If you are self-employed or run a small business, time may well not be on your side and taking time away from your business may feel tricky to justify. Perhaps you are run a small business with only yourself at the helm, or even with a small team in place, you may feel that you need to be around for clients all the time to retain business. Even if you know in theory the many benefits of taking time out for yourself, not least of all to support your business’ productivity, here are five reasons to do something about it.

1. Your mental health

The way we work has changed significantly and will continue to evolve and change over time. There are now more people than ever going it alone and setting up their own business and entering self-employment.

In the UK there are now 5.5 million small businesses and self-employed in the UK and 60 per cent of private sector employment is now in small businesses.

Stigma around mental health remains a big issue but is changing in larger businesses, where for example, mental health first aiders are being trained internally providing a confidential, on hand, help to employees.

As a small business owner, you are just as susceptible to mental health issues and could be argued even more so, with potentially more financial and time pressures.

There are a few straightforward tasks you can do now to improve your mental health immediately. For example, making time for exercise, whether this is half an hour in the gym or just going for a long walk. Being physically active will help to improve your mood as well as release any stress. Taking short breaks regularly throughout the day is another great way to boost your overall productivity.

Don’t disregard booking holidays or longer periods of time off either. If planned well and in advance, Lastly, if you can, booking holidays or longer periods of time off can really help you relax and recover.

2. Spend time with loved ones

Now that you are regularly taking short periods of time away from your small business, this is also a good time to re-connect and spend quality time with family and friends. You are more likely to get the support, love and time from your loved ones, giving you a boost to your mental health and well being.

3. Keep up with your hobbies

A work/life balance can enrich your daily routine and time away to spend on your other passions and hobbies can help give you perspective and potentially spur new ideas on your business.

Taking time out from your small business on your hobbies doesn’t necessarily need to be a daily occur you enjoy doesn’t need to be a daily occurrence. Even once or twice a week could make all the difference to your health and well being.

It’s important to realise that there is more to life than just your business. Although it is of course essential for you to work on your business, from starting it up to growing it, you do also need a healthy mind and a thought process which is not overstressed or overworked.

4. Good sleep is essential

Ensuring you get good quality sleep is incredibly important to your productivity, concentration and general well being.  Despite this, many people don’t set sleep as a priority, and the build of poor quality sleep can have a detrimental effect on health and well being.

Getting a good night’s sleep gives you the energy you need to get through your busy day and cope with inevitable curve balls and gives your body and brain time to rest and recuperate, ultimately making you more productive.

Sleep also alleviates stress further supporting your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Why not set a daily time to clock off work every day and do something relaxing away from your screen and phone to help you unwind and get the quality sleep you need.

5. The dreaded burnout

A burnout is repetitive, long-term stress on your mental and physical health leading to exhaustion.

Signs that you are heading for a burnout include persistent low moods and motivation and perhaps feelings of disillusionment with your business.

If left unchecked, burnout can impact your health, happiness and job performance, all of which puts your business at risk.

If you recognise any of the signs then take steps to rebalance your work/life balance and seek help if you need it.

Southside Accounting supporting small business

The importance of taking good care of yourself for the benefit of your mental health and the success of your business maybe obvious, but can be hard to enact. Why not get organised, outsource work if you need to, put clear procedures in place and plan longer breaks well in advance. Set aside some time each day to switch off, get your work-life balance in check and reap the rewards!

Southside Accounting supporting small business

Southside Accounting are your local cloud accountants in Wimbledon and London. We’re local, like you. And we’re a dynamic small business. Just like you.

We are fully chartered, certified accountants so we’re well qualified to be the trusted advisers you need to help make your company a success.

All our clients are on the cloud and have access and support on cloud accounting software, in both QuickBooks and Xero.

Our fixed fee structure means there are no surprises. And our smart Service Plans are tailored to meet the particular demands of your business.

So whether you’re a sole trader just starting out, a Limited Company, PAYE, or an established business with employees, we can help.

Call us to book a free no-obligation meeting today.

We always offer an initial free face to face meeting with prospective clients, so we can get to know you and your business and understand your unique circumstances and business goals.

Written by Shaima Todd.

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