22 Aug Loneliness as a Business Owner
Loneliness as a business owner – why running a business can be so isolating
It’s no secret that isolation and loneliness as an entrepreneur or business owner is quite common. There are many reasons why we are so vulnerable, and they are not all bad. The same drive that compels us to start and build our businesses can result in us spending all hours on it, to the detriment of everything else. Again, if the family and friends around us know nothing about running a business, that can make us feel isolated. If we are working at home, this can make matters even worse. We are not working alongside people, or even passing the time of day with the barista on the way to the office.
You might not even notice this isolation for a while, especially if there are lots of exciting developments going in with your business. However, there sometimes comes a point when you stop and realise that you are on your own, that your past friends and colleagues have moved on, and those feelings of loneliness start crowding in. And loneliness is something we need to take in hand, as it can be deadly. Loneliness has been linked to depression, stress, increased physical response to stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, low self-esteem, sleep issues, cognitive problems, decision-making issues, dementia and memory loss, as well as a negative impact on our business.
How to deal with loneliness as a business owner
Whilst isolation can feel very scary, it’s important to know that loneliness can be addressed. There are three main ways of doing this. The first is by joining or further embedding yourself within a community. A sense of community is a human need for us all. We need to feel that we belong somewhere.
Joining communities
Communities can be formal, like book groups or workshops, or informal, such as a group of friends or neighbours. It can take time to make new friendships if you are new to a community; months even. This is why it makes sense to think of secondary gains if you are considering what community to join. If you like reading, a book group makes sense. Sports clubs and teams bring you physical exercise. Activist organisations, political groups, faith groups and volunteering also bring meaning and purpose, a massive need for us all.
Making connections
The second is by strengthening connections. Each of us needs someone in our lives who accepts us for who we are, warts and all. This doesn’t have to be a romantic partner. It could be a friend, sibling, parents or even your dog or cat!
Feeling less alone
Finally, we can work on feeling happier in our own company. Of course, if we don’t have connections and a sense of community then these are the priority. However, there are many people who find it hard to be on their own, and learning to enjoy this can bring down the feelings of distress associated with being alone.
If you are feeling alone and isolated, please do book a call or contact me to discuss a plan to help you feel connected and feeling better.
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