Being self-employed comes with a lot of perks—freedom, flexibility and the fantastic feeling of being your own boss. That said, it also brings along a unique blend of stressors that can at times feel overwhelming. 

How to deal with the stress of self-employment

Managing your own business, finances, and time can easily pile on the pressure, especially when you’re juggling multiple tasks with no one else to share the load.

Here are some practical tips to help manage stress when you’re self-employed, so you can focus on the benefits rather than being bogged down by the challenges.

1. Set clear boundaries

One of the biggest struggles of self-employment is the blurring of work and personal time. Without clear boundaries, work can creep into every aspect of your day, making it feel like you’re constantly on the clock. This can quickly lead to burnout if you’re not careful.

You can avoid this by defining set working hours and sticking to them. Let clients know your availability and resist the temptation to respond to work-related emails or calls outside those times. By creating these boundaries, you protect your personal time which is needed for rest and recharging.

2. Prioritise tasks with a daily plan

When you’re the sole person responsible for everything, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a long to-do list. Combat this by planning your day in advance. Break tasks into manageable chunks, prioritising time-sensitive ones first. 

A simple to-do list will suffice, but we recommend trying the time-blocking method. This method can help you stay focused and reduce the anxiety of having too much on your plate. You’ll be surprised at how much a clear plan will help you spend less time stressing about what to tackle next.

3. Learn to say no

As a self-employed person, especially if you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. But saying yes to everything can quickly lead to burnout. Don’t be afraid to be selective with our workload. 

Only take on the projects that align with your goals and values and don’t be afraid to turn down offers that don’t feel quite right. Although it can be scary to say no, doing so means you can free up time and mental space for tasks that really matter. This way you won’t end up feeling stretched too thin. 

4. Can this task be delegated or outsourced?

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Whether it’s bookkeeping, marketing or admin tasks, there are plenty of options for outsourcing aspects of your work. Delegating to others, even on a freelance basis, can reduce your stress significantly.

It allows you to focus on what you do best, and leave other tasks to those that specialise in them. That’s why so many self-employed people trust Crunch with their accounting. A small cost can lead to both time, mental energy and even money saved!

5. Self-care is key!

It’s easy to neglect your well-being when you’re running your own business, but self-care should be non-negotiable. Now, self-care looks different for everybody. But key things like getting exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep are basics you need to maintain your physical and mental health. 

6. A great support network makes a world of difference

Being self-employed can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Connect with other freelancers or business owners, whether online or in person. Building up a network of people who understand the unique stressors you face can help provide both emotional support and practical advice. Good places to start are networking groups, forums, or even co-working spaces. 

7. Take regular breaks

Working for yourself can sometimes lead to marathon work sessions. Especially if you’re under pressure to meet tight deadlines or land the next client. However, long periods of work without a break can actually reduce productivity and increase stress levels.

Schedule regular breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just 10 minutes to step away from the screen. Breaks not only help you relax but can also improve your focus and creativity when you return to work.

8. Manage financial stress

For many self-employed people, money can be a significant source of stress, particularly if income fluctuates. To alleviate financial anxiety, create a realistic budget and plan for lean periods. 

Set aside savings during good months and consider automating part of your finances to ensure regular bills are covered. Keeping your personal and business finances separate can also help create a clearer picture of where you stand financially. 

9. Don’t forget to celebrate your wins!

When you’re constantly looking forward, it can be easy to forget how far you’ve come. Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. 

Acknowledging your progress is a great way to boost morale which can help counterbalance the stress of self-employment. Reflecting on your success can also help give you the motivation to keep pushing forward.

10. Know when to step away

Sometimes, the best way to manage stress is to take a step away from your work altogether, even if it’s just for a day or two. There’s a reason why annual leave makes up a part of your compensation if you’re employed. 

Taking a holiday or a mental health day can help give you the space you need to recharge. It can be tough to imagine getting away when you aren’t entitled to holiday pay like someone with a traditional employer but there are ways to get away with getting away. 

And remember, your business will benefit more from you being well-rested and refreshed than from you pushing through exhaustion. 

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Taking the stress out of self-employment

Stress can often feel inevitable when you’re self-employed. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be all-consuming. One of the simplest ways to alleviate financial stress is by partnering with a reliable accountant. Working with our online accounting services ensures you’re in expert hands. Giving you back the time and peace of mind you need to focus on what you do best.

Interested in hearing more? Book a free consultation with our advisors to see how we can help you. 

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