In light of National Stress Awareness month, IPSE is highlighting key issues surrounding stress and actions the self-employed can take for a healthier work-life balance.
As many as one in four people in the UK will experience a challenge to their mental health each year. And self-employment allows for potential career changes to reduce workplace pressure and stress, or to manage a more positive balance between work and self-care for mental and physical issues. Around 80% of freelancers feel that switching to self-employment had at least a somewhat positive impact on their mental health.
Our research has shown that along the self-employed landscape, job-related stress levels have fallen to their lowest levels since 2019.
We've compiled a set of resources and guides to support your mental and physical health - so that you can feel well equipped to take the necessary steps towards keep your wellbeing in check all year round.
Discover real stories from members of the IPSE community and gain practical tips from industry experts to support you and your business.
We caught up with freelance videographer Katie Stover on what staying active means to her and how freelancing affords her the opportunity to do the things she loves and live her life to the fullest.
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"If I’m feeling particularly uninspired in the middle of the afternoon, I’ll just stop and try to do something active, maybe squeeze in a quick trip to the gym or go for a run. Usually afterwards I’m in a much better headspace to get work done."
In addition to being self-employed in a fascinating industry for many years, Andrew shares his insight into how working for himself with Asperger’s makes his business stand out.
He shares how the flexibility of freelancing helps him manage chronic pain and allows him to create a schedule so that he can pursue a positive work-life balance and enjoy his favourite activity - mountain biking.
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Being a freelancer allows you the flexibility to be your own boss and feel empowered to work on your own schedule.
Join the IPSE freelancer active club to connect with the community, stay active and stay motivated.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first step into spring to improve your fitness while working from home, or an avid adventurer looking for your next scenic route, join our community as we get active and boost our wellbeing one step at a time.
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On the Freelance Corner podcast, we spoke to Hannah Lewin, a personal trainer for some key tips on staying active and healthy.
“The best time to work out is the day and time of the week that suits you,”
“There is no biomechanical benefit to working out in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening, fasted, not fasted, all this kind of stuff we hear - it has no impact on your progress or on your results.”
Research shows that a balanced diet can support a healthy immune system and the repair of damaged cells. It provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events. Early research suggests that certain foods like polyunsaturated fats including omega-3 fats and vegetables may help to regulate cortisol levels.
If you frequently rely on fast food because you are tired or too busy to prepare meals at home, consider discovering new recipes and planning your meals, a practice that can help save time in the long run, ensure more balanced healthful meals and you'll feel the positive effects.
Freelance Marketing Executive Orla Lyons-Hamilton shares her top recipes that she enjoys making from home during the working week.
Explore practical recipes
We caught up with nutritional therapist Beth Edwards on the freelance corner podcast who explains, it's more about moderation than denying yourself an occasional treat.
Everyone wants to celebrate finishing a project or securing a new client. But taking a little time to incorporate nutrition into your daily life means you'll boost your overall wellbeing and gain energy to power onto the next challenge.
Discover Food and Drink Offers exclusive to IPSE members
Claim discounts on your favourite restaurants and delivery services for that perfect meal out or snack at your desk, including Graze, Bill's, and many more...
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Research shows that having a relationship with nature is vital for supporting good mental health and preventing distress.
Did you know that taking a 20 minute nature break has been proven to alleviate stress? Interacting and spending time among nature on your breaks during the working day can significantly transform your mood for the better.
There are plenty of pockets of green parks and nature to find if you are living within the city. You can also bring the great outdoors inside by upgrading your home office with indoor plants to uplift your mood if you work from home.
Take a look at how other freelancers in the IPSE community are inspired by being among nature, discover advice on how you can be more sustainable as a freelancer to help the plant, and explore how you can make the most of your time off work to boost your wellbeing.
Meet John Bloomfield, founder of Dogs, Mogs and Sprogs, and IPSE member.
After working in the insurance industry for years, John decided to leave it to pursue a job he actually enjoyed among nature and working with animals.
Having always had a passion for animals, John has found his calling as a professional dog walker and photographer.
John's love for his work and the positivity it has brought into his life has been inspiring for us all.
By encompassing sustainable practices within your business, you will contribute towards directly improving the environment and ultimately reduce stress on your finances, peers and the planet.
Follow our simple guide on how you can make your business more sustainable.
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Secondary school teacher turned paper flower entrepreneur Clare Davies shares her story with us.
Clare discusses how she transformed her lifestyle by setting up her own business.
She delves into how she uses sustainable natural materials as a paper florist and how this informs the way she charges clients, advice on managing cash flow and her top piece of advice for freelancers.
Research shows that incorporating creativity into your lifestyle reduces stress.
By incorporating the arts into your lifestyle, you’ll gain meditative time to switch off. Research also shows that even the briefest time spent on creative recreation such as pottery, painting or playing the piano has an impact on how we manage our emotions for the better.
Studies have also shown that even just listening to music can profoundly impact your mood and boost your wellbeing, alleviates stress - and it has a bigger impact the older you get.
Read on to enjoy listening to IPSE’s compiled Spotify playlists for the self-employed, gain practical tips on mental wellbeing and explore stories from the community that delve into the relationship between creativity and freelancing.
Are you looking to pivot in your career into something more creative? Or simply would like to launch into a creative freelancing career? Follow our how-to guides on various creative endeavours that you think will be the perfect fit for your creative lifestyle.
Have you been wondering about starting a new career or pivoting into creative freelancing?
Gain inspiration from these stories and learn new tips from real people who work for themselves, at various stages of their journey.
Hosts Faye and Jess are joined by two guests, Sarah McCaffery and Rachel Murray. Sarah is from Solas Mind, a mental health support service for freelancers who work in the creative sectors. Rachel is a writer, editor, and founder of Pivot: a newsletter that helps people pivot in a new job, career path or industry.
In this episode we explore the ways that creative freelancers can prioritise and look after their mental health.
IPSE research shows that many freelancers could manage the risk of burnout more effectively, with around 10% taking no time off work in the last year, and 78% working even while on holiday. But if you rely on your client income, it’s easy to let your good intentions slip without realising how much it can negatively impact your self-employment.
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Dive into our Spotify playlists to discover inspiration and win work today.
We have dedicated advice pages to help your physical and mental wellbeing whilst working from home but also on areas such as winning work or navigating the tax system. And to help and support you through all the challenges that can come with becoming self-employed, from chasing late payments to being able to work through power cuts and other emergencies.
View all advice pages
Physical wellbeing advice
Running a business, or freelancing and contracting for clients, can be busy, stressful and all-consuming, but Ignoring your health and wellbeing can have serious implications for you, and your business.
Mental wellbeing advice
We've put together a set of resources and guides to support positive mental wellbeing for the self-employed, combing our business knowledge with tips and advice from mental health and wellbeing experts.
Winning Work advice
Tips and advice to help you grow your business no matter what industry or sector you work in.
IR35 advice
Off-payroll working rules, otherwise known as IR35 or the intermediaries legislation, is a damaging taxation law from HMRC that IPSE strongly opposes.
