga pants.
Over the years, I’ve noticed more business people jogging, running, or walking their dogs in the early morning. For me, and as I suspect it is for them, it’s not just about the exercise but clearing the mind and preparing for the day ahead. Entrepreneurs/ business owners recognize the importance of caring for our physical and mental selves.
It is essential to acknowledge how stressful entrepreneurship can be, no matter how much we love it. Here are some current statistics –
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), supported by BDC, released an in-depth report examining Canadian entrepreneurs’ mental health.
It finds that entrepreneurs in Canada are experiencing fatigue, depressed mood and high degrees of stress. Two-thirds (62%) feel depressed at least once a week.
Entrepreneurs who are female, whose enterprises are in the growth or early stages and by those with fewer employees or less revenue are more likely to report mental health issues.
Nearly half (46%) say that mental health issues interfere with their ability to work.
One in five (21%) entrepreneurs feel satisfied with their mental health less than once a week. Among the general population, eight per cent of Canadians perceive their mental health as poor or fair.
Running a business comes with a unique set of personal and professional pressures. Juggling relationships with clients, staff, and suppliers. Isolation, feeling there is no one to talk to. Non-business owner friends often find it hard to empathize. And not wanting to trust the wrong person with private business concerns and then find it the talk of the town. Then there can be a financial strain of payroll, paying suppliers and monthly bills. All take a toll on the owner’s mental health.
So what to do?
The first crucial step is contacting your doctor or a counsellor if your emotions feel overwhelming.
Recognize that the old standards still work: Reevaluate your exercise routine, nutrition, and sleep. The experts have been pushing this for years, but now we understand that ignoring any one of the three does affect our mental health. Ways to make change easier could include finding an exercise buddy, pre-planning a week of meals (or at least dinner), or investing in a nighttime sound machine.
Be present: Don’t always think about work; your brain needs downtime. If you are with your children, be with them 100%. Set a phone ban for yourself. There isn’t much you can do for a customer/client while in the middle of the produce aisle, but you can make sure you’re getting the best price for those apples!
Support: Find a mentor or join a group of entrepreneurs to help reduce feelings of loneliness/isolation.
If you have staff, hire the right person to take your place. Once trained, you can trust them to take over when you need a break or vacation.
Shift your mindset: Mindfulness, journalling, praying or meditation each help reduce stress and will re-centre you. Less intense but still effective listening to audiobooks or music.
Ask for help with your business: Some problems may require you to turn to an expert. Working with a business coach or consultant can provide fresh perspectives and ideas. Do you need a consultation with a lawyer or financial adviser? While costly, the result can be peace of mind and a clear game plan.
If you have lost joy in your business ownership role, it is time to reevaluate. Be honest with yourself about how to get back on track. I hope the information above from the CMHA helps you feel less alone.
More information
11 Scary Truths About Mental Health & Entrepreneurship, and What to Do About It – Yael Benjamin – LinkedIn/SPARKED: Work + Purpose
How Noise Can Affect Your Sleep – Sleep Foundation
Stress Management Key to Keeping Business (and Owner) Alive – Business News Daily
Jill Crossland is a business and marketing consultant who can take your business and social media to the next level.