By Zoran Jokic, Senior Business and Technology Advisor
As a small business owner, I know firsthand how stressful and overwhelming running a business can be. From managing finances to dealing with customers and employees, the daily demands of entrepreneurship can take a toll on one’s mental health. Mental health is a critical component of overall health and wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and can impact every aspect of our lives, including our work.
It is important for small business owners to prioritize their mental health so that they can be effective leaders and make sound decisions. Poor mental health can negatively impact a small business’s performance.
When small business owners and employees are dealing with mental health challenges, they may be less productive, make poor decisions, and have difficulty communicating with others. This can lead to decreased customer satisfaction, decreased sales, and decreased profitability.
When the demands of running a business exceed one’s capacity to manage them, small business owners experience stress that becomes overwhelming. Despite the fact that stress is not, by definition, a mental illness like depression or anxiety, stressors do raise the likelihood of developing a mental health condition.
Anxiety and depression symptoms increased among Canadians during the pandemic, according to recent research. The psychological well-being of their labor force is under strain, and many individuals with side effects are not interacting with emotional wellbeing services.
On the other hand, to cope with these challenges, small business owners can practice self-care, set boundaries, and delegate tasks. Self-care can include activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones. Setting boundaries can involve saying no to certain requests or delegating tasks to employees. By taking these steps, small business owners can reduce their stress and anxiety levels.
In conclusion, business mental health is a critical component of overall health and wellbeing. Small business owners face unique mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout, that can impact their ability to successfully run their business. By prioritizing their mental health and seeking professional support when necessary, small business owners can improve their overall wellbeing and the performance of their businesses. I encourage all small business owners to prioritize their mental health and seek help if needed.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-black-pants-and-black-shoes-sitting-on-brown-wooden-chair-4101143/
