mental health-conscious

Startup founders often disregard the need to calm down and take time off. The excitement of building new can quickly turn the most passionate bunch into irresponsible workaholics. The dopamine spikes founders receive by achieving short term goals makes them feel better about themselves in the short-term. This however, in the long run can quickly turn into bad trouble.

This is also seen in executive members in startups. In exchange for company shares they literally sacrifice their own life by refusing to take time off, schedule down-time, and in general become more conscious of their mental health needs. Without executives building the actual product, investors are less likely to fund an early-stage company. And so the circle continues.

We at Coara will give you some tips to improve your relationship with time, and figure out what works best for you.

Working effectively vs working too much

You may have heard of founders that are able to perform at their peak for most hours per day. When their habits remain unchecked, you could assume that they function on the basis of stimulants or other substances that provide mental clarity and focus. These are often prescribed drugs that could have a negative effect on a person’s psyche in the long run.

Not many people that work in startups are able to control their limits. What may seem like a normal amount of work can quickly turn into too much, making breakdowns inevitable. A cheap and ineffective way to keep the engine going is to fill up with stimulants like caffeine and the more modern approach of smart drugs. These are not only prescription-based but also bad for health conscious individuals.

Even so, however, people end up with a lack of mental focus, unpleasant bodily sensations and an overall lack of motivation to work. In a society that praises long working hours, there are more youngsters experiencing the negative of mental breakdown and a productivity crash.

How to escape the danger of breakdowns

Breakdowns can be resolved. Better yet, you don’t need to fall into the trap of overworking yourself. The following tips will help you build a structured working day and prioritize your health:
  • Breaks are not a shame - Drop your phone at the office and go for a walk. Better yet, go for a bike ride in nature. There are many ways to escape the sense of overwhelm after a long streak of working hours.
  • Hydrate more - Drinking water helps your body work better. Digestion improves significantly and so does mental clarity and focus. Without a well-working machine, it becomes increasingly difficult to produce effective work.
  • Pomodoro rule - The pomodoro rule is simple - work 25 minutes and stop for 5. Repeat this for the duration of your work day. By maximizing the effectiveness and concentration of a short-term work burst, individuals are able to reward themselves with frequent short breaks along the way.


Closing remarks

Start by finding a working tempo that suits your individual needs. Not everyone is the same. Some may enjoy working for a few hours in the mornings before hitting the gym to clear their mind. Others get their creative genius during the late hours of the night. Whatever it may be, it is best to ask yourself questions that will help you build a suitable schedule. One that will allow you to take frequent breaks when you most need them. And this article has helped you do just that. By understanding the principles shared in this post, you should be on your way to making a positive change in your daily routine.

Finally, if you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We always appreciate questions from our audience and are looking forward to collaborate with you in any way that suits you best.