As if running your own business isn’t stressful enough, the outbreak of COVID-19 has thrown a spanner in the works for many SMEs. If you have been feeling anxious or unsettled, you are not alone.
Research conducted by MYOB found that 66% of small businesses operators reported that COVID-19 has impacted their mental wellbeing. 58% say the outbreak has negatively impacted their business.
To help get through the tough times, we’ve gathered some practical tips on how to keep calm during the chaos.
Be prepared, be flexible
It is easy to get frustrated with restrictions being eased then put back into place. . The best approach to handle these changes is to be prepared and be flexible. Not everything is going to go to plan.
Channel the stress into aspects of your business that you can control like:
- Promoting your business through digital marketing channels– keep your brand alive. While there might be temporary setbacks, keep your social media channels and advertising running to keep your brand alive.
- Communicating with your clients online– let them know if you are open/closed for business, your trading hours and make it easy for them to get in contact by having your contact details clearly displayed.
- Adapting or introducing a new product or service to suit the current environment– many businesses have gotten creative since the outbreak and created new ideas and ways to keep the tills ringing. Examples include introducing a delivery service to the local area, offering services via online mediums when face-to-face isn’t possible, working with other local businesses to pool together produce/services.
Tune out
Each day we are inundated with hundreds of news stories and social media messages. While it is important to stay updated with the situation, you need to make time to step away from the screen.
The BlackDog Institute found that being exposed to constant, alarming, anxiety-inducing stories convinces us that there is something to panic about. This perpetuates myths, rumours, misinformation, uncertainty and anxiety.
Try reducing your screen time and switch to doing some of these activities:
- Go for a walk
- Play with the kids
- Read a book
- Cook a new meal
- Get creative, start an art project
- Do some gardening
- Phone a family member or friend
- Write a to–do list
Make ‘me-time’ happen
It’s easy to forget about yourself when running a business. There’s always the books to read, customers to contact, marketing campaigns to run and if you have time, maybe some sleep. Taking the time to look after yourself should be high on your list of priorities. After all, you are the most valuable asset.
These are some small steps you can take for better self-care:
- Make time for exercise. The wonderful world of YouTube has countless video classes on anything from pilates to spin class. It’s great because it is free and you can do the class at a time that suits you.
- Practice mindfulness. These are some apps that make practising everyday easy: Breathe, Calm and Smiling mind.
- Eat well. Eating a balanced diet with fresh seasonal produce helps maintain health and wellbeing.
Connect and support
Staying connected and talking to others can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. Just voicing your concerns and getting another perspective can help ease stress. Whether it’s a family member, a friend or a workmate, make the time to have a chat to raise your spirits.
If you or someone you know needs professional support, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Visit these sites for resources and information on how to get in contact:
Keep covered
It’s been a roller coaster of a year, and cost-cutting is on the table. In uncertain times, the one thing you can control is how you protect your business. Keeping your business insurance policy active provides peace of mind, especially if a claim were to occur. It’s another financial burden you could do without.
The friendly BizCover team are here to help and are only a phone call or a mouse click away. Whether you’re an existing customer needing assistance or thinking about making the switch, together we’re here to provide a hassle-free experience for Australia’s small business community.
