Running a business is a challenge for anyone, especially for tradies who are not only managing operations but also out on the tools as well. Many trade business owners struggle with burnout and other challenges that take a toll on their mental health, often driven by pressures like cash flow, keeping the team busy, keeping standards and reputation high, and trying to find time for family or downtime. The numbers paint a concerning picture: one-fifth (20%) of tradies reportedly keep their depression hidden, while half (50%) say their mental health has been impacted by skills shortages.

The demands of running a business can seem unrelenting and can become overwhelming if left unmanaged. In my experience, burnout is one of the most common mental health challenges that tradie business owners face. The demands of running your business pile up, and it can feel like you’re constantly fighting fires between managing jobs, dealing with clients, and trying to keep cash flow steady. You can easily fall into the trap of thinking that if you just work harder, things will get better, but they don’t. In reality, pushing through without addressing the real causes of stress can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.

Feelings of fatigue, irritability and a lack of motivation are all warning signs that your mental health is taking a hit. Running a business is obviously stressful, but there’s a big difference between the kind of stress that pushes you to perform better and the kind that drags you down. Understanding the difference is key to maintaining your mental health as a business owner.

Good stress versus bad stress

There’s a concept of ‘good stress’ and ‘bad stress’ that many tradies may find useful. Good stress can push you in a positive way, giving you a sense of purpose and accomplishment when you tackle a long to-do list or land a big job. On the other hand, bad stress feels like there’s no way out as if you’re drowning in work with no end in sight. When you can tell the difference between these two types of stress, you can better decide when to push through and when to take a step back.

Part of this is understanding your personal tolerance levels and learning that what’s manageable for one person might be overwhelming for another. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to be honest with yourself about how much stress you can handle. If the pressure is too much, it’s okay to admit that you need to make changes, whether it’s delegating tasks, restructuring your business, or taking time off to recharge.

Exercise gives your mind a break

Practical strategies can go a long way in preventing burnout and managing mental health challenges. One of the most effective ways to manage stress is through exercise. Engaging in a sport or physical activity that raises your heart rate a few times a week can help burn off cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Exercise gives your mind a break from the pressures of work, and it also releases endorphins that improve your mood and resilience to stress.

You can implement practical changes in your business to reduce your stress and your employees’ stress, too. Stress can mean it’s time to reassess your business. If the stress of running your business is negatively impacting your health and wellbeing, it might be time to make a change; this could mean fixing what isn’t working in the business. Investing in business systems and processes that simplify your operations can reduce the pressure of constantly worrying about cash flow and workloads. For example, job management software that automates your workflows and invoicing can take away some of the burden and paperwork related to managing a business. Instead, you can automate and delegate tasks to avoid feeling like you have to do everything yourself, all at once. When you have systems in place that ensure a consistent flow of work and income, you’ll find that many of the daily stressors start to fade away.

Mental health should be a top priority for all business owners. The pressures of running a business can become unbearable without good mental health. Regularly checking in with yourself, recognising the signs of burnout, and taking proactive steps to manage stress can help you maintain balance.

Remember, your business will only thrive if you’re in a good mental space to lead it.

This article was written by Fergus Software founder Dan Pollard.