BY Tim Hoopmann
As a small business owner, I am aware of the need to take care of my mental health. In doing so I put myself in the best position to then support others around me. Taking care of my mental health means I will be in a better frame of mind to deal with life and business challenges in this ever-challenging world. I make this a daily priority so I can then go about supporting others around me.
In late 2020, a significant development for small business by Beyond Blue was to launch the free ‘Mental wellbeing: support yourself and small businesses course’. It was launched at a time when two thirds of Australia’s small business owners reported the pandemic had negatively affected their mental health.
The course, which can be accessed by all small business in Australia on Beyond Blue’s HEADS UP website and covers four key topic areas:
- An introduction to mental health and how to recognise when someone needs support
- How small business owners can look after their own wellbeing in the workplace and at home
- How to have a conversation with a small business owner you are worried about
- How you can proactively support small business owners
If you work with small business owners, this is a great resource and a must complete for any business and their teams.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ISSUES AFFECTING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS?
- Working long hours, cash flow issues, social isolation and balancing work and domestic responsibilities. Not surprisingly, these factors can also affect a business owner’s mental health and wellbeing.
- The fallout caused by COVID-19 has exacerbated these stressors while adding enormous uncertainty.
- We’re seeing businesses face the immediate financial stress of closing down or trying to manage with reduced turnover.
WHAT CAN SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS DO TO IMPROVE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH?
- Make sure you aregetting accurate information from credible sources.
- Try and structure your days andestablish a routineas best you can.
- Keep regular sleep patternsand make sure you get enough rest.
- Look after yourphysical health, and find a way tostay active if you can.
- The news can get a bit much at times — take regular breaks from screens and social media.
- Try to do somethingeach daythat makes you feel good.
The Mental wellbeing: support yourself and small businesses course is available free of charge across Australia and aims to provide small business with the skills to support the mental health of themselves and other small business owners. I encourage everyone to complete the course. Share with your teams and learn how to take better care of yourselves. Then learn about how best to support others around you.
