Happiness Flows Program

Flow Capital is offering free emotional support for entrepreneurs struggling with the current COVID-19 crisis.
Need support? Chat with us through our chatbox.
Walking Outside

COVID-19 isn’t just a pandemic. It’s a mental health crisis.

As the ongoing global response to the coronavirus disease continues to evolve every day, our hearts go out to the entrepreneurs dealing with stress and anxiety as we face unprecedented levels of uncertainty regarding the coming months ahead.

We are repurposing our website’s chatbox to provide emotional support for entrepreneurs during this difficult time. Whether you need self-care ideas, a dad joke to keep your spirits up, or a (virtual) shoulder to cry on, we’re here for you. Let’s talk.

Common Mental Health Questions for Entrepreneurs

 

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are related as they trigger the same ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ response and similar physical sensations. However, the causes are different. Stress mainly comes from external pressures on us that we find are hard to cope with. We know what we are stressed about and once that stressful situation is over, those symptoms of stress usually disappear. On the other hand, anxiety is based on worries or fears about things that could threaten us. This isn’t always easy to figure out. 

While both stress and anxiety are a natural part of being human, they can impact our well-being or daily life is they last for a long time. 

How can I reduce stress as an entrepreneur?

The life of an entrepreneur and stress go hand-in-hand. Working long hours, sleep deprivation, caffeine overdosing, and constantly worrying about finances quickly becomes a natural part of daily life. While it may be the least of your priorities, it is important to practice self-care. Taking your dog for a walk, putting on your favorite workout, calling a friend, or going to bed one hour early are all great ways to start. 

I feel isolated, what can I do?

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, entrepreneurs were no strangers to self-isolation. Isolating ourselves or feeling like there is no one there to support us grows a sense of loneliness that is a major reason for depression. Reach out to friends and family and schedule a FaceTime call. Maintaining face-to-face interactions is a great way to battle loneliness. If FaceTime calls aren’t your thing, try writing. It’s a great way to help you process your emotions and will give you a clearer idea of where your head is at. 

Additional Resources for Emotional Support

Our Favorite Apps for Meditation

Meditating is one of our favorite ways to help reduce stress, control anxiety, and promote emotional health. It can also help improve sleep and improve age-related memory loss.

Meditating

Our Favorite TED Talk

Priya Parker shares tools on how to create meaningful connections friends, family, and coworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to take advantage of gatherings unique to this moment of social distancing.

Here is a collection of TED Talks on the topic of Mental Health.

Our Favorite Yoga Video

Here are some of the physical and mental benefits of yoga:

  • Increase muscle strength
  • Improve blood flow
  • Boost immune system functionality 
  • Perfects your posture
  • Betters bone health
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Helps you focus
  • Sleep deeper
Online Messaging

For Extra Help

  • Crisis Text Line – A free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis
  • Mental Health Test – Online screening to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition
If you are worried about harming yourself or others, please call 911 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)