What causes stress for small and medium business owners?
Flexibility, freedom, and higher income possibilities are just some of the benefits of owning a small business. However, it can also be very stressful and challenging. While short, manageable bursts of stress is a natural human experience, high level of stress over a long period of time can hugely affect your mental health, physical and emotional wellbeing such as struggling with anxiety or dealing with depression.
COVID pandemic was a catalyst in many of small business owner mental health challenges. The pandemic affected many businesses finances, which is reported to be the biggest cause of poor mental health in small business owners. Another important factor is loneliness. Unfortunately, loneliness can have the same effect on one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! Furthermore, dealing with clients and their demands daily can be the cause of prolonged stress. And not forgetting day-to-day planning, administrative duties and marketing challenges which can influence your mental wellbeing.
Coping strategies for stress when running a small business
Fortunately, there are many strategies that can be used to help to deal with all these stressors and challenges. First of all, be kind to yourself and look after your wellbeing by doing some basic self-care things which we sometimes overlook. For example, getting enough sleep, maintaining a good diet, avoiding drugs and alcohol, doing some physical activities outdoors and engaging in hobbies. Secondly, talk to someone. Meeting up with other business owners. This can allow you to connect with like-minded people which can be beneficial for both – business growth perspective as well as feeling connected. What’s more, finding someone you can talk to, trust, and who can help such as a specialist therapist can help you to address negative feelings and thoughts. Most importantly, it is important to recognise what is going well in your business as well as to learn how to say NO. Building a solid scheduled and prioritize your time can help your mental wellbeing and reduce stress.
What is sometimes overlooked by small business owners?
One of the easiest, but most overlooked stress solution for small business owners is asking for help. It is completely normal to admit that you do not know the answer when it comes to business in terms of getting it always right. The smart move is admitting it. Thinking you have all the answers all the time is bad for business. As a business owner you inevitably feel everything stops with you. But there are limits. During these uncertain times we understand the impact of financial difficulty can be devasting both on your business and your quality of life. So, if you are feeling worried, overwhelmed and unable to cope, ask for help. It is not smart to try and tackle everything yourself. And if your business is struggling, get help sooner rather than later. Most important, for the sake of your health and wellbeing, and for your business.
Can a psychotherapist and mental health professional help small and medium business owners?
Definitely. Yes! How? We offer flexible, accessible, confidential and bespoke mental health and wellbeing support for business owners at any time. This can be reclaiming your resilience to working through trauma. Using EMDR, CBT and therapeutic coaching for companies we can work together to reduce the impact of being a small and medium business owner.
Contact us to have a no obligation with a mental health therapist and consultant!
