There is a kind of perverse credibility associated with the extreme work lives of many small business owners and startup entrepreneurs. Yet, those excessive hours poured into the business can take a toll at home. Despite what some might think, your home life does matter to your small business success. Here’s why.
Stress Knows No Property Line
Let’s say your spouse has finally had enough of the 16-hour workdays. You argue about it all the time. That’s fresh stress added to the existing stress of running the business. It doesn’t go away after you get in four or five whole hours of sleep. You carry that stress into work the next day, potentially taking it out on your employees.
A peaceful home life, even one bought at the loss of a few extra hours at work, pays out in stress reduction. Home becomes a place where you decompress and you get more sleep. That means you go into work a happier person. It also frees up some mental energy for problem solving and innovation, which makes you a better business owner.
Overall Physical Health
Stress isn’t just psychological. The stress reduction from a healthy home life reduces your risk of several medical conditions, including:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
A healthy home life often includes a better diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals. A better diet and regular sleep give you more energy for business work and family time. They also reduce your odds of more commonplace illnesses, such as colds and the flu, by boosting your immune system. Getting sick less often means you don’t get behind on goals or endanger business meetings.
The health your home provides can also go beyond just setting a healthy baseline for you. If you have exercise implements, equipment, or even just ample space to pursue healthy activities, your home can help you to maintain a higher level of fitness. This can contribute to better sleep and a better attitude at work, which is something you and your business can both benefit from. Never underestimate the impact your physical and mental health has on the rest of your life.
Reduce the Odds of Divorce
Nothing will torpedo your business faster than a divorce. Not only will it soak up an enormous amount of time, but the business or profits from the business can also become contested assets. You might have to sell it just to meet the financial terms of the divorce.
Some of the most common causes of divorce include:
- Neglect
- Financial strain
- Poor communication
- Differing goals
For example, say that your spouse wants to buy a new home because your current home is too small. If you keep putting off looking at homes for sale, you’re neglecting your spouse, communicating badly, and proving you have differing goals. A good home life requires time and attention. If you put in the time and attention, the causes for divorce become less of an issue.
Your home life isn’t just an afterthought. It’s a crucial element in the long-term success of your small business. Keeping things on an even keel at home reduces stress, which has positive psychological and health benefits. It also keeps your marriage alive and well, which keeps your business out of divorce proceedings.
