How to Keep Your Cool in Business When You're Going Through a Breakup
Navigating the challenges of a breakup can be emotionally taxing, affecting various aspects of your life. When you're also juggling the demands of your business life, it can become even more challenging to maintain your composure and focus. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to keep your cool in business during this especially sh*tty time.
1 Acknowledge and Validate Your Emotions
Breakups can trigger a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and frustration. It's essential to acknowledge and validate these feelings rather than suppressing them. Give yourself permission to grieve and heal. Understand that it's natural to experience emotional ups and downs, but try not to let them overpower your professional life. Set aside designated time outside of work to process your emotions, allowing yourself to focus on business when necessary.
2 Seek Support
During a breakup, it's crucial to build a support system that can provide emotional comfort and guidance. Confide in friends, family, or trusted colleagues who can lend a listening ear or offer advice when needed. Sharing your feelings can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with the breakup. Additionally, consider seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to gain additional support and perspective.
3 Practice Self-Care
Self-care becomes even more vital during challenging times. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally to maintain your overall well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Prioritize healthy eating, regular sleep patterns, and relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to handle the demands of your business responsibilities.
4 Set Boundaries
When going through a breakup, it's crucial to establish clear boundaries between your personal and professional life. Avoid discussing personal matters at work, as it can be distracting and unprofessional. Similarly, try not to bring work-related stress or frustrations into your personal life. Maintaining these boundaries will help you stay focused on your tasks and maintain professionalism, allowing you to perform at your best during this challenging time.
5 Stay Organized and Prioritize
In times of emotional distress, it's easy to become overwhelmed and lose track of tasks and deadlines. To stay on top of your responsibilities, maintain a well-organized schedule and create to-do lists. Prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. By having a clear plan in place, you'll be able to focus on your work and avoid unnecessary stress.
6 Communicate Openly
If your breakup affects your work in any way, it's essential to communicate openly with your colleagues, supervisors, or clients. While you don't need to share all the details, giving them a heads-up about any potential changes in your availability or emotional state can help manage expectations. Being transparent about your situation can foster understanding and support from those around you.
And expert Meghan Loneragan agrees:
“Breakups are like a heavyweight punch to your soul, especially when you’re running your own business. Suddenly, you’re expected to keep your game-face on while dealing with clients. Here’s a tip: honesty. Yeah, don’t go blubbering on their face or through a Zoom call. But a simple, ‘Hey, sorry for the delay. Just went through a conscious uncoupling with my partner and we’re moving houses’ can buy you some extra time to reply to those work emails. Hell, maybe even score you an extra campaign. Remember, clients are humans too, and they appreciate a bit of raw truth once in a while.”
- Meghan Loneragan, Founder of Selfcare-Ish
And here’s a bonus tip, if you do nothing else today, listen to Meghan’s podcast Selfcare-ish podcast. The podcast about divorce, dating, choosing not to date, and saying “yes” to the things you’ve been scared to indulge in and “no” in a way that won’t get you ostracised by society.
You’ll thank me later.
Going through a breakup is undoubtedly a challenging experience that can impact various aspects of your life, including your biz. However, by implementing these strategies, you can maintain your composure and keep your cool and still see business success. Remember to acknowledge and validate your emotions, seek support, practice self-care, set boundaries, stay organised, and communicate openly.
With time, patience, and resilience, you will navigate through this difficult period and emerge stronger both personally and professionally.
You’ve got this!
