October 10th is World Mental Health Day. What better time to talk about its importance, and spark conversations around mental health?

A popular default of most small business owners and entrepreneurs is to work, work, and overwork, but that’s not a good habit for your mind or body. I’ve fallen into that trap. If you have too, here’s a friendly reminder to stop. My favorite equation today:

Mind over business + body over business = better quality of life (and business!).

Over the last year and a half there has been an upward trend in the need for more mental healthcare worldwide. My hope is for an increased awareness and acceptance of mental health issues, that we’re more open about how we’re feeling, and more receptive and empathetic toward others. I cannot emphasize it enough: You must take care of your mental health to be able to adequately take care of your business, and others.

So let’s get personal. Here’s what I do to nurture my mental health:

Go to a therapist – Yep. I go, and even when I feel “fine” or as though I may not really require it. Speaking with a therapist is such a good way to check myself and refine the tools I already have to navigate through my thoughts and feelings. Over the years, I’ve found that going to therapy is a cornerstone of being of service to myself, and subsequently others and my business.

Exercise – I know, based on most of my Weekly Wake Ups, it’s pretty obvious that my work out routine is what keeps me in check. Physical activity and mental health go hand in hand, each boosts the other, but you already know that. I try to keep it interesting, alternating weight training, biking and running. You don’t have to be an olympian. Just taking a walk or a hike is a great way to step away from your business (see what I did there?) and clear your mind.

Spend time with loved ones – Carving out time to spend quality time with family and friends is something I used to put on the back burner. What a mistake. Not only were those relationships not being nurtured, but time away from them was only to my detriment. The relationships in my life truly keep me going. Between the laughs and support, I am constantly uplifted by them.

Create a ritual – My early morning rituals set my day up so that I’ve already accomplished something before I even leave the house. I work out, have a meditation of gratitude, sometimes I journal and practice guitar. Before I leave the house for the office I’ve already accomplished a few things that feed my soul, and that positions me to feel more ease throughout the day. 

What is your mental health routine? I hope this question becomes as popular as asking each other what their other routines are. 

We need you – the world is starving for your success. If you take care of yourself; of your mind, and it will help you take care of the rest of us. 

Be good to you!

• Mike

P.S. Check out these mental health resources including hotlines here.