According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health 72% of entrepreneurs are directly or indirectly affected by mental health issues compared to 48% of non-entrepreneurs. Not many openly discuss this topic on our islands. It is still regarded as a taboo. However, during my leadership development programs I do address this issue, especially now, and I come to the conclusion that many people on our islands currently are struggling to keep their mental balance. In many cases they feel that they lack tools to deal with stress and anxiety that is caused by the (economic) impact of the pandemic.
The importance of your mental balance becomes even more obvious once you realize that a positive mindset is essential to keep your business afloat. Many do not know the impact of their mindset and the importance to surround themselves with positive energy, even though their situation may not be that positive at all right now.
As the late Albert Einstein said: Everything is energy and that is all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy, this is physics.
A positive mindset will lead to higher energy and you will start to operate on a higher frequency, increase your performance and be able to achieve your goals. It clears your mind and opens the doors to your intuition which sparkles your creativity and could lead to impressive innovations. Especially now, we need the creativity and be able to find solutions to make sure we survive the impact of the pandemic on our business.
Remaining on a lower energy level will not help you to come up with solutions for your current situation. But how do you raise your energy level and maintain it? How can you start to operate on that higher frequency level and reach your goals like Einstein has mentioned? Here are the following tips to increase your energy level by feeding your mind, body and soul:
How do you feed your mind?
When we look 24/7 on the internet and at the daily news and read and hear all the (sad and negative) news and stories that are happening around the world, It affects our mind. Of course, we need to stay updated on what’s happening around the world, but make sure that you limit this news and feed your mind for the most part with positive, motivational and/or uplifting information that will increase your energy level and propel your mind into that higher frequency.
Regular exercise
Many people are still not aware of the positive impact on your mind, body and soul when you exercise. When you exercise your mood will elevate because of the release of endorphins (happy hormones). Exercise also reduces levels of body stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. So, you will feel better, happier and have much more positive energy.
Journaling
After a very stressful day it helps to journal about it, because it helps to release your thoughts and feelings. Journal to practice gratitude will prevent you also from spiraling. You cannot feel intense gratitude and stress and anxiety at the same time. You will feel more positively and have more energy when you practice gratitude daily.
Meditate
Up until this day many view meditation as something religious, vague and a tool that is only applied by the so-called enlightened people in this world. Nothing is farther from the truth. Daily meditation is a tool that is widely used in leadership development programs and brings among other benefits tranquility, focus, clarity and peace of mind.
Sleep
Sufficient sleep each night (7-9 hrs) is essential for many reasons and only brings health benefits e.g. when you sleep better, your mood improves, it improves your memory and it can boost your immune system.
Eat healthily
Healthy food provides energy for the body. When you choose to consume lots of sugar, it influences your hormones, thus your mood negatively. Make sure you know what you put into your body and choose to only consume food that will affect your body and mind positively.
Once you start applying abovementioned tips consistently, your energy level increases and you will maintain this positive vibe. Your mind becomes clearer and you may be able to see opportunities and thus find solutions for your business that is facing serious challenges right now. And even if it turns out that your business cannot be saved anymore, you will be able to see and crystalize new opportunities due to the fact that you operate on a higher (positive) energy level and frequency.
Hang in there. You are definitely not alone. Talk to people that you trust about your thoughts and feelings and start to work on yourself actively and intentionally. Make sure you focus on you, your energy level and your business.