Becoming an entrepreneur is something that has been glorified and ”cool” in the last couple of decades. The general association of entrepreneurs is cool cars, a jet-set lifestyle, and a life of freedom.
But what most people don’t see is the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication that is required to become a successful entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurs often work countless hours every day, and the life of an entrepreneur is often lonely, especially in the beginning.
With that said, it can sometimes lead to burnout and/or depression.
If you are an entrepreneur and want to tackle burnout and depression, or simply want to prevent it from happening to you in the future, we have gathered our best tips in this article. Of course, many of these tips apply even if you are not an entrepreneur as well.
How to fight depression as an entrepreneur
Do something different and fun as a contrast
Working hard and long hours usually come as the standard in the life of an entrepreneur. Many entrepreneurs can work weeks and months in one stretch without doing anything else other than sleeping and eating.
Whilst most entrepreneurs do this because it is their passion and because they enjoy it, only working all the time can eventually lead to burnout. Therefore, it is advised that occasionally, you do something else completely different from working in order to refresh and restart your mind.
Doing something that you enjoy doing such as playing golf or relaxing on the beach can also help you relax, forget about the stress and work for a while, and get back to work with a rejuvenated and motivated mind.
Be mindful of your diet
The food you eat has a substantial impact on your mind and body. The food you put into your body is the fuel to keep it energized, healthy, and motivated. With that said, it is important to eat the right food. The most basic diet tips for a more healthy lifestyle is a good start. Avoid soda, sweets, chips, and fast food. It is also a good idea to include more vegetables and greens into your diet, and for some people, it also helps to remove meat and dairy products from their diet.
You should also research good foods that can do wonders for your body and mind. The food that you eat can also have positive mental health benefits such as alleviating symptoms of depression. BetterHelp has compiled an extensive list of 12 things to add to your diet that can help fight depression.
Take time to reflect and relax
As entrepreneurs tend to work long and hard hours, there is often not enough time to get enough rest. When working hard, sleep can oftentimes be compromised. But remember that sleep is extremely important for humans and for our well-being. Sleep deprivation can lead to burnout and depression, so make sure you get the sleep you need. Bear in mind that by making sure you get enough sleep, you can actually become more productive and energized during the hours you are awake. So although you get fewer working hours, you can actually get more things done in a shorter period of time.
Meet people
The life of an entrepreneur can be lonely. When working a lot of long hours, their social life can often be compromised. But we humans are social creatures, and therefore, we feel good by meeting other people. Take some time to meet and socialize with the people closest to you and the people you care most about. This can prevent depression and the feeling of loneliness.
