Five ways to manage your mental health

As business owners (and humans, to be honest), our mental and physical health is so important.

More so if you're a solopreneur who is used to working alone or spending long periods of time in front of your smartphone or computer.

With this in mind, I wanted to share some tips to help you manage your mental health better:

1. Try to go outside often

Fresh air does us all good. I find new environments also encourage new ideas.

So, even if it's a walk, trip to your local coffee shop, train ride or bus journey, pick yourself up and get outside!

2. Say no to more

You don't have to say yes to everything.

If you make yourself available for every 'opportunity', how can you have time for yourself?

Have a routine that fits with what you enjoy doing. Say no more!

You're the boss of the business, so make decisions that are in line with what you want to do and what you enjoy doing.

Watch this webinar to discover five essential tips to ensure your wellbeing while thriving in the world of entrepreneurship:

3. Nurture your mind

…if you're always around negative people, negative news or negative environments.

Try and be around people who uplift and inspire you. Focus and feed your mind with positivity.

Some people will make suggestions like "switch off the news", but this is your personal preference.

I would recommend that you make time to read or listen to something as soon as you wake up.

4. Remember to ask for help if you need it

There's no sense in being flustered, anxious or tired from running a business.

The truth is, nothing changes if you don't make changes.

So if you're always stressed or depressed or feeling low, unless you make a decision to make changes and then make those changes, then nothing will change.

You have to manage your expectations. Seek professional help if you need to, outsource or learn what you don't know.

5. Working with some kind of plan helps

And I don't mean War and Peace.

I am suggesting a documented list of some kind, setting out your intentions. It will reduce the risk of being overwhelmed, allow you to work in a more structured way and more than likely give you clarity and reduce stress.

I actively encourage my clients to consider business and marketing planning, though I appreciate that planning isn't for everyone.

Writing a plan does not mean your plans are written in stone either – allow some flexibility so you don't feel under pressure. Be realistic.

Relevant resources

• Lunch and Learn: Freedom as a small business owner

• Five wellbeing advisers to connect with on Enterprise Nation today

• How small business owners can manage stress