When people talk about being an entrepreneur, the conversation usually revolves around the satisfaction they get from building something out of nothing, like your chiropractic practice. As fulfilling as it is, there are also many challenges, including psychological ones. Here are some of our tips to help manage your mental health.
1. Classify your workload. A survey by CareerCast labeled unpredictability and deadlines as two out the three top contributors to work-related stress. Both of these issues can play a big part in your daily capacity. Your workload typically falls into two categories: psychologically loaded and physically loaded. Make psychologically loaded work your priority, as the more of it you do, the stronger your abilities become. Psychologically loaded work helps you build a solid mental base and learn how to better prioritize tasks during hectic or more relaxed periods.
2. Avoid comparisons with others. Thinking you are the only one who can’t handle a large amount of work without feeling pressure will only set you up for failure. Unpredictability and deadlines are #1 and #3 on the list of top contributors of work-related stress, but can you guess #2? It’s workplace environment, which includes interactions with colleagues and customers.
Constant, immediate comparisons to your peers will only bog you down. Turn to your colleagues for support and to build you up, not to tear yourself down.
3. Respect Your Time. It may seem as though you don’t have enough hours in the day, but time moves at the same pace for all of us. Use it wisely and know that it’s better to avoid procrastinating a task just because you feel you will handle the rest of your work without stress or pressure. Instead of fixating on particular tasks and doing things just to check off a box, take time to reflect on the value of your work and the impact it is having on those around you and even your community.
Meditation can be helpful for this reflection as it is a great way to reduce tension and provides a mental reprieve to allow for increased productivity and to take better stock of your responsibilities. During this time be sure to reflect on the time you are spent doing particular activities and find ways to dole out those responsibilities so you aren’t spreading yourself so thin.
Owning your own chiropractic practice isn’t always easy. The position you’re in can take its toll leaving you with feelings of anxiousness, stress, and depression which have probably only been heightened by the pandemic. If you are facing these challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. Click here to connect with one of our chiropractic coaches.