There are a number of challenges that come with being a freelancer. For one, you’re usually your own boss, which can be great if you’re the type of person who thrives on independence. But for others, the lack of structure can be very stressful. Second, you have irregular income, which can add to the stress of managing finances not knowing if you will have enough projects for the next month or quarter. And finally, as a freelancer you can sometimes feel isolated, since there’s not the same social support network that comes with having a 9-to-5 job, considering that most freelancers work from home and the physical contact and interaction with other people is limited.
All of these factors can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. However, there are also a number of things you can do to manage your mental health as a freelancer.
- Make sure to schedule breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
This will help you avoid burnout. Try to have meals in a different place from where you usually work, try to meet family/friends during your week at different times, and sometimes even go for a short walk in the middle of the day can be very helpful. It’s important to give yourself time to recharge to be productive when working.
- Recognize that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
When you’re self-employed, it’s easy to prioritize work over everything else. But it’s important to remember that your mental health is just as important as working out, eating and spending time with your family. Practicing mindfulness is a great way to work on yourself, nowadays there are a substantial number of apps (like mind space) and books to read and reflect about how to practice it in your everyday life. - Take advantage of technology and connect with other freelancers online.
There are a number of online communities and forums where you can connect with others who understand the isolating feeling of working from home by yourself all the time. That’s why it’s important to find a community of other freelancers who understand what you’re going through and attend meet ups, collaborate on projects and just be more socially active. - Set boundaries for your work.
When you work from home, it can be easy to let work consume your entire day. it’s important to set boundaries between your work and personal life. Make sure to set up working times and a limit for yourself every day, and don’t work more than you’re comfortable with.
