Make time for you when working from home

Around one in five small business owners sacrifice time with their family and work an extra three hours a day to keep their firm afloat, a survey found.

Although working longer hours is not necessarily damaging to mental health, having an uneven work-life balance can impact performance and lead to fatigue and depression.

Aldermore Bank has launched a Small But Mighty Business Mental Health Guide to help small business owners avoid burnout and manage stress better. Aldermore’s top tips include:

Schedule a switch-off time

The danger of flexible or home working is it is hard to know when to give yourself a break. Set regular business hours and keep an eye on time management. When working late, are you using this time productively or are you acting out of fear and stress? Make sure you dedicate time for yourself to relax.

Identify your pain points

Think about what causes you the most stress or discomfort in your working day. Can you share this burden with a colleague? Can you speak to someone neutral, who can provide an unbiased opinion or potential solution?

Step away and do some exercise

Getting away from your screen or place of work and doing some exercise can do wonders for your mood and mental wellbeing.

It’s also a good way to ensure you remain switched off and focused on something that is only for you. Even a 15-minute walk will help you to relax – and exercise has been shown to lower cortisol levels.

de-stressing exercises

Breathing techniques and mediation practices can help you establish a sense of calm.

Try a simple exercise such as breathing slowly – in through the nose and out through the mouth – as this has a direct impact on your stress response. Do it for a few minutes – it can help you feel calmer. Build a structured sleep routine

Go to bed and get up at the same time each day (even at the weekends). Avoid things that might disrupt sleep such as caffeine in the evening or indulging in screen-time while you’re in bed.

Know when to ask for help

Look for ways to build a personal network that will help support you during this difficult time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Be kind to yourself

You’ll make mistakes and face challenges that are out of your control. Know you’re doing your best and reward yourself for that.