Businesses are suddenly struggling with an unexpected and unprecedented economic downturn, leaving many entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed, anxious and frustrated about the lack of control they have over their future.
But what’s the answer? More work? Longer hours? The answer isn’t so obvious.
With people around the world facing unprecedented financial challenges and health issues in the wake of Coronavirus, staying mentally healthy is more important than ever before; and in fact, it could be the key to success.
The founder of Blue Ocean Life, Mike Coughlin, knows how positive mental health can fuel success, and he believes that taking time away from the bustle of everyday life could be the answer. (And there’s been no better opportunity to break free of your former routine than right now.)
Blue Ocean Life is a clothing line with a simple goal. It wants to spread awareness of the importance of mental health, and how taking time away from technology and the office enhances well-being.
Coughlin explains, “It is certainly very challenging to maintain a healthy mentality during times of crisis or uncertainty. It’s mainly because our “always on,” 24/7 news and social media world is fueling the frenzy so that we can hardly escape it. “
The tragic loss of his brother, the endless stress of building a marketing agency and the ego hit of moving back in with his parents at age 29 dealt destructive blows that led to chronic depression, anxiety and insomnia. Since breaking free of the zero-sum mentality, Coughlin is building a successful fashion and lifestyle brand while relentlessly pursuing a happier, healthier existence.
If you’re like so many other people around the world, and you find yourself rebuilding your life or business due to forces beyond your control, here are a few expert insights on how you can protect your happiness and well-being during these trials. Better yet, they might actually help you be more successful.
Shift Your Lifeview
Source: Surfers Health Medical Centre
A digital nomad is someone who can work remotely and chooses to engage in a long-term travel plan while doing so. Nomads write articles from remote beaches, consult clients from hotel balconies, and make important calls from airport lounges. According to research from MBO Partners, around 4.8 million people consider themselves digital nomads.
While you might not be quite ready to follow Coughlin’s lead on creating a location-independent lifestyle, this level of personal freedom requires embracing a non-corporate way of thinking. The mentality challenges the myth that working harder and making more money leads to more success and happiness.
Instead of chasing wealth and happiness through overspending, overworking or outdoing the competition, focus on pursuing profit while helping others.
Research shows that helping others and volunteering improves our mental well being.
Giving back to others not only improves your own mental condition but also the collective society’s, making our world a better, stronger place for creativity and satisfaction to thrive.
By shifting your perspective on what success really means, and stepping outside of the corporate box, you open up a world of possibilities for helping others and creating a better life for yourself.
Find Your Driving Inspiration
Source: Medium
Modern consumers want to do business with organizations and brands that are socially conscious and have similar values.
When wealth is the ultimate goal, you will find yourself living a strive-for-more lifestyle. Not only can customers spot this mentality a mile away, but this sort of thinking is bad for your health.
When you replace the goal of ‘more, more, more’ with something more meaningful, you are likely to find new ideas in unexpected places. By being tuned in to a greater purpose, you’re likely to be more creative, and work your way through road blocks easier.
Finding a purpose to drive you will also get you through the tough times. What things are you passionate about? What will being successful bring you? By finding the answer to these questions, you can find your driving force.
For Coughlin, keeping his older brother’s memory alive drives his pursuit of creating a better future for himself and others by promoting positive mental health. He also draws inspiration from empowering others to overcome their struggles and chase their dreams without sacrificing their well-being.
Look for Your Happy Place Outdoors
Source: Your Training Edge
Studies have found that spending time in nature is good for your physical and mental health; in fact, some studies indicate that being in nature is a natural way to fight depression, anxiety, and a host of other maladies.
Coughlin is an advocate for finding natural ways to improve mental health. He found his haven for escaping stress, clearing his mind and gaining clarity on his next steps while meditating on the serene beaches of Cape Cod.
“Set aside some time to take a break from the screen and go for a walk outside to get some fresh air and sunshine. If possible, get close to a body of water and ideally the ocean, if possible, as it has tremendous healing benefits for the mind,” says the Blue Ocean Life founder.
Whether you go for a walk in your neighborhood, or take a new route to walk your pet while most of society is under lockdown order, getting closer to nature has a real impact on healing mental, emotional and spiritual wounds. Being in nature can be a good way to practice mindfulness, and tune out the noise of everyday life and the 24/7 news cycle.
When we immerse ourselves in an outdoor experience, we feel more grounded, we are reconnected to a greater purpose and we benefit from nature’s healing effects. Being in nature can improve clarity, and focus, and boost happiness, which in turn impact our ability to be successful.
When it comes to being successful, it’s never just about the money. In fact, if it’s just about the money, it could come at a price to your physical, mental and emotional well being.
Being successful is about finding something that drives you, staying mentally healthy, and leaving a positive impact on others.
