It’s estimated that there are over 3.11 million self-employed people in Canada. If you’re part of this statistic, while you may love breaking free from the 9-5 shackles and being your own boss, that’s not to say there aren’t downsides too. A heavy workload, lack of a routine, and no guarantee of future work can cause you to become stressed and overwhelmed.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways self-employed people can combat stress and anxiety, such as those listed below.
Regular Exercise
If you’re self-employed, you may work all sorts of hours,and this can heighten stress and make it hard to relax and unwind. One of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health is to include regular exercise in your routine. Whether this involves getting up early to go for a run, hitting the gym at lunchtime, or working out once you’ve finished your workload for the day, physical activity is key for reducing stress levels.
More Sleep
There are all sorts of worries self-employed people encounter. From struggling to bring clients on board, to fears of missing deadlines, stress and anxiety can impact your sleep, causing you to wake up feeling groggy and rundown. Low productivity levels and no motivation will make it hard for you to perform at your best. Therefore, getting a good night’s sleep is critical for reducing stress. If you struggle to get enough sleep, remove any distractions like your smartphone out of sight before hitting the hay.
Using Relaxation Techniques
Thousands of self-employed workers across Canada swear by relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation. These exercises can bring down stress levels, help you control anxiety, and allow you to take your mind off all things work. Even if you’re rushed off your feet, you can perform a yoga exercise or meditate for 10 minutes in the morning. Doing so will get your day off to a good start and help you feel more productive.
Having Some Me Time
While you may not be constrained to working the 9-5, many self-employed people go far beyond the typical 40 hours a week work. If you feel like you’re constantly working, it’s no surprise you feel stressed and exhausted. You must have some time for yourself to do the things you love. Whether you love watching films, trying your luck at an online casino, or participating in sports, don’t feel guilty about having some time for yourself.
Talking to Loved Ones
It’s vital that you have a strong support network around you when you are self-employed. If you’re working from home and live alone, you won’t have as many opportunities to socialise with others. Make sure you’re regularly speaking to family and friends (in person or virtually) and be open and honest about how you’re feeling. The COVID-19 pandemic especially has had a catastrophic impact on us all in regard to work and finances, so you must speak to your loved ones if you’re struggling to keep your stress levels at bay.
Whether you’ve just become self-employed, or you have a fully established business, there are lots of methods and activities you can perform daily to alleviate stress and help you excel in your professional endeavors.
