Good mental health is an important part of being a business entrepreneur. Given that business heads face a huge deal of stress in their everyday lives, it is vital. Studies carried out by the National Institute of Mental Health support this viewpoint. One such study revealed that as many as 72% of entrepreneurs are affected by mental health issues. This includes both direct and secondary ways. In comparison, only 48% of non-entrepreneurs experience the impact of mental health concerns. As we ponder these surprising numbers, it is important to consider mental health in the workplace, too.

The UAE is home to a great number of business entrepreneurs, many of whom own and run multiple businesses. The nation, which boasts two regional financial hubs, is a haven for ambitious entrepreneurs. However, illustrious professions often come at a cost. Thus, gaining awareness of mental health and managing it is important, especially in the UAE.

The Distinct Stress of Entrepreneurship

While many of us value mental health itself, we may not easily connect wealthy business heads with poor emotional well-being. Thus, to understand why mental health management is crucial to business entrepreneurs, we must understand their unique stressors. Firstly, business entrepreneurs have constant, relentless financial pressures to deal with on behalf of the company. They must consistently ensure that funding, earnings, and profits are up to par.

Secondly, business entrepreneurs are the heads of their organizations. Often, this means poor work-life balance, with having to be available to troubleshoot or maintain standards. As business entrepreneurs are the final seal of approval in business matters, it becomes hard to draw a firm line between personal and professional life.

Next, running a business and keeping it profitable is far harder than starting one. Imagine being an employee whose salary depends on the profitability of the business. The uncertainty takes a toll on people. Similarly, running a business can be stressful and worrying, depleting mental health resources faster than you’d expect.

Lastly, it is alienating. Business entrepreneurs spend the majority of their time being in charge and responsible. How many of us can truthfully say that we relate to our bosses? Although business owners in the UAE are fortunate to have a large community of peers around them, their daily lives can frequently be lonely.

Besides, poor mental health can negatively impact their business. Poor decision-making and a loss in productivity are not uncommon. Since business entrepreneurs are responsible for ensuring employee morale, this can directly impact the company strongly.

Prioritizing Mental Health as a Business Entrepreneur

Caring for and carefully managing your mental and emotional health can be one of the most freeing, positive things business entrepreneurs do for themselves, and their companies. It can be incredibly valid to seek support, be it professional, or even just sharing with other business entrepreneurs. Some experts swear by mindfulness, while others explore meditation, too.

Small, everyday acts and habits can ground you, too. Consider adding exercise to your daily routine. Even something like a 20-minute walk every day can help. Either way, it can help tremendously with managing stress or anxiety. All in all, caring for your mental health yields potent results for business entrepreneurs.

• Better Decisions

  Managing your mental health comes with some lovely personal benefits. One is lower stress levels, building concentration and focus. Another plus is a vastly clearer mind. Thus, business entrepreneurs who care for their emotional well-being assess situations better. Besides, they are also able to handle difficult challenges and spot innovative solutions.

• Creativity Plus

  We discussed how poor mental health can block creative surges. This effectively stops innovative solution generation and business growth. Business entrepreneurs who manage their stress simply have more space for creativity, dreaming up incredible fixes and products.

• Excellence in Leadership

  We don’t think we need to explain this one. An emotionally stable business entrepreneur tends to be effective, compassionate, and an excellent communicator. Thus, their team trusts them and has high morale. This is because they believe that these highly empathetic leaders will understand and support them during difficult times.

• Heaps of Tenacity

  A rarely discussed part of large-scale success for business entrepreneurs is resilience. The ability to overcome challenges and setbacks to recover professionally is a huge part of becoming a success. Most biographies of business entrepreneurs reveal tales of their ability to remain motivated despite failure. Indeed, seeing it as a learning curve rather than just failure is a vital part of reaching the peaks of success.

Conclusion

At LUBM, we believe in the value of good mental health. Beyond business entrepreneurs, it is important to our incredible students. Today, we simply wanted to highlight how necessary it is, especially for those who stand at the helm of companies. It directly impacts not only the business entrepreneur’s own life but that of their close ones and employees. It also affects their business itself. We encourage anyone who struggles with their mental health to reach out and talk to someone. Professional help would be excellent, but even a good friend is a start. Take care of your mind, and it will take care of you!