7 Self-Care Tips for Self-Starter Businesses
There’s so much to take care of when you launch a business in Blackpool. Yet one important ingredient tends to get overlooked: you.
Launching a small business can be incredibly rewarding. But let’s not pretend it can’t also be challenging in a whole range of ways. It can be tough on the finances (certainly initially as you become established). It can demand stamina and resolve. It can also be tough on your mental health, with 72% of entrepreneurs reporting that they have felt affected by mental health issues compared with 48% of non-entrepreneurs[1].
You’re a (if not the) main ingredient to your Blackpool business’ success, so it’s vital that you pay attention to your own needs as well those of your team and organisation. Here are some ways to do that:
1. Get a routine and stick to it
You don’t get an award for working 24/7. Despite feeling that you should be constantly at your desk or in your bar/store/salon, it’s not only good to be able to step away from your business, it’s important that you do.
Sticking to a routine and giving yourself regular breaks keeps you sharp and motivated, protects your mental health and gives you time to unwind and connect with family and friends.
If closing the door on your work is hard because you work from home, consider renting an office in Blackpool.
2. Learn to say no
A new business needs, well, business. So it’s tempting to say yes to everything just to make sure you can balance the books. Remember, though, that having control over your own work is perhaps the biggest advantage of running your own business, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your mental health.
We’d echo the words of author Seth Godin[2] who said:
“If you can't do a good job, don't take it on.
If it creates a habit that costs you in the long run, don't start.
If it doesn't move you forward, hesitate then walk away.”
3. Avoid comparisons
Checking someone else’s website or social media feed can be a good way to stay in touch with what the competition is up to, but don’t use it as a benchmark of your own success. Remember, when you’re looking at what they’ve posted you’re seeing their highlights reel, not the reality of their day-to-day work.
Don’t compare yourself to someone else’s carefully curated story – it’s just a story.
4. Avoid isolation
For some, working from home is a great way to build a business. For others, however, it can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and uncertainty.
If you’re struggling to build your business confidence, put yourself in a place where you can talk to and share ideas with others. That might simply be taking time out for a coffee with friends, clients or collaborators. Or it could mean basing yourself somewhere where there are lots of other people to connect with, and potentially gain business from.
Discover Blackpool Enterprise Centre and FYCreatives Hub
5. Lean on your support network
It might be your networking group. It could be your family or friends, business advisor, colleagues or simply someone you bump into at the coffee machine, but it’s important not to bottle things up.
If you need to offload some work, ask a colleague to help or renegotiate a deadline with a client. If you need to discuss your business challenges, create the space to do it. If you’re struggling with the responsibility of running your own Blackpool business, look at techniques and courses to help manage feelings of overwhelm[3] and build resilience[4].
Need to talk over a business idea? Talk to us
6. Learn the lessons of experience
It’s important never to rest on your laurels when you’re growing a business, but it’s also important not to drive yourself to state of permanent panic.
If you don’t have any new work in today, you might worry that you’ll never have work in ever again. If you’re swamped today, you might worry that you won’t be tomorrow.
Yet once you’ve established your business (usually after about three years) the statistics and your own experience will be in your favour. You’ll know when the peaks and troughs occur. You’ll have come through sticky periods before. Trust your experience and let it give you confidence.
7. Take care of your physical health
We know there’s a strong connection between physical and mental health[5], so it’s important to do the simple things that help keep you in good physical as well as mental shape.
- Make sure you get a good night’s sleep
- Get regular exercise. If you work at a desk all day, consider a standing desk to encourage movement
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
Talk to us
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