In today’s world, we’ve never been more aware of how important our mental health is. Conditions like anxiety and depression are prevalent, particularly among younger demographics. Many experts have theorized that this is caused, in part, by the increasing use of social media and digital platforms.
As an affiliate marketer, you will no doubt be spending a lot of time online. You could be generating new leads, optimizing your platform, or simply reviewing your strategy, you will be dedicating a significant amount of your time to the online digital sphere. How can you maintain your mental health while running your affiliate business? Read on to find out.
How can the internet impact mental health?
Before you can learn how to aid your mental wealth when you have an online presence, it’s important that we clarify how exactly the internet can impact our mental and emotional well-being.
Many social media platforms can be addictive, with notifications, likes, and comments, causing the brain to activate its reward system and release dopamine. Over time, people can become dependent on this feeling, and their social media use will continually increase as they seek to experience it.
Excessive use of digital devices can also impact our sleep. Sleep is incredibly important; it allows our bodies to heal and recharge and is necessary for maintaining a healthy mental and emotional state. The screens on our mobiles and laptops emit a specific kind of blue light. This blue light negatively impacts our body’s ability to produce melatonin, which is the hormone used to manage and control the sleep cycle. Excessive exposure to this blue light, especially at night, can cause disturbed sleep or even insomnia.
So, now that we know how internet use can impact our brains, how can we take steps to aid our mental health when we have an online presence? Let’s find out.
Take regular breaks
As a business owner, it can be tempting to throw yourself completely into your work and focus on it above everything else. While there’s nothing wrong with being dedicated or passionate about the work that you are doing, it’s essential that you strive to maintain a positive work/life balance. This is important for any job, but particularly so for those based online, such as affiliate marketing.
It’s unavoidable that you will have to spend time on the internet, but it’s important that you take regular breaks to avoid burnout or mental exhaustion. Set yourself breaks throughout the day and make the effort to stick to them. Take your breaks at the same time every day, this will give you a sense of regularity and familiarity while keeping you focused and organized.
If you can, try to get outside for some fresh air. Natural air and light can offer us a range of benefits for both our mental and physical health.
Keep yourself fit
A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Running an online business often means spending long periods sitting down, not ideal for keeping ourselves in a fit physical condition. Exercise is absolutely vital; ensure you are getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
What you eat is important too. It can be easy to reach for that quick snack or microwave meal when you’ve got a tight deadline to hit, but this can negatively affect your physical and therefore your mental health in the long run.
It’s essential that you eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, fruit, in particular, can be used as the perfect snack during the working day. Drink lots of water as well, experts recommend that adults drink at least six cups of water per day.
Outsource when possible
It’s a common misconception that running your own business means that you have to do everything yourself. In reality, this approach can quickly lead to burnout and can seriously harm your mental health.
If you find yourself swamped with too much work for you to realistically handle yourself, outsourcing can be a fantastic way of lightening the load and giving you some breathing space. There are several online services where you can hire freelancers for competitive rates, so keep these in mind when you’re particularly busy.
Recognize the signs of stress
Stress can creep up on us, and it can be difficult to recognize the signs before it’s too late and your mental health is really suffering. By being able to recognize the early warnings, you can take steps to mitigate any further damage. Some of these early signs include things like fatigue, frustration, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
If you are concerned that you may be developing signs of stress or mental health issues, it’s important that you take a step back from your work and focus on recharging your batteries.
Conclusion
As an affiliate marketer, the success of your business will no doubt be high on your list of priorities. However, this should never come at the expense of your mental health. Not only will this affect you personally, but it can also have a detrimental impact on your business in the long run. Use this guide to aid your mental health when you have an online presence.
