Health Issues associated with being an entrepreneur

Every entrepreneur is driven by strong passion, focus and a desire for great achievement throughout every stage of the business. It’s also easy for them to forget about their health whilst pursuing their dreams. Some of these health risks are listed below:

Hypertension

Entrepreneurs work longer hours than an employee who does the regular 8-5 and enjoys another regular 8 hours of sleep. Sleeping less to work on customer orders or producing enough for a fair sales increases an entrepreneur’s stress level. High stress levels are risk factors which goes to increase blood pressure as you rush around chasing delaying suppliers and contractors. Drinking or smoking away the pressure will not help either. Have regular check-ups on your blood pressure to avoid a lifetime of taking pills.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition where a person has accumulated so much body fat that it might have a negative effect on their health.If a person's bodyweight is at least 20% higher than it should be, he or she is considered obese. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9 you are considered overweight

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that affect the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures, such as the discs in your back. They result from one or more of these tissues having to work harder than they're designed to.

Depression 

The isolation many entrepreneurs experience contributes to an increased risk of depression. Additionally, many entrepreneurs work such long hours that they’re not able to take care of themselves. The “time is money” mentality means they usually devote less time to sleep, leisure, exercise, and other activities that can ward off depression. Depression comes in many forms and it doesn’t always present as sadness. Sleep difficulties, irritability and changes in weight are just a few symptoms that can also be associated with depression. Entrepreneurs may mask depressive symptoms by working longer hours, or they may mistake their depressive symptoms with stress, which can cause symptoms to get worse.In extreme cases, entrepreneurs may also experience an increased risk of suicide.

Self-Worth Issues 

 Many entrepreneurs tie their self-worth to their net-worth. When the business is doing well, their self-esteem skyrockets. But when they lose a little money or fail to meet their goals, they find themselves struggling with their identity because their business isn’t what they do – it’s who they are.

Many entrepreneurs believe that if they just work hard enough, they should become successful.

Anxiety

Entrepreneurs aren’t just under stress, there also under an enormous amount of pressure. The pressure of knowing your ability to pay this month’s mortgage depends on closing the next deal, or feeling as though you can’t spend time with family because you have to keep working, lends itself to incredible anxiety.

Many entrepreneurs struggle to function normally because they’re constantly worried about their business. Their strong desire to achieve can cause them to constantly second guess their actions and ruminate on worst case scenarios. Eventually, the constant anxiety can become immobilizing for many entrepreneurs and eventually, it can lead to burnout.

Addiction

Entrepreneurs are passionate by nature – perhaps even a little obsessive. Their compulsive drive to keep going, even when faced with relationship problems or health problems can actually be an addiction.