Mental health is an often overlooked, yet essential element for ensuring the success of your business.
Among the major challenges entrepreneurs face, loneliness looms large. When you launch a business, you usually start alone, which can quickly weigh on your morale. I've been there too, and here are the tips that changed my life.
SOCIAL INTERACTIONS: A NECESSITY
Working alone means not having colleagues with whom to connect, share your successes and doubts. And yet, social interaction is central to every individual's well-being. Cutting yourself off from these interactions can exacerbate feelings of loneliness.
Over time, I've learned to create opportunities for socializing. Personally, I signed up for Pilates classes every week, and it's truly changed my life. These sessions allow me to take care of my body (hello office job!) but also to connect with other people. Just an hour a week has made me feel more surrounded.
I've also adopted another habit: working at least once a week in a local cafe. Even if I stay focused on my computer, being around other people and exchanging pleasantries makes a real difference in my week. I miss it when I don't go.
My advice:
- Find activities you're passionate about.
- Work in a coworking space or a local cafe.
- Go out and meet people!
CREATE AN ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK
One of the hardest things about working alone is not having someone to share your thoughts with. Sure, friends and family can be helpful, but they don't always understand the specifics of being an entrepreneur.
Personally, I felt much less alone when I started connecting with other female entrepreneurs on Instagram. We found similarities in our journeys and shared advice. These discussions, even digital ones, helped me feel understood and supported.
I was also fortunate to join the Pepite HESAM Entrepreneur program, which allowed me to meet wonderful people and benefit from affordable coworking spaces. Organizing work sessions with other entrepreneurs was also an excellent solution—provided you choose your partners wisely (beware of the chatterboxes!). Finally, a friend often accompanied me to cafes to work together and motivate each other.
Another thing that really helped me was that several people offered to help me launch my business: a photographer, a website designer, and a content creator for communications and marketing. This was a tremendous support, and I was lucky to have such support at the very beginning, accepting their help.
My advice:
- Connect with other entrepreneurs on Instagram or through word of mouth.
- Join mentoring programs to receive support.
- Organize working sessions with other motivated entrepreneurs.
TAKE ON AN INTERN: AN UNDERESTIMATED SOLUTION
Another thing that really helped me feel less alone was taking on an intern. As soon as it was possible, I hired one for two months, and it changed everything.
Being able to think out loud, share my ideas, receive feedback, and, above all, have a more structured schedule that has allowed me to rediscover a more enjoyable work dynamic. It's an excellent way to break the loneliness while bringing new energy to your business.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TIME DEDICATED TO PERSONAL LIFE
Being an entrepreneur means living life in the fast lane: working late into the evening, not having weekends... I myself fell into this spiral, thinking it was necessary to succeed. In reality, it decreased my efficiency and increased my feelings of loneliness.
At one point, I was so tired and unmotivated that I believed it was due to my isolation. I felt guilty about not being productive enough, when in reality, I had mononucleosis (the kissing disease). This realization taught me an essential lesson: it's essential to take time off.
Today, I place great importance on these moments off. They allow me to regain energy and, paradoxically, boost my creativity.
My advice:
- Schedule breaks and stick to them.
- Give yourself weekends off (truly without work).
- Make time to do what you love.
IN CONCLUSION
Overcoming loneliness as an entrepreneur takes effort, but it's worth it. By implementing these tips, you'll build a healthy and balanced work environment.
Taking care of yourself is your greatest asset for the success of your business.
Alexandra 🤍
