Can I own a successful business if I’m not always mentally strong?
Something I never hear people talk about here…and really anywhere…is being a business owner, and struggling with mental health issues. And I’m here to tell you that your business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If you’re having a hard day (or week, or month), and you can barely pull yourself out of bed, it’s okay to rest. And it’s okay to give yourself that grace.
A lot of times social media is just full of business owners telling you to grind, and just keep pushing through, no matter how you’re feeling. But really, what I have found is that just creates more burnout, and more bad feelings.
What do I do to get out of a funk?
My favorite ways to care for myself when I’m not feeling mentally healthy are:
1. Listen to my body. Your body will try to tell you what it needs.
2. Give myself a break. You deserve the time to rejuvenate.
3. Nourish my body. It’s so easy to just jump into the junk cycle, and eat all the crap that makes you feel good instantly, and then terrible later. Healthy foods (even the delicious ones!) are like medicine for the body and the mind.
4. Move my body. It doesn’t even matter if you’re not athletic. Once you’ve had time to feel all your feelings, and you’re ready to feel lifted again, just move. Turn on your favorite song and dance. Or keep your calm with yoga. It doesn’t have to even be anything official, just move.
Let’s normalize depression and anxiety, and any other mental illness in business. Because there is a place for all of us. And we don’t have to do things the same exact way in order to have a successful business.
