Seven Ways to Ride the Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneur Life
- Enthuse Foundation
- May 19
- 3 min read
Running a business is a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows. There’s a reason people say the entrepreneur life is not for the faint of heart.
On one hand, you have complete creative control and the freedom to build something meaningful on your own. But it also comes with a unique set of challenges: long hours, financial pressures, decision fatigue, and the ever-present weight of responsibility. It’s no surprise that, according to Founder Reports, almost 88% of entrepreneurs struggle with mental health issues, and more than a third experience burnout.
Ignoring your mental health isn't just detrimental to your well-being—it can also negatively impact decision-making, leadership ability, and ultimately, the success of your business. Check out our blog post “How to Handle Mental Health Conditions as an Entrepreneur” for specific suggestions and guidance from others in the startup ecosystem.
We contacted our community to hear how they navigate burnout and care for their mental health. Their honest responses are a comforting reminder that we’re not alone—and that even small steps toward self-care can make a meaningful difference.
“I think the key here - is to learn to let go of control. This has been paramount in my mental health. Two mantras I say to myself all the time, and now I don't as often because I simply don't need to anymore, are ‘I live in my body’ (instead of in my head causing myself anxiety) and ‘flow as the universe flows.’ These two have really taught me to let go of control and outcomes.”
Ada Hsieh, Fluency Beauty
“I block off one afternoon a week with zero meetings so I can actually get real work done, not just hop from call to call. And I never skip my workouts — that time is sacred. Non-negotiable.”
Palita Sriratana, Pink Salt Chicago
“I’m a big believer that how you start your day sets the tone for everything else. Each morning, I kick things off with my five-minute journal—a quick but powerful mindset work to ground me in gratitude and intention enjoyed with hot coffee and protein as creamer. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I work out to clear my head and move my body. After that, it’s 20 minutes in the sauna—no distractions, just me and my thoughts, planning the day with clarity. As a business owner, protecting my mental space is key and I make it a personal priority.”
Sierra Thomas, Tropink
“I focus on consuming whole foods, particularly those from the ground, and avoid processed items with more than seven ingredients. I also pay attention to cravings, recognizing they may signal nutritional deficiencies like protein or dehydration. I think food can really make you or break you- some foods energize you and others cause you to feel exhausted.”
Caroline Lopez, BEJOU
“I enjoy evening walks with my husband and dog, where I try to stay present and off my phone.”
Veena Krishnan, DayBird
“As a mompreneur, one way I’ve been prioritizing mental health is by leveraging family therapy with my almost-teenager. It’s helped us navigate the complex world of electronics, social media boundaries, and communication, while also giving me tools to manage parenting and entrepreneurship with more patience and perspective.”
Pallavi Pande, Founder, DTOCS
“I block time in my calendar for personal time, which I use to workout, go for walk, get a manicure, rest, or run errands.”
Andrea Uribe, Josephine Baking Co.
We care deeply about your well-being. The stories and information shared in this blog are meant to inspire, support, and educate—but they’re not a substitute for professional help. If you’re struggling or have questions about your mental health, we encourage you to speak with a licensed therapist, counselor, or healthcare provider. You’re not alone, and support is always available. If you’re in crisis, please seek help immediately by calling 911 or contacting a local crisis line or mental health resource in your area.
Bottom Line: Mental health is something we as human beings all deal with. Emotions are complicated and especially in the fast-paced world we live in, it sometimes can be a lot to manage. In addition to the recommendations provided by our founders, check out our blog post “10 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Boost Their Mood.”
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