Women entrepreneurs have a lot going on, whether juggling their businesses and family or trying to maintain balance in their relationships. They need support to not only preserve their mental health but also thrive. Women are also often the caregivers to their families and friends, yet often overlook giving themselves the care they need. Mental health is essential to their well-being, and women entrepreneurs must prioritize their mental health to remain healthy. Being mentally healthy has an impact on their businesses and legacies. With these 5 tips, ensure the women in your life have the tools to be mentally and physically healthy.
1. Be A Safe Space
Most women entrepreneurs suffer in silence, unable to express to those around them the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Unable to express themselves usually happens because they don’t know any other entrepreneurs within their circle experiencing the same pitfalls. Ensure they know they have a safe place to go if they are struggling with their mental health. This could be a listening ear to simply vent or a moment to be in supportive, nonjudgemental company.
2. Check-In On Them
Check on the women in your life to ensure they are doing okay or see if they need anything. Entrepreneurs can often be head-down and knee-deep in their ventures. Therefore they’ll need someone to pull them up and remind them to eat, drink water, slow down, and take care of themselves. A simple phone call or a voice note can go a long way, letting them know you’re thinking of them. This helps them feel supported and seen.
3. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay
Most Black and Brown women entrepreneurs struggle with the superwoman complex, thinking they need to do everything on their own without help, burying their emotions into a deep dark place. Let them know it’s okay, not always to be okay. Remind them that there are peaks and valleys and normalize the unpredictability of entrepreneurship—so they can feel less alone.
4. Encourage Them to Take Time Out
Many Black and Brown women entrepreneurs work long days without taking the necessary breaks to reset and recharge. Remind them to make breaks throughout their days a priority. Because when they do, this helps to enhance not just themselves but also their businesses.
5. Make Sure They Eat and Sleep
As you may already know, entrepreneurs don’t usually get enough sleep or eat the right foods to support such a rigorous lifestyle. If you have a Black and Brown woman entrepreneur in your life, give them a call and ask them if they ate. Or even better, send them an order of their favorite meal from Ubereats. Take it up a notch by delivering groceries and cooking them dinner. Encourage them to eat regularly, sleep and take naps throughout the day. Remind them that pulling all-nighters will only wear on their bodies and emotional health over time.
Women are often overlooked, under-appreciated, and under-valued by our society. The only way to change this is to celebrate women at every age and stage of life. They should be celebrated for their accomplishments, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity. Acknowledge that women have an impact on your life, whether it’s in your home or at work. Women are our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and colleagues, and they deserve our attention and support.
Celebrate the women in your life by asking them to prioritize their mental health. Keep in mind to do what you can to be there for them. Let the women in your life know you will support them every step of their entrepreneurial journey.
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