Balancing Business and Well-Being: Mental Health Tips for Busy Women

As women entrepreneurs in Michiana, we wear many hats — founder, mother, leader, partner, friend, and everything in between. While building businesses and empowering our communities, it's easy to let our mental health slide to the bottom of the to-do list. But the truth is: our well-being is the foundation of everything we build.

Here’s how we can take care of our mental health, even when our schedules are packed to the brim:

1. Start Your Day with Intention

Even five minutes in the morning to breathe deeply, stretch, or journal can set a tone of calm for your day. Don’t underestimate the power of a slow start — it can create resilience before the rush begins.

2. Time Block for Wellness

If it's not scheduled, it likely won’t happen. Add short wellness blocks into your calendar like you would any meeting. Whether it's a 10-minute walk, a mid-day meditation, or a screen break, treating self-care as a priority rather than a luxury helps reinforce its importance.

3. Build Boundaries into Your Business

When you’re the boss, the boundaries are yours to set — but that can also make them easy to break. Define clear working hours, delegate when possible, and don’t apologize for protecting your off time. Your clients and team will respect the example you set.

4. Connect with Other Women Entrepreneurs

Running a business can feel isolating, but you are not alone. The Michiana Women Entrepreneur Alliance exists for this very reason — to foster community, mentorship, and shared understanding. We’re all in this together.

5. Say No (Without Guilt)

Not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Saying no to things that drain your energy is saying yes to your long-term sustainability. You don’t need to justify your boundaries — honoring them is enough.

6. Check In with Yourself Often

You regularly review your business performance. Do the same with your mental health. Ask: Am I feeling supported? Am I sleeping well? Do I feel overwhelmed more than energized? If you need help, seek it without hesitation. Therapists, coaches, and even brief mental health check-ins can make a world of difference.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Every task completed, every client helped, every lesson learned is a reason to pause and recognize your progress. Don’t wait for a huge milestone to feel proud. Your mental health thrives when you feel acknowledged — even if it's by yourself.

You are your business’s most valuable asset. Taking care of your mental health isn't a distraction from your success — it’s a catalyst for it. Here at MWEA, we see your strength and your hustle. But we also want to remind you: slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. It means staying in the race — stronger, steadier, and more whole.

Let’s grow our businesses and take care of ourselves. Together.