Helpful Ways to Protect Your Mental Health as an Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, you have likely heard the saying that success is 90% mindset and 10% strategy. But what exactly does this mean? How do the psychological factors of entrepreneurship impact success?

The challenges entrepreneurs face are not lacking, between raising capital, building a brand, inconsistent income, maintaining employees, and the fear of failure is enough to drive anyone mad. Entrepreneurs battle the effects of hustle culture that can cause major mental health issues. These mental health issues can range anywhere from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. Entrepreneurs are driven by their will to persevere and see their vision come to fruition but many neglect an important part of their success: mental health.

Overworking as a Coping Mechanism

Entrepreneurship is inherently risky and uncertain. Founders must constantly navigate obstacles, make decisions with limited information, and manage stress and uncertainty. It’s not surprising that many entrepreneurs experience anxiety, depression, and burnout, leading to overworking as a coping mechanism.

Overworking is a common coping mechanism for entrepreneurs who are dealing with stress, uncertainty, or the pressure to succeed. While it may seem like a productive way to manage these challenges, overworking can be counterproductive and harmful to both the entrepreneur and their business.

When entrepreneurs overwork, they may experience physical and emotional exhaustion, decreased productivity, and burnout. This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including decreased creativity, impaired decision-making, and a higher risk of mistakes or accidents. Overworking can also negatively impact an entrepreneur’s personal life, leading to relationship problems, social isolation, and a decreased quality of life.

Entrepreneurship can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be extremely challenging and stressful. Burnout is a common problem among entrepreneurs, and it can have serious consequences for their health, well-being, and business success.

Signs of Burnout

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that occurs when someone is exposed to prolonged stress. Entrepreneurs are particularly vulnerable to burnout because they often work long hours, take on multiple responsibilities, and face a high degree of uncertainty and risk. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and depression.

Burnout can manifest differently in different people, but some common signs of burnout in entrepreneurs include:

1. Physical exhaustion: Feeling tired and lacking energy, even after getting enough sleep.
2. Emotional exhaustion: Feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed, and struggling to cope with stress and pressure.
3. Decreased productivity: Struggling to focus or complete tasks efficiently, and feeling like you’re not making progress.
4. Increased cynicism: Feeling pessimistic about your business or the entrepreneurial journey as a whole.
5. Loss of passion: Losing interest in your work, and feeling like it’s becoming more of a chore than something you enjoy.
6. Decreased motivation: Feeling less driven to achieve your goals or push through challenges.
7. Health problems: Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension.
8. Social withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and social activities, and feeling isolated and disconnected.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself, it’s important to take steps to prevent burnout and prioritize your well-being. This may include taking breaks, delegating tasks, seeking support from others, and practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or therapy.

Ways to Protect Mental Health

Entrepreneurship can be a challenging and stressful journey, and it’s important for entrepreneurs to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Here are some ways for entrepreneurs to protect their mental health:

1. Set boundaries: Entrepreneurs should set realistic boundaries around work, including work hours, email communication, and deadlines. This can help prevent burnout and provide a better work-life balance.
2. Practice self-care: Entrepreneurs should engage in regular self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. This can help reduce stress and promote well-being.
3. Seek support: Entrepreneurs should seek support from peers, mentors, or professional networks. This can provide a sense of community and help navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
4. Take breaks: Entrepreneurs should take regular breaks throughout the day and prioritize time off. This can help prevent burnout and increase productivity.
5. Manage stress: Entrepreneurs should develop strategies for managing stress, such as practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling. This can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
6. Prioritize sleep: Entrepreneurs should prioritize getting enough sleep, as lack of sleep can negatively impact mental health and cognitive function.
7. Seek professional help: If an entrepreneur is experiencing persistent or severe mental health problems, they should seek professional help from a therapist or mental health provider.

Entrepreneurs can also benefit from seeking support from their peers, mentors, and professional networks. Talking with others who have gone through similar experiences can help entrepreneurs feel less isolated and provide valuable insights into how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. By prioritizing mental health and taking steps to protect their well-being, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of long-term success and fulfillment.

Justin Bayless is the CEO & Founder of Ten Figures Ventures Management.

Mental Health stock image by Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock