The pressure in this working world is unrelenting, we hear gloom and doom on the News which I choose not to watch anymore, and we are constantly thinking and working our brain and have forgotten how to relax and slow down.
I do say this from experience and there are times we need to share our feelings or cover them up for the sake of appearance. No, we shouldn’t cover it up and its good to talk about it however in our industry clients come to us not to have a blah experience, so it does need to be glossed over at times.
Meanwhile our brain is going, Instagram, reels, TikTok, promotions, price list, finding more team members, stock control, rising price of rent and electricity, fitness taking care of your family and the list just goes on and on
So, I do hear you. Running a salon, leading a team, and carrying the weight of your business can be overwhelming. The fact that you’re taking the time to read this shows how much you care about your salon and your team. Let’s break this down into three key areas: How to cover it up (if needed), how to address it with your team (if at all), and how to relieve the pressure off yourself.
- Covering It Up in the Salon
If you feel you need to keep up appearances for the sake of your team and clients, here are some ways to manage it:
- Create Micro Breaks: If possible, step away for a few minutes between appointments. Even five minutes of deep breathing, fresh air, or a moment of quiet can help you reset.
- Have a ‘Go-To’ Response: If someone asks, “Are you okay?” and you’re not ready to talk, have a simple response like, “I’m just a little tired, but I’m good. Thanks for asking!”
- Shift the Focus: When you don’t feel like talking about yourself, redirect the conversation. Ask about their day, their weekend, or their hair goals. Most people love talking about themselves.
- Let Your Team Shine: If you’re feeling low energy, subtly step back and let your team take the lead in conversations with clients. Support them from the background where you can.
- Use Music & Environment: Set an uplifting atmosphere in the salon—play energetic music, light a nice candle, or bring in fresh flowers. A bright environment can help shift your mood and energy.
- Do You Tell Your Team? If so, how?
This depends on your relationship with them. If you have a close, trusted team, a level of openness can build respect and loyalty. You don’t need to pour out everything but acknowledging you’re feeling a little off can remove pressure to fake it.
If you choose to share:
- Keep It Simple & Professional: “Hey girls, I just want to be honest with you—I’m feeling a bit flat now. Nothing to worry about, but if I seem a bit quieter than usual, that’s why.”
- Reassure Them: If you’re worried about them thinking the salon is in trouble, you can say, “This is just a personal phase I’m going through, but everything in the salon is great, and I appreciate you all more than ever.”
- Set Boundaries: If you don’t want ongoing questions, you can say, “I just wanted to mention it so you’re aware, but I don’t need to talk about it much. I’d rather focus on work and positive energy.”
If you don’t want to share, that’s okay too. Just focus on small mood-boosting strategies for yourself and lean on a friend or mentor outside of the salon.
- How to Take the Pressure Off Yourself
Let’s find ways to relieve some of the pressure.
Practical Steps to Reduce Pressure:
- Delegate More: If there are tasks in the salon that don’t require you personally, delegate them. Trust your team more—even small things like ordering stock, social media posts, or handling bookings can give you breathing room.
- Block Out Time for Yourself: Schedule a few hours, or even a full day, where you step away from the salon mentally and physically. No checking emails. No thinking about work.
- Limit After-Hours Work: If you find yourself working on the business late at night, set a strict cut-off time.
- Simplify Decisions: Reduce mental load by making certain things automatic. For example, if pricing, rostering, or promotions are draining you, create a system so you don’t have to think about them constantly.
- Talk to a Mentor or Friend: Sometimes just voicing what you’re feeling to someone outside of work can lift the weight.
Emotional & Mindset Shifts:
- You Don’t Have to Be ‘On’ 100% of the Time: You’re human. Your team and clients don’t expect perfection.
- Shift Focus to Gratitude: Even on the hardest days, try listing three small things you’re grateful for in your salon—it could be a great client, a team member’s progress, or even a quiet moment with a coffee.
- Give Yourself Permission to Rest: Burnout often comes from feeling like you must always be productive. Resting is productive.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to carry this alone. Whether you choose to open up to your team or keep it private, the key is to give yourself permission to step back in small ways without guilt. If you need a deeper reset, that’s okay too—consider taking a few days off or restructuring your workload.
If it feels like it’s more than just a phase, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mentor, coach, or even a professional. You deserve to feel good, not just for your business but for you as a person.
Book an appointment with you GP for a mental health plan
Beyond Blue 24/7 1300 22 4636
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Talk to a friend & say I am not Okay.
