It’s no secret that running your own business involves hard work, determination, long hours and a good dose of passion. With a new year comes new goals and plans, often involving holidays, increased business and better financial wellbeing.
Striking that work/life balance early on in your small business journey could be the difference between being in business for the long run or shutting up shop early. The activity of mindfulness is, fortunately, something anyone can start anytime, anywhere.
Start off the new year with a productive mindset as we explore the benefits of mindfulness for small business owners.
What is mindfulness?
More than just a trending buzzword, the practice of mindfulness has maximum benefits with minimal effort required, making it perfect for small business owners on the go. In a nutshell, it’s all about taking time out of your everyday activities, concentrating on being present and in the moment.
The origins of mindfulness stem back to the foundation of ancient religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and other religions. The meditative process focuses on concentrating and calming the mind through controlled thinking and breathing.
The practise involves being able to zone in on exactly how you are feeling and identify the sensations and thoughts in your mind at that moment. There are many apps available which can help channel and encourage the regular practice of mindfulness, making it easier to incorporate as part of your daily routine.
Inside the minds of small business owners
Small business owners are known to put their health on the back burner and not make it a top priority. Here are some alarming statistics that provide an insight into the wellbeing and mental state of hard-working Aussie small business owners.
- Research by MYOB and Beyond Blue found 56% of business owners experienced mental health issues, with 48% of these respondents citing anxiety stemming from financial and cashflow problems.
- One of the big stresses small business owners experience is feeling they have the sole responsibility for the company’s success or failure. 1
- More than 85% of respondents indicated that they often ‘take their job home’, with almost 80% stating that problems associated with their job had kept them awake at night.
- More than 50% indicated that they work nine hours or more on a typical work day, 43% indicated that they work every weekend. 2
A mindful workplace
Stopping and smelling the roses might just bring more than a treat to the senses. Slowing down, re-focusing and being flexible can lead to all round improved results not just in the workplace but in life. Approaching tasks with clarity helps limit room for error, increased creativity and quality of the task at hand.
Like most workplaces, attitude and culture starts from the top, filtering its way through the business. Creating a work environment that promotes mindfulness can help reduce stress, encourage openness and a positive place that your employees want to be part of, something most small business owners hope to achieve.
If there is the space to do so, you might want to create a dedicated area for your employees to unwind, relax and take it easy to help promote mindfulness activities.
Mindfulness Resources
With a wealth of technology at our fingertips, it has never been easier to tap into the world of mindfulness. Here are a few apps and resources to help you learn more about practising mindfulness.
1. Headspace
One of the first mindfulness apps on the market, Headspace has a specially designed program for workplaces. The program features a range of exercises to help workplaces connect with their employees, encouraging mindfulness and meditation.
2. Calm
With a mission to ‘make the world happier and healthier’ what’s not to love about the Calm app? Providing programs to assist with improving sleep, practising meditation, relaxation and mindfulness, this app has something for anyone who is inquisitive about improving their mental wellbeing.
3. Smiling Mind
A not-for-profit organisation, Smiling Mind offers a range of educational resources and a free app. They also provide a mindfulness at work resource consisting of workshops that give workplaces the tools to educate and promote mindfulness within the workplace.
4. Ahead for business
Designed for small business owners, Ahead For Business aims to assist small business owners to take action of their own mental health and wellbeing. They have a “mental health Check-up” tool, an app, toolkits and a list of useful contacts in the event of a crisis.
Introducing a few mindfulness habits and practices within your workplace doesn’t need to daunting or complicated. With so many resources available, help and inspiration are only a mouse click away.
If you or someone you know needs help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000)
Mindfulness references:
[1] Heads Up, https://www.headsup.org.au/your-mental-health/mental-health-and-small-business
[2] Can digital interventions help to improve mental health and reduce mental ill-health in small businesses? 2017, iCare, http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/everymind/assets/Uploads/PDF/Small-business/SmallBusinessWhitepaperFINAL.PDF
