Tools 7 Successful Women Founders Use to Manage Their Mental Health

the real Cost of Hustle Culture: How Entrepreneurs Are Prioritizing Mental Health

The relentless “hustle” mentality frequently enough celebrated in the business world can be incredibly damaging, especially for entrepreneurs juggling the demands of their ventures wiht mental health concerns. While the idea of working tirelessly and sacrificing everything for success might seem appealing, the reality is that this approach is unsustainable and detrimental to well-being. Increasingly, entrepreneurs are redefining success by prioritizing mental wellness and demonstrating that holistic health is key to building a thriving business.

As a therapist and executive coach, I’ve witnessed firsthand the toll that constant pressure can take on mental health. But I’ve also seen inspiring examples of entrepreneurs rejecting the hustle culture myth and forging a new path. These trailblazers are teaching us that building a lasting business requires more than just ambition; it requires mindfulness, self-care, and the courage to set boundaries.

Emylee Williams,a growth strategist at Creative’s Catalyst,is one such entrepreneur. Williams lives with anxiety and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),which has taught her the importance of prioritizing her mental health. She sets clear boundaries with clients, saying, “My diagnosis has forced me to be someone who is confident in saying no, rescheduling at the last minute, and keeping a lighter schedule. It’s made me have to get comfortable with sharing with clients that ther may be an unexpected cancellation or rescheduling due to my health.”

This prioritization of self-care has not only benefited Williams’ mental well-being, but it has also attracted a specific type of client: those who are understanding, flexible, and value a collaborative approach. As Williams notes, “It’s definitely shaped the type of clients I work with. They need to be understanding, chill, and not have a sense of urgency or demand for a lot of work.”

Building Mental Wellness in the Workplace

The demands of the modern business world can take a toll on mental well-being.Entrepreneurs and business leaders are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing mental health for themselves and their employees.

Laura difrancesco,founder of Dean Street Law,a boutique law firm,knows this firsthand.

Finding Balance: How leaders prioritize Well-being

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a crucial yet often challenging endeavor, especially for leaders in demanding roles. The constant pressure to perform and deliver can easily overshadow the importance of personal well-being. However, prioritizing mental health is not just a matter of personal obligation; it’s a fundamental driver of success, fueling productivity, innovation, and overall well-being in the workplace.

Allie Mirosevic, a journaling and manifestation coach and founder of Bliss’d Co, shares her outlook on navigating the ups and downs: “Some days are amazing, and some are terrible. I remind myself that this is a winding road, and as long as I can keep myself moving, I’ll make it through.” These words resonate with many, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-compassion in the face of inevitable challenges.

Charmaine Green-Forde, founder and CEO of organizational and leadership optimization consultancy Chapter tOO, champions listening to one’s body, even amidst demanding business needs. “Listening to my body is non-negotiable, even when business demands are pressing.” Her approach involves setting clear boundaries and saying “no” when necessary, emphasizing that these practices allow her to show up as her best self, whatever that looks like in each moment.

Green-Forde further underscores the importance of trusting our own experiences and needs, acknowledging that external validation isn’t always necessary. “People often extend less grace when they can’t see a disability,” she observes, “but I’ve learned to trust my experience and honor my needs without needing external validation.”

For Ellen Hockley Harrison, founder and CEO of Ellen Hockley Consulting and Evergreen Activewear, movement is a vital component of her mental wellness routine. After battling postpartum depression and anxiety, she found solace and balance in physical activity.”Without movement,I start to crumble,” she shares. “Even just a short walk outside can make a difference.” Hockley Harrison emphasizes acknowledging that mental health ebbs and flows; there will be good days and bad days.

Similarly, Mirosevic credits journaling as a key tool in her recovery from postpartum depression, stating that it became a “foundational part of my healing journey.” Even after completing therapy and medication, she continues to journal, finding that it helps her navigate life and business with more clarity and confidence.

By prioritizing mental well-being, leaders set a powerful example for their teams, fostering a culture that values self-care and resilience.

