Ways to Protect Your Mental Health as a Freelancer
Building a successful freelance career is not for the fainthearted. Heading it alone indeed has its benefits, but it also requires a lot of effort. If you want your freelance career to last, you must maintain good mental health. Still, it’s easier to keep your mental health in check when you’re a freelancer. You can take time off when you need to, you can work the hours in the day that suits your lifestyle, and you can choose who you work for and stay away from toxic employers.
Let us share some easy ways you can protect your mental health in the freelance industry.
Keep Track of Your Nutrition and Diet
Freelancers often disregard their health and diet in some way. It’s simple to justify skipping meals, snacking on junk food, staying up all night, and other bad habits while you’re home alone. If you don’t take diet and health seriously, your mental and physical health, energy levels, and job performance will suffer. In addition, ensure you get enough sleep as it helps us feel more energized and refreshed upon waking.
Know the Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout is a syndrome caused by extended periods of severe stress. If left ignored, it could induce substantial mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. Knowing the signs and symptoms is the first step in preventing and dealing with the illness. Signs and symptoms include irritability, persistent weariness, recurring diseases, having escape thoughts, withdrawing, and isolation from those around.
Set Clear and Defined Work Limits
Having a schedule in place will also aid in establishing limits with clients. If you let your clients know when you’re available to answer their emails and phone calls, they won’t be surprised if you don’t respond to them during the weekend. Having this time off also frees you from the feeling that you should be working. If you know when you want to begin and end your workday, as well as when you want to have a break and get some exercise, you can tailor your schedule to meet your own needs and preferences.
