Finding Your Balance as a Woman Entrepreneur: Strategies for Holistic Alignment and Well-Being
- Shanely Barning
- Oct 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 23
As a woman entrepreneur, navigating the path to achieving harmony in your personal and professional life can feel like a balancing act on a tightrope. I’m Shanely, and I understand this struggle intimately. As the founder of Evergreen Table, I wear many hats: Holistic Nutritionist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), Jay Shetty Certified Life and Success Coach, and Menopause Wellness Coach. My mission is to empower women entrepreneurs like you to find your unique balance and thrive in every aspect of life.
A recent article I read in Forbes revealed a troubling reality: self-employed women are at a higher risk for mental health issues. While awareness is growing, we still face significant challenges. Having worked in the male-dominated coal mining industry, I witnessed firsthand the income disparities that persist, having to work harder to and taking on roles men who were paid significantly higher them and watch them take the credit. Now, as an empowered entrepreneur, I see the pressing need to equip women to succeed and engage fully.
Focusing on Mental Health Crisis for the Woman Entrepreneurs
The statistics are sobering. With around 252 million women entrepreneurs worldwide, the freelance economy is expanding rapidly. Sadly, many self-employed women are battling significant mental health challenges. Research shows that one in five women entrepreneurs has considered suicide, and 25% report poor mental health, a rate higher than that of men.
Isolation plays a crucial role in these mental health dilemmas. A staggering 40% of freelancers regularly experience loneliness, which can contribute to increased rates of depression and anxiety. Building a "friendship bubble" of at least three supportive peers is vital for combating these feelings.
The barriers women face also contribute to financial disparity; women entrepreneurs often earn about 50% less than their male counterparts. This wage gap exacerbates feelings of stress and overwhelm. Approximately 70% of women report experiencing overwhelm, while 22% express a desire to escape their current situations.
The Importance of Mental Well-Being
Laurel Anne Stark of resurgo.co emphasises that business for women is deeply personal, highlighting the importance of mental well-being. Since the pandemic, there has been a noticeable rise in self-employed individuals reporting mental health challenges. Specifically, 54% of women entrepreneurs have faced mental health issues since its onset.
Prioritising mental health is essential for us as women entrepreneurs. Creating a supportive environment at work and at home allows us to thrive. Our mental well-being impacts not just our personal lives, but also our business performance. Studies show that mentally healthy individuals are more productive and creative, allowing for enhanced engagement in their work.
Strategies for Achieving Holistic Alignment
1. Embrace Self-Care
Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. Women entrepreneurs often prioritise others' needs before their own. To find balance, we must make our well-being a priority. This can include:
Physical Activity: Engaging in activities like yoga or walking boosts mood and promotes health.
Mental Practices: Techniques such as meditation or journaling help clear your mind.
Emotional Connections: Regularly connecting with friends can uplift your spirits and provide support.
2. Build Your Support Network
Having a network of supportive fellow women entrepreneurs is incredibly beneficial. This offers encouragement, accountability, and a safe space to share both struggles and successes. Consider joining local groups or online communities to connect with like-minded women who truly understand your journey.
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3. Set Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries is key to maintaining balance in life. This includes learning to say no to opportunities that do not align with your goals or values. Carving out time for relaxation and hobbies is vital. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup; prioritise your time.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing save space for clarity and reduce stress. Integrating these practices into your daily routine can enhance focus and mental clarity, aiding you in addressing personal and professional challenges more effectively.
5. Seek Professional Guidance
Sometimes, external perspectives can illuminate paths forward. Collaborating with a coach or therapist can provide you with valuable insights and strategies for achieving balance. As a certified life and success coach, I am here to guide you in uncovering your true self and aligning your life with your core values.
Moving Ahead
As we progress in our journeys, it's crucial to recognise that the experience of a woman entrepreneur is both unique and complex. The challenges we encounter often differ from those faced by men, and confronting them is essential. By valuing our mental health, developing supportive networks, and practicing holistic strategies, we can create more balanced and fulfilling lives.
While the statistics are concerning, they also urge us to take action. We must advocate for ourselves and each other, driving systemic changes that support women entrepreneurs. Together, we can build a community where women uplift and empower one another, creating an environment where we can truly thrive.
Living Your Best Entrepreneurial Life
I'm not your guru for social media, marketing or creating that course. I here to support you striking the right balance as a woman entrepreneur in not just achieving business success; it means nurturing yourself—mind, body, and spirit. By prioritising self-care, cultivating supportive networks, establishing boundaries, engaging in mindfulness, and seeking professional advice, you can attain holistic alignment in your life.
As I continue on my entrepreneurial journey, I remain committed to helping women like you discover your unique balance. Together, we can build a future where women entrepreneurs flourish not only in business, but also in mental and emotional wellness. Let’s join forces to empower one another towards thriving in every facet of our lives.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Reach out, connect, and together we can work towards a brighter, more balanced future.
This blog has reached you for a purpose, and I am grateful for your time in reading it. May it guide you to your next small step.
Endless Gratitude
Shanely xo
Read Further
The statistics mentioned above are sourced from the Forbes article available at https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicebroster/2020/10/28/self-employed-women-are-at-a-higher-risk-of-having-poor-mental-health-according-to-study/. It is advised to conduct your own research for more details.
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