Turning Anxiety into Accomplishment: An Interview with a Prosperous Entrepreneur

Anxiety. it’s a word that often carries a sense of dread, a hurdle to overcome. But what if we told you that anxiety could be reframed,transformed into a powerful ally? For one successful entrepreneur,who wishes to remain anonymous,anxiety isn’t a roadblock,but a compass,guiding them towards calculated decisions.We spoke to this individual to uncover their unique approach to managing anxiety and how they’ve turned it into a source of strength.

“Each failure actually becomes an accomplishment,” they shared, a testament to their mindset shift.This leader’s anxiety, rather than crippling them, serves as a signal, prompting them to carefully evaluate risks and make measured choices for both their business and their clients.

“My anxiety has served me well as it helps me to properly evaluate risks and ensure that I’m making the right, measured choices,” they explained. This perspective highlights the importance of embracing discomfort. The very challenges that cause anxiety frequently enough push us to think more critically and strategically, leading to more informed decisions.

By recognizing anxiety as a prompt for deeper consideration,this entrepreneur harnesses its power to navigate uncertainty and emerge even stronger. Their story offers a powerful reminder: anxiety doesn’t have to define us. We can learn to understand it, work with it, and even leverage it to achieve success.

Harnessing Anxiety: An Entrepreneur’s Perspective

Anxiety is often seen as a negative emotion, something to be avoided or medicated away.But what if it could be harnessed as a powerful force? That’s the perspective of one entrepreneur who has learned to reframe anxiety as a signal, an indicator that they’re pushing boundaries and taking on challenges.

“My journey began with acknowledging that anxiety wasn’t something to fear but rather a signal,” they shared. “It often meant I was stepping outside my comfort zone, taking on new challenges, and engaging in critical thinking.”

This shift in perspective has had a profound impact on their decision-making process. “My anxiety has served me well as it also helps me to properly evaluate risks and ensure that I’m making the right,measured choices when dealing with both my business and my clients’ businesses.

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The entrepreneur recognizes that pressure to succeed is a common experience for many in the business world.”many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed,” they acknowledge. “but I encourage others who are struggling with anxiety in the business world to embrace discomfort.”

They emphasize that failure is not the opposite of success, but rather a stepping stone. “remember that failure is not the opposite of success, but a stepping stone. Each setback is an prospect to learn and grow. Challenge yourself, but don’t be afraid to take your time and make calculated moves.”

By reframing anxiety and viewing it as a valuable tool, this entrepreneur has learned to navigate the challenges of business with a greater sense of clarity and purpose. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder that even those seemingly negative emotions can be harnessed for growth and success.

how can individuals struggling with anxiety leverage it’s potential to foster critical thinking and innovation?

Turning Anxiety into accomplishment: An Interview with a Prosperous Entrepreneur

Archyde: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Many people view anxiety as a debilitating condition, but you’ve successfully turned it into a source of strength. Can you share your journey and how you made this shift?

Entrepreneur: It wasn’t easy, to be honest. Anxiety had a tight grip for a long time, making me question my abilities and decisions. but eventually, I realized that my anxiety wasn’t always a negative. There were times when it served as a signal, telling me I was stretching my boundaries, thinking critically, and engaging with something challenging.

Archyde: That’s a powerful perspective shift. How has this reframing impacted your decision-making process?

Entrepreneur: My anxiety, while uncomfortable, helps me evaluate risks more thoroughly. It prompts me to weigh options carefully, consider potential outcomes, and make more measured choices, both for my business and for my clients.

Archyde: Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs who are struggling with anxiety?

Entrepreneur: I understand how overwhelming the pressure to succeed can feel. But remember, failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone. Embrace discomfort. Challenge yourself, but don’t be afraid to take your time, consider all angles, and make those calculated moves.

Archyde: This is truly inspiring. Your story shows us that anxiety can be transformed into a valuable asset.What do you say to those who still see anxiety solely as a negative?

Entrepreneur: I encourage them to look closer. Anxiety can be a powerful driver, pushing us to think critically, innovate, and ultimately grow.It’s about finding the balance, understanding your triggers, and learning to navigate it in a way that empowers you, rather than defines you.