Self Care For Veterans Pursuing Business Ownership: Making Your Health A Priority

By Erica Francis

         Veterans and people with disabilities often find themselves struggling to find a good fit when it comes to traditional employment. Whether one is dealing with physical disabilities or mental health issues, a regular job can be challenging to maintain. For many people in this type of situation, owning a business for themselves is a more desirable path to take. However, business ownership can be challenging and recognizing the need for self care as you build your business is essential.

Civilian jobs are not always a good fit for veterans

The Miami Herald explains that it can be rather difficult for military veterans to find a good fit for employment in the civilian sector. The expectations and skills needed to be successful can feel like a major disconnect from how things are done in the military. In addition, a veteran's health issues like physical disabilities or mental health challenges such as depression or addiction can make traditional employment all the more challenging.

Adjusting to civilian life can be difficult enough, but feeling obligated to take a job that is a poor fit for a veteran's needs can add stress and take a substantial toll on a veteran's health. This can be an additionally difficult hurdle if a veteran's health issues include invisible injuries such as PTSD or traumatic brain injuries. For many veterans, turning to business ownership becomes a better fit.

Finding balance can be difficult, but essential, in building a business

Business ownership can be rewarding and lucrative, but it can be stressful and overwhelming as well. Veterans are accustomed to big challenges and stress, but in this new type of setting it can be difficult to find and maintain a healthy balance and taking care of one's health often falls to the wayside.

The Armed Forces Benefit Association details that as veterans adjust to civilian life and perhaps embark on starting their own business that they should work to focus on one step at a time and be patient with themselves and how slowly things may progress. Try to establish a predictable daily routine and make sure you incorporate physical activity, quality dietary choices, family time, and self care time into your routine.

Watch for signs of health trouble and practice self care

It is wise for veterans to watch for issues like sleep problems and a loss of appetite during the process of adjusting to civilian life and building a business. Make the Connection adds that if you are feeling on edge, angry, or irritable much of the time, or feeling a loss of interest in regular activities, it is critical that you reach out to a therapist, doctor, or trusted loved one to get help and support.

Therapy and medication can help to alleviate issues of PTSD, depression, or anxiety in relation to a veteran's health. When you are working on starting your own business, you may feel as if self care needs to be a low priority. As Entrepreneur suggests, however, self care may need to be one of your very highest priorities as you embark on business ownership.

Starting your own business requires you to bring your best to the process, as you need to take care of yourself before you can succeed with your new idea. Daily Worth suggests scheduling time at the gym, a few moments for meditation, family time, or an opportunity to pursue your hobbies to ensure that you are in the best position possible in terms of your mental health to build your dream business.

Owning a business can be a dream come true for veterans transitioning into civilian life. There is an appeal to being your own boss and having a flexible schedule, especially in the midst of mental health issues like depression or addiction. Business ownership can be lucrative and rewarding, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. It is critical that time be made for self care during the process of building a business as it will help build a veteran’s mental and physical health and provide a solid foundation upon which to build a successful business.

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