Freelancers Mental Health With Infographic

Freelancing can be a great way to be your own boss, set your own hours, and work on projects that you’re passionate about. However, it can also be a lot of work and can affect your mental health.

Here are some facts about self-employed people in the UK:

In April 2023, there were 4.4 million self-employed people in the UK.
Self-employed are more likely to be male, younger, and have a higher level of education.
Self-employed are also more likely to experience mental health problems than the employed population.

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Freelancers Mental Health Infographic

Below is an infographic with some facts and information about how freelancing can be made easier on mental health. We will also discuss this further in this post.

Infographic is from the Rehab Recovery website; further details on their work are available on their site.

Here are some ways that freelancing can impact mental health:

Work-life balance: Freelance workers often work long hours and may have difficulty finding a balance between work and personal life. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Financial insecurity: Freelance workers may experience financial insecurity due to fluctuations in income. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Loneliness: Freelance workers may feel isolated and lonely due to working from home or not having regular contact with colleagues. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression.

Tips on Freelancers Looking After Mental Health

Here are some tips for freelancers to look after their mental health; we will look at each of these in more detail later:

Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries between work and personal life. This means working set hours, taking breaks, and not checking work emails or messages outside of work hours.
Take care of yourself: Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. These activities can help to reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
Connect with others: Find ways to connect with other freelancers or people in your industry. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance.

Freelancing can be a great way to work, but it’s important to take care of your mental health. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of experiencing mental health problems and improve your overall well-being. We will look at each one in more detail.

What organisations are available in the UK to help with Mental Health?

There are many organisations available in the UK to help with mental health. Here are a few of the most well-known:

Mind is a mental health charity that provides information and support to people with mental health problems and their families.
Rethink Mental Illness: Rethink Mental Illness is another mental health charity that provides support and information to people with mental health problems and their families.
The Samaritans: The Samaritans is a suicide prevention charity that provides emotional support to anyone in distress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

These are just a few of the many organisations available in the UK to help with mental health. If you are struggling with your mental health, there is help available. Please reach out to one of these organisations or another that you feel comfortable with.

Ideas That Might Help with Mental Health

There are a few things that as a freelancer you might like to try to help. These include joining a networking group, budgeting and finding a business coach.

Local Networking Groups

Joining local networking groups is a great way to meet other self-employed people and build relationships that can help your business grow. Here are a few of the benefits of joining a local networking group:

Meet other self-employed people: Networking groups are a great way to meet other people who are self-employed, like you. This can be a great way to make friends, find new business opportunities, and get support from people who understand what you’re going through.
Learn from others: Networking groups often feature guest speakers who can share their expertise and advice. This can be a great way to learn new things and improve your business skills.
Get involved in the community: Networking groups often get involved in local events and initiatives. This can be a great way to give back to your community and make a difference.

If you think that joining a networking group will help with your mental health and business goals, here are a few tips for finding and joining a local networking group:

Search online: There are many online directories that list networking groups in your area. A quick Google search should turn up a few options.
Ask around: Talk to other self-employed people you know and ask if they know of any good networking groups.
Attend events: Many networking groups hold regular events, such as breakfast meetings, luncheons, and happy hours. Attending these events is a great way to meet other people and learn more about the group.

Once you’ve found a few networking groups that you’re interested in, it’s time to start attending meetings and events. Be sure to introduce yourself to people and ask them about their businesses.

Here are a few additional tips for networking effectively:

Be prepared: Before you attend a networking event, be sure to have business cards and brochures ready to hand out. You should also have a brief elevator pitch prepared that explains what you do and how you can help others.
Be genuine: People can spot a fake a mile away. Be yourself and be genuine in your interactions with others.
Be helpful: People are more likely to remember you if you’re helpful and offer to help them with their business.
Follow-up: After you meet someone, be sure to follow up with them by email or phone. This will show that you’re interested in building a relationship with them.

Budgeting for Business or Personal

Financial stress can take a significant toll on mental health, especially for freelancers who must manage income fluctuations and uncertainty. High levels of financial stress can lead to:

Anxiety and depression
Sleep disturbances
Decreased productivity and focus
Strained relationships

Keeping track of your expenses allows you to identify areas where cost-cutting might be necessary, freeing up resources for your business. Additionally, planning for unexpected expenses, such as equipment repairs or medical emergencies, helps prevent financial stress. Set aside a portion of your income each month for an emergency fund to cover these costs if possible.

Budgeting for both personal and business expenses helps reduce financial stress by providing a clear picture of your financial situation. With a well-structured budget, you can:

Make informed decisions about spending and saving
Prioritise essential expenses
Monitor your progress toward financial goals
Feel more in control of your finances

At Business Accounting Basics we have created a Excel budget template that can be used for either business or personal use. We have included full instructions on use and some ideas on how to budget if self-employed.

Set Boundaries

As a freelancer, it’s crucial to set boundaries between work and home life to maintain mental well-being. Without these boundaries, it’s easy to blur the line between the two, leading to feelings of burnout and overwhelm.

Freelancers operating from their homes are particularly susceptible to this, with the physical space of both life aspects often overlapping. A clear separation between work and home creates structure, which helps lessen stress and anxiety and promotes a healthier and happier lifestyle. By setting reasonable limits on work hours and designating specific areas in the house for work only, freelancers can protect their mental health and sustain their productivity over the long term.

Finding a Business Coach

Having an experienced business mentor or coach can be incredibly beneficial to freelancers. A good coach will provide support and guidance, helping you stay focused on your goals and motivating you when times get tough.

Business coaching is more than just giving advice; it’s about creating lasting change through action-oriented plans. Coaches should have a clear understanding of the unique challenges freelancers face, such as managing income fluctuations and dealing with clients. They also need to be well-versed in the latest trends in business operations and marketing so they can provide real value to their clients.

Finding a coach that fits your needs can take some time, but it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Take Care of Yourself

Above all, remember to take care of yourself. Freelancing is a demanding job, and it’s important to make time for rest and relaxation. Make sure you carve out time in your schedule for hobbies or activities that help you relax and recharge. Exercise, yoga, meditation, and reading are all great ways to reduce stress and promote positive mental health.

A healthy diet is also important for maintaining mental clarity and focus. Eating nutritious meals regularly will give you the energy to tackle big projects and stay in top condition during long workdays.

No matter how busy your work life gets, it’s essential to prioritise self-care so you can continue doing the work you love without burning out.

Overall, maintaining good mental health is an ongoing process that requires effort. By following the tips above – joining a networking group, budgeting for both personal and business expenses, setting boundaries between home life and work life, finding a business coach, and taking care of yourself – you can create a balance between work and life that supports your mental well-being. Good luck!