Did you know loneliness can impact your mental health?
It can cause stress, anxiety and depression and is increasingly becoming an epidemic in the modern world. And there’s that old saying, ‘It can be lonely at the top.’ Entrepreneurship or being the big boss can be a lonely journey. It is however mostly ignored and rarely discussed. I know many business owners who shy away from networking, sometimes because they are too busy and ‘can’t find the time’ and sometimes because the reality is they are becoming social recluses.
Long working hours impact the opportunity to attend social activities or often, the stress of setting up and running your own business can leave even the strongest of characters questioning themselves if they don’t have others to bounce off. This can then lead to feelings of uncertainty and insecurity in their own ability to succeed.
Many entrepreneurs also report money worries as a reason for this increasing level of social isolation and anxiety, whilst other solopreneurs and freelances work from home which can often be remote and lonely, with no sense of workplace community. Even successful business leaders of larger corporate companies can feel isolated in a room full of their employees, often ostracised from the social functions organised by a team that they created and not having anyone to talk to about their struggles because it will create anxiety among the team.
Dr Cacioppo, co – author of the bestselling book ‘Loneliness: Human nature and the need for social connection’ states that ‘loneliness changes our thoughts, which changes the chemistry of our brains’. This in turn results in huge amount of unwanted side effects.
Signs of loneliness can vary but will predominantly include symptoms such as panic or anxiety, depression, overthinking and lack of motivation. From this, habits can form such as comfort eating or increased alcohol consumption at home. However, you dont have to face this all alone! To combat the overwhelming feeling that being at the top can often bring, you could go out and network, make some real-world human connections and find the right support network for you. You may also find it helpful to find an accountability buddy to help share ideas and gain support when you are struggling.
Join a club or a social media group to meet like-minded people with the same interests or hobbies or simply make sure you make time to get to see your old friends for some light relief, company and support. It’s easy to become a recluse and go into your ‘igloo’ or fall victim to the virtual world and bury your head in your work. Calendar something in even if it’s once a month and go out there and be a social butterfly.
Life is short and it is so important to make the effort to stay connected and be happy. Remember why you started working for yourself in the first place and go grab that fulfilling work/life balance with both hands.
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