Running your own business can be demanding; whether managing deadlines, chasing invoices, or shifting between roles for multiple clients, the pace often feels unrelenting. At Jannaway Freelancing, we take managing stress seriously – and we are not afraid to lace up our trainers and run through it, quite literally.
Both Rachel (that’s me) and our exceptional new virtual assistant, Rachael, share more than a name - we both run to stay sane. For us, running is not simply an exercise; it is a mental reset, a moment of stillness in motion, and a way to process whatever the day may bring.
If it sometimes feels as though stress is written into your job description, you are not alone. According to the British Red Cross website, the Health and Safety Executive reports that over 875,000 UK workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2022/23, nearly half of all work-related health cases.
For small business owners, and especially solopreneurs, the pressure can be even more challenging. No HR department, no sick pay, and no one to step in when things become overwhelming. In this context, prioritising mental health is not a luxury – it is essential.
We’re not professional athletes (though I did complete a marathon in 2017, and Rachael S has taken on two half marathons!), but we do love the challenge - whether I’m chasing a PB at Parkrun or Rachael S is powering up village hills! That said, it’s not really about the personal bests. We run because it helps us clear our heads, stay grounded, and manage the demands of daily life.
Running, like many forms of aerobic exercise, releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in the brain. It’s been proven to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and even mild depression. Just 20 to 30 minutes of movement can improve your mood for up to 12 hours, according to research from the Mayo Clinic.
But beyond the biology, running gives us space; it clears the cobwebs, whether it’s a short jog on your lunch break or a weekend trail run in the hills, it gives us time to think, breathe, and be.
At Jannaway Freelancing, we believe that how we feel matters just as much as how we perform. We encourage each other to take breaks, get outside, and find what works for us individually when it comes to managing stress. For us, that happens to be running, but for you, it might be a lunchtime walk, dancing in your kitchen, or some quiet yoga.
The key is making space for it. We schedule client calls, meetings, and admin, why not schedule our own wellbeing?
So, if you’re reading this with furrowed brows and tight shoulders, maybe it's time to step away from the screen. Stretch, move, breathe. Or even better, grab those trainers and join us for a mental reset, one step at a time.