Stressed, Anxious, or Tired? Mental Health Tips for Young Entrepreneurs

As a young entrepreneur with many responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed is normal. But when that stress starts turning into constant anxiety or burnout, it’s a sign that something needs your attention. 

A study from the University of California San Francisco found that 72% of entrepreneurs report experiencing mental health concerns either personally or within their family. That number isn’t meant to scare you—it’s a reminder that what you’re feeling is common. This guide will walk you through small but powerful steps you can take to protect your mental health while still chasing your dreams.

Self‑Care Is Part of the Job

As much as it feels great to lock in and power through a bunch of tasks in one day, going non-stop usually just leads to burnout. You push yourself hard, then crash, then fall behind—starting the cycle all over again. To avoid this cycle, focus on balancing work with self-care. Here’s what that can look like:

• Keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time
• Taking regular breaks away from your screen
• Eating nutritious meals
• Staying physically active (even a quick walk counts!)
• Making time for friends and family

Find Your Community

If you’re going through a rough patch, talking about it with others can help you feel more motivated, less isolated, and more in control. You can find support by joining entrepreneurship or business clubs in your area, taking part in online forums or communities, or joining mental health conversations on social media. Being around people who get it, even virtually, can remind you that you’re not experiencing these challenges alone.

Start a Hobby That Has Nothing to Do With Business

Expressing yourself through activities like drawing, music, art, or dance can help you manage stress and feel more relaxed. The idea is to do something purely for joy and not for productivity, success, or some big achievement. Make a list of things you might enjoy, like baking, gardening, or playing the guitar, and don’t set any goals around it. Just have fun with it. Letting yourself enjoy something for the sake of it can help you unwind and reconnect with what really matters.

Talk to a Professional

Sometimes handling everything on your own isn’t enough, and that’s okay. Talking to a professional can give you practical tools and new ways of thinking to help you manage stress more effectively. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to someone you trust, like a parent, mentor, coach, or school counselor, to help you explore your options. There are tons of low-cost resources available, especially for students.

Here are reasons why professional help can make a difference:

• Therapists can help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings
• They offer coping strategies that actually work in everyday life
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a common type of talk therapy, has helped around 77% of teens reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles
• CBT focuses on helping you reframe negative thoughts and take small steps toward feeling better

Build Your Emotional Intelligence

No matter what you’re doing, whether it’s taking care of yourself or picking up new hobbies, the deeper goal is to build emotional intelligence. So, what exactly is that? Emotional intelligence is your ability to understand, accept, and manage your emotions in a healthy way. It includes self-awareness, reflection, and how you relate to others. Here are a few ways you can strengthen it:

• Journal regularly: Write about your day, your emotions, or anything that’s been on your mind. It helps you process tough moments and recognize patterns in how you feel.
• Listen before reacting: When someone’s speaking, especially during a disagreement, make it a habit to really listen and understand their point of view before jumping in.
• Practice empathy: Try to view situations from other people’s perspectives. It can help you connect better, respond more thoughtfully, and avoid overreacting in stressful moments.

Emotional intelligence is a valuable skill that will help you in business, relationships, and life in general.

Your Mind Matters as Much as Your Goals

Make your mental health a priority. There are countless resources and support out there. Start small by choosing one self-care habit or hobby to try, without putting pressure on yourself to get it perfect. Just give yourself the space to try something new. Over time, you’ll likely notice that your stress feels more manageable and your motivation starts to come back.

Are you an exceptional high school entrepreneur with big dreams for college? The Kantner Foundation Scholarship could be your next step. Learn more about it here!