There are many advantages that come from being self-employed, including the ability to set your own schedule and make your own rules. However, running a business is a highly-responsible task that requires your full attention at all times. As a business owner, there is very little opportunity for you to take time out and step away from your business. You probably work long hours and rarely take time off. Being fully engaged in your work is great, and it is this commitment that helps businesses to succeed. But, being strongly engaged with your business can have disadvantages when you need to take time off for personal reasons, such as when you experience a bereavement.

Losing someone you love and care about is hard enough, but not taking time out to grieve for them can make it so much more challenging to come to terms with your loss. You may be wondering how to continue to balance your business while dealing with your grief. Here are some of the ways you can make this difficult period in your life a little easier when trying to run a business at the same time:

Plan Some Time Away From Work

Everyone handles grief differently; some people prefer to keep themselves away from the world while they come to terms with their loss, but others like to keep themselves busy and try to continue as usual. Whichever category you fall into, you will definitely need some time off at some point. 

While you may not feel you can take an extended period of absence, you will likely need to take a day or two away from work to make practical arrangements. Scheduling cover while you carry out tasks such as choosing cemetery bronze plaques, planning the funeral, and organizing the wake is really beneficial. Having time away from work to focus on these arrangements will ensure you can do them at your own pace, without the additional stress of trying to work at the same time.

Talk Things Through

Most entrepreneurs are highly-motivated and used to doing everything themselves. So, asking for help does not come naturally to many business owners. However, there is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed, and acknowledging you need some extra support is never a sign of weakness. You may find it helpful to talk through your grief with a bereavement counselor to gain the support you need.

Be Kind to Yourself

When your emotions are running high, it is easy to become stressed and to put yourself under excessive pressure. You may feel weighed down by all the things you need to do and unable to see a way to get everything done. You may also feel torn that you are not giving your business one hundred percent of your attention. These feelings are all perfectly normal and completely understandable. When things feel overwhelming, the best thing you can do is to take each day as it comes without putting yourself under any unnecessary pressure.