Your mental health is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it impacts your ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and cope with stress. When you're mentally healthy, you're able to function at your best mentally and emotionally.
Mental health also plays a role in physical health. Studies have shown that there is a strong link between mental and physical health. For example, people with depression are more likely to develop heart disease or diabetes. Conversely, good mental health can help protect against developing physical health problems.
Why do contractors feel more mentally exhausted?
Contractors typically have to wear many hats and juggle a lot of different balls. They may be responsible for everything from marketing and sales to accounting and bookkeeping to customer service and support. This can be a lot to keep track of, and it can be easy to feel like you're constantly running around in circles trying to stay on top of everything.
They often don't have anyone else to bounce ideas off of or lean on for support when things get tough.
In a study done by RoleCatcher, they found that out of 500 people, 44% of those searching for projects are tired of the long round of interviews and this stress makes them feel less confident.
How to spot the warning signs?
There are a few key warning signs to look out for if you're self-employed and concerned about your mental health.
- Feeling down, hopeless, or helpless.
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or ashamed.
- Feeling irritable, angry, or tense.
- Having trouble concentrating or making decisions.
- Experiencing changes in appetite or sleeping patterns.
- Withdrawing from friends and activities you used to enjoy.
- Having thoughts of death or suicide.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to reach out for help. There are many resources available to support people with mental health issues, including counselling and therapy services, medication, and support groups.
So, how can you improve your mental health?
As a self-employed worker, it's important to take care of your mental health. This can be a challenge, as you may not have regular contact with other people during the workday. Here are some tips for improving your mental health as a self-employed worker:
- Make time for social interaction. Even if you work from home, try to make time for social interaction. Whether you meet up with friends for lunch or coffee, attend networking events, or join a club or workout group, social interaction is important for maintaining good mental health.
- Get outside. When you're working from home, it's easy to spend all day indoors. However, getting outside can help improve your mood and relieve stress. Make sure to get outside for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it's just to take a walk around the block.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental health. If you don't have time for a formal workout, try to find other ways to incorporate exercise into your day-to-day life, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away from your destination.
- Buy the right tools. Having the right tools makes the job easier and more enjoyable, which can lead to a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. And having the right software makes it easier to stay organized and productive, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. So if you're a contractor, be sure to invest in the right tools and software! They'll make your job a lot less stressful - and a lot more fun.
Closing note:
Maintaining good mental health can help you build better relationships with clients and co-workers. It can help reduce stress levels, which can lead to improved work performance.
Relaisys is an umbrella company that helps you prioritise your mental health at every level of your journey. Be a part of our company today!
Phone number: 020 3500 2615
E-mail: info@reliasys.co.uk