24 Jul 2025

Taking care of business means taking care of yourself. Look after your mental health this July in Self-Care Month.

Between running a small business, supporting your family, bookkeeping after hours and managing your social media late at night, it’s easy to overlook the most important aspect of your business – you.

As Self-Care Month wraps up with International Self-Care Day (Thursday 24 July 2025), please think about how you can press pause and start building habits to keep you feeling good all year round.

Why is self-care so important ?

Self-care often falls off the list when things get busy. It feels like a ‘luxury’, when others rely on you for help, work and advice. Did you know that taking the time to care for yourself actually helps you face challenges, recover faster and support those who depend on you?

Right now, many business owners are feeling the strain.

Last year, research commissioned by CommBank (2024) found that:

  • 52% of business owners say their mental health had been impacted in the last 12 months by the economic climate.
  • 65% of business owners dealtwith unexpected expenses over the last year.

Because stress and burnout build quietly, we’re reminding you that self-care isn’t a luxury this International Self-Care Day. It’s a tool to help you grow your business without sacrificing your health.

Think of it like your finances: if your business is under pressure, would you wait until you ran out of money to act? In reality, you’d adjust spending, seek a loan or talk to a financial advisor. Your mental health deserves the same kind of attention.

Practical self-care strategies

Self-care has 2 parts and, like a matching pair of socks, they work best when done together.

Self-care actions are habits like exercise, healthy eating, scheduling in downtime, while you cut back on alcohol and smoking. Your wellbeing wins with actions like these.

Self-care interventions are tools like medicines, devices, diagnostic and digital tools that support your self-care journey.

Why not pick one or 2 of these simple tips to try this week? Small steps can make a big difference:

  1. Structure your day: focus on your top 3 tasks (calls, emails, marketing or admin) and don’t forget your lunch breaks – no one’s ever happy on an empty stomach (hangry is a mood).
  2. Create your self-care plan: try a simple self-care plan like this one to help you feel your best every day.
  3. You can’t do everything: surround yourself with a trusted team (employees or workmates) to help you focus on the big picture – it’s a good habit!
  4. Develop a support network: need to bounce ideas off someone who really gets it? Join a business network or online group.

Signs you might be stressed

The signs of stress and burnout can creep up on you. Some common signs to watch out for include:

  • physical signs: fatigue, sleep problems, muscle tension, headaches or digestive issues
  • emotional and mental signs: feeling anxious, overwhelmed, sad or difficulty concentrating
  • behavioural signs: loss of motivation, irritability, relationship difficulties, increased use of alcohol or substances
  • additional stress factors: feelings of isolation, financial pressures or juggling multiple roles.

If you’re starting to notice any of these signs in yourself or those around you, it might be time to think about some supportive strategies.

Support services for small business owners

Professional help is always available to small business owners, no matter what’s troubling you.

For workplace mental health support, check out:

If you or someone you know needs help, the following services are available:

If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, please seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000).