Prioritising Mental Health as a Woman Working for Yourself | World Mental Health Day 2024

This year's theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’, but as a woman working for yourself or running your own business, the “workplace” takes on a whole new meaning. You play many roles — entrepreneur, manager, creator, and everything in between — and the challenges of focus and mental clarity can feel more personal and pressing. Often, and especially if you work from home, the boundaries between work and life frequently blur, making it more crucial to protect and nurture your well-being.

As a woman who has worked for herself and been in business most of my life, I understand that, at times, juggling the responsibilities of business and family can be emotionally taxing. But I understood that as a woman forging my own path, I had the power to create a work environment that supported my mental health and well-being, and I want to remind you that you do, too. I also want to encourage you to focus on your well-being and, even when you’re the boss, having to always focus on the next thing to do; you deserve care, support, and time for fun in your life.

Why Mental Health Matters When You Work for Yourself

As a solopreneur or small business owner, the pressure to succeed or prove yourself can sometimes feel overwhelming. Not everyone can see your vision, and you may find yourself constantly pushing to meet goals, generate income, and keep up with the demands of clients or customers, or you may feel as though you have to justify your choices to loved ones. I mean, entrepreneurship can offer incredible freedom when done well — still, it does come with its own set of mental health challenges, including isolation, financial stress, or feeling like everything rests on your shoulders. Unless you manage your challenges, you will not experience all the positive things that made you want to work for yourself, so prioritising your mental health isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. When you care for your mind (and body), you’re not just taking care of yourself but also strengthening your business, creativity, and ability to serve others.

How to Prioritise Your Mental Health When You Work for Yourself

Creating a healthy ‘workplace’ when you work for yourself is important because sometimes your passion and drive don’t come with a pause button. It is easy to pick up your device and check a client's email or to work in the wee morning hours because there is always one more thing to do. So, while the decisions are entirely in your hands, here are my tips to prioritise your mental health:

1.          Set Boundaries: Without crystal clear boundaries, it is easy to work around the clock. Guilty here! I encourage you to set designated work hours and stick to them. I do a formal four-day workweek these days, and occasionally, I will work an extra day to meet a deadline or a goal. Give yourself permission to disconnect when your workday ends, and allow yourself the time to rest and enjoy other areas of your life. Doing this will prevent burnout.

2.          Create a Support Network: In The Health Collective, we have a saying, ‘Work for yourself but not by yourself’, and I extend this advice to you. Connect with other women who work for themselves, connect with female entrepreneurs, and with those who understand your unique challenges. The last thing you want to do is ‘talk shop’ with your loved ones each time you see them. You may engage a coach, peer group or online community to support you and help reduce feelings of isolation. Check out ways I can support you here.  

3.          Practice Self-Compassion: You may have high expectations and feel pressure to constantly perform and succeed, and when things don’t go according to plan, it can lead to self-criticism. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey, not reflections of your worth or capabilities. If you find yourself in a pattern of negative thoughts or self-criticism, take a break, go for a walk, and put on your favourite music. Do something to put a pause between thoughts, then come back and deal with them.

4.          Create a Healthy Work Environment: Just because you work for yourself doesn’t mean you can’t have a structured workspace. If you work from home, organise a dedicated area that promotes focus and calm, and avoid mixing work with personal spaces where possible. If you are a digital nomad, I encourage you to have something that anchors you to your work. For example, choose a piece of jewellery you only wear when working or have a handbag exclusively for workdays. Having a ‘work anchor’ will help you stay focused.

5.          Take Time for Self-Care: Schedule breaks, whether it is stepping out for a walk or engaging in a mindfulness practice. Find an activity that brings a smile to your face or makes you feel accomplished. Moments of self-care will prevent burnout and rejuvenate your mind.

The Benefits of Mental Health Awareness

You are the driving force behind your business; everything else flourishes when you care for your mental health. Neglecting your well-being and denying it when you are tired or even burnt out prevents you from working with clarity and creativity and can cause you to lose your sense of purpose.

When you kindly support yourself, you think clearer, make better decisions, are more productive, and have a stronger ability to innovate. You will also enjoy your working journey more fully, embracing its highs and navigating its lows with resilience and grace.

This World Mental Health Day, take the opportunity to reflect on how you can incorporate more healthy practices into your daily work life:

•  Set Goals that Support Your Mental Health: Think about one or two goals you want to achieve this year. Maybe it’s reducing stress, incorporating more balance (I like to say managing the juggle better), or seeking support when needed. Whatever it is, commit to taking steps toward it.
• Connect with Your Community: Reach out to other women in your network and start conversations about mental health. Whether through social media, a virtual event, or a casual chat, sharing your experiences can help reduce the stigma and encourage others to prioritise their well-being. I have a community of women who value achieving goals while not sacrificing their health and well-being, I invite you to join us. Learn more here. 
• Reassess Your Workload: Are you taking on too much? Delegate tasks, scale back where necessary, and focus on the projects that align with your values and goals. Remember, you always have a choice, even when you believe you don’t. We often say we don’t have a choice because we don’t want the outcome or consequence of the choice.
• Celebrate Your Progress: Running a business or working for yourself as a woman is no small feat! Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small. You are a master juggler managing many different roles! Recognising your achievements can uplift your mood and boost your confidence, making it easier to tackle the next challenge.

Please take this post as a reminder that mental health awareness and care isn’t just for employees in traditional workplaces — it is for everyone, including women like you who want to live life on their terms.

You deserve to thrive, both in your business and personal life.  I encourage you to commit to finding and creating physical and emotional spaces where you can flourish, free from burnout and full of purpose. You deserve to create a life you love!

As always, remember when you fall in love with yourself, everything else falls into place

OM xx

📸 World Health Organisation

For more resources on mental health and to join the conversation, visit the World Health Organization’s website https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024 or the World Mental Health Day Official website https://wmhdofficial.com

Blog posts are not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical advice and treatment from your doctor. Readers are advised to consult their qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Ocea Marie does not take any responsibility for possible health consequences for anyone reading or following the information available on the blog. All readers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their doctor before beginning any nutrition or supplement program.