Entrepreneurship can be an incredibly rewarding journey, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. The constant pressure to keep hustling and stay on the grind can have a huge impact on your mental health. As serial entrepreneurs, singing sensation and Vuma ambassador Jimmy Nevis and future mogul Lindo Buthelezi, have had to learn how to prioritise their wellbeing to be the best business owners they can be. These five hacks have helped give them the edge:
Practice Self-Care
As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to prioritise self-care. This can involve taking a break from work to exercise, meditate, or engage in any activity that promotes relaxation. It’s always important to set aside time to do things that bring joy and happiness, and this will not only enhance your mental health but also boost your productivity.
Build a Support System
Starting a business can be a lonely journey, and it’s essential to have a supportive community. For Lindo, the Vuma-powered My Community Connects (MCC) platform not only helped her spread the word about her business but also put her in touch with people going through the same struggles. Spaces like MCC can help you find a mentor, improve your network, and connect you with like-minded individuals.
Set Boundaries
Hustlers often say, “While you sleep, we grind.” Entrepreneurs often feel the need to work around the clock, but this can lead to burnout. Nevis says, “Launching a career and running a business can take an incredible strain on you and for me, it got so bad that it began to impact my creativity. I’ve since learnt that it is crucial to set boundaries, including work hours, emails, and social media.”
Setting clear boundaries helps business owners prioritise their mental health and ensures they are always at their best.
Seek Professional Help
Even when we take care of ourselves and have a support system in place, mental health problems can still occur. When necessary, it’s imperative to seek professional assistance.
“Therapy has been a godsend. A lot of people have a stigma about it because they think it shows weakness or that something is wrong with them. That couldn’t be more untrue, sometimes going to therapy is just about getting the tools to be able to handle stress better,” says Nevis
There is no shame in seeking help, and it’s essential to prioritise your mental health above all else.
Prioritise Mindset
Entrepreneurs need a strong mindset to navigate the challenges and setbacks that come with starting a business. It’s essential to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace & Learn from our/your failure, and celebrate small wins. It’s also important to reframe negative thoughts and focus on gratitude and positivity. By prioritising mindset, entrepreneurs can stay mentally resilient and overcome any obstacles.
Taking charge of your mental health can help you supercharge your business’s growth. By connecting with networks, like MCC, that increase your net worth you not only get access to a wide array of creative talent, but you also get the chance to connect with other hustlers who are going through the same thing. Having access to internet can assist you as an entrepreneur in more ways than just for work, but also through access to apps such as Panda, where a dedicated team of professionals can help you improve your mental health.
