Why you should prioritize your health over your business

For many of us entrepreneurs, our primary focus is our business. But that shouldn’t be the case. Our overall health should be more of a priority. We work long hours daily, leaving little time for recreational activities. There is a greater chance of living a longer, more balanced life when we incorporate our health and self-care into our daily lives.

A NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards survey highlighted that 58% of entrepreneurs surveyed suffered from mental health issues related to conditions such as anxiety (21%), depression (19%) and stress (41%), and 55% of respondents said running a business has harmed their mental health. In addition, 71% indicated that they experience above-average stress at work on a daily basis.

Related: How to Prioritize Your Health and Happiness as an Entrepreneur

Dr. Michael Freeman, a psychiatrist and researcher at UC San Francisco, conducted a study in 2015 that illustrates how different founders are from the rest of the population. It found that 72% of entrepreneurs said they had a history of mental health, compared to just 48% of comparison participants.

It is understandable to want to continue until we have achieved what we consider a success, or whatever our goals are. But it’s a sure way to fail, give up, or burn out. Consider these facts and tips throughout your entrepreneurial journey, so you can be healthier and happier.

1. Entrepreneurs are their company’s greatest asset

We like to think that our e-books, courses, products, services, etc. are our greatest asset, but the fact is that we are our own greatest asset. Think about it, if we’re always so busy “taking care of our business” that we neglect our health and happiness, causing mental issues, fatigue, and burnout, what value would we have to our business? ?

2. Being healthy influences motivation

If you don’t have time to hit the gym, you can do something as simple as walking. I put on my headphones, turn on some of my favorite songs and walk. That sweat is starting to pour, and I’m telling you, those feel-good endorphins are helping me clear my mind and taking me to a higher level of peace and clarity. It raises my mood. If you haven’t already, add some kind of physical activity to your life and try to do it at least three times a week. A healthy diet also helps. I’m not saying you have to be a diet food addict, but replacing sodas with water and eating more good foods also helps. Also make sure you get enough sleep. When you are healthy and happy, you are more focused, energetic and productive.

Related: 5 Ways to Boost Your Energy, Health, and Happiness

3. Use your circle

Walk away from people who put you down. Have conversations and interactions with people who contribute to your happiness and peace, such as your family or friends. If you can’t have that in-person interaction for some reason, a Zoom meeting can be helpful. Having close relationships with other entrepreneurs is also ideal. Who knows better what you are going through than another entrepreneur? If you don’t have an entrepreneur circle of friends, join one or create one.

Meetup is a website that allows users to arrange meetings with other people who enjoy the same activities. Some common examples include sports teams, book clubs, entrepreneurs, startups, and social groups. By registering, you can find a group that corresponds to the activity you are looking for, or create your group to bring you others. Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) is another great resource. They bring together female entrepreneurs from around the world to help them connect, scale their businesses, and ultimately succeed. The DWEN community welcomes all levels of entrepreneurs, from startups to scale-ups. You must have a balance.

4. Prioritize your mental health

If you feel something is wrong with you, don’t ignore it. Ask for help. The SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential service , free, 24 hour, 365 – daily information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and their family members dealing with mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups and community organizations.

5. Relax, refresh, rejuvenate

It is important to relax, refresh and rejuvenate because when we don’t, it causes stress. And stress can dampen positive traits, which can impact our interpersonal relationships as well as our coping mechanisms. Do something that relaxes, invigorates, or rejuvenates you. Some of the things that help me are reading, writing, and a hot bath. Take a break, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Stay away from emails, cell phones, TV and social media. If you can, take a 30-minute nap. Go on a stay. Overall, make your health and happiness a priority.

Related: Why Your Mental Health Is Key To Your Business Success

Let’s make sure that in our quest to be our best for our customers, we do our best for ourselves first. We are not good for anyone if we are not good for ourselves.