Friday 10th October marked World Mental Health Day – a timely reminder that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of ourselves and our businesses. Whether you’re an estate agent juggling clients and listings, a car dealer meeting monthly targets, a small business owner wearing a dozen hats, or a Virtual Assistant supporting others remotely – mental health touches us all.
In an ‘always-on’ world, it’s easy to overlook the warning signs of stress and burnout. Yet the truth is simple – your life and your business can’t thrive if you’re running on empty. The same goes for your team. Fortunately, with self-awareness and simple, consistent habits, we can all build resilience and protect our mental wellbeing.
Let’s start with a reminder that mental health care isn’t just for when things go wrong. It’s about daily maintenance – like topping up a fuel tank. Whether you’re in an office, on the showroom floor, or working from home, here are five ways to stay grounded and mentally well.
- Check in with yourself regularly
Take a few minutes each day to notice how you’re feeling – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Are you tense? Irritable? Drained? Often, we push through stress until it becomes overwhelming. Self-awareness helps you catch those early signs. Estate agents might find it useful to pause between viewings and ask, “How am I doing?”; VAs might reflect at the end of each task cycle. This mindful check-in can stop burnout before it starts.
- Set realistic boundaries
When you run a small business or support one, it’s easy to blur the line between work and life. You want to please clients, close deals, and keep momentum. But saying yes to everything can leave you exhausted. Protect your time – and your sanity – by setting boundaries. That might mean not replying to emails after 6 p.m., scheduling regular breaks, or clearly defining ‘off duty’ hours. Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re essential for sustainability.
- Stay connected – even when working remotely
Isolation is a silent stressor, especially for Virtual Assistants or hybrid workers. Humans are social creatures, and a lack of connection can elevate anxiety or loneliness. Reach out to colleagues, clients, or online communities. Have a quick chat that isn’t about work. Estate agency and car sales teams can foster connection by starting the day with a quick catch-up or ending the week with a light-hearted team call. Relationships at work build trust – and trust supports mental wellbeing.
- Celebrate small wins
In the rush to meet targets, it’s easy to skip over achievements. But celebrating small victories – closing a tricky sale, completing a project, or even just staying consistent on tough days – boosts morale. For business owners, make it part of your culture to recognise effort, not just outcomes. For VAs and freelancers, keep a “win list” to remind yourself of what you’ve accomplished. Acknowledging progress fuels motivation and confidence.
- Ask for help early
There’s strength in reaching out. Whether it’s to a mentor, friend, GP, or therapist, speaking up can lighten the load. Mental health struggles thrive in silence, but they lose power when shared. For business owners, create a culture where employees know it’s okay to talk about stress or personal challenges. For VAs and freelancers, build a small support network of peers who understand the pressures of remote work.
Mental health is a shared responsibility
Mental health is everyone’s business. Employers need to create environments that encourage openness and balance. Employees, in turn, must look after themselves and speak up when needed.
So, in October, take a moment to reflect – not just on how hard you’re working, but on how you’re feeling. You are your most valuable asset. Protecting your wellbeing isn’t a luxury – it’s good business sense because healthy people build healthy businesses. And when we take care of ourselves – and each other – everyone thrives.