Finding Balance (Sort of): A Reflection on Mental Health & Running a Business

Rose Hill
6 days ago
4 min read

Written by Rose for Mental Health Awareness Week

Running a business, especially one that’s creative, people-centred, and constantly evolving, is deeply rewarding! But it’s also very intense. And when you're passionate about what you do, it can be easy to slip into a rhythm where you’re always “on,” always planning, always creating.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, I wanted to share something honest about what it looks like for me to care for my mental health while running a business I love. Not because I’ve got it all figured out, but because I think there’s strength in saying: I’m working on it, just like you.

CCC founder, Rose and Summer, her daughter, smiling and reaching out to each other holding hands on a grassy field. Rose is in all black with a beanie and sunglasses, while Summer wears a pink top. They're in a park with green grass, trees, hedges and city buildings visible in the distance under clear blue skies. — Springfield Park, Hackney

Morning Walks: Making Space to Breathe

Most weekdays start the same way - I drop Summer, my daughter, off at school, and then I go for a walk. It’s not just about getting steps in (although I do aim for around 10k); it’s about having that moment of quiet to reset. Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast or audio book and get inspired. Other times, I’ll make work phone calls, listen to music or just walk, breathe, and let my mind settle.

These walks have become non-negotiable. They remind me I’m a person first, before emails, before projects, before planning. Just a woman walking, thinking, moving through the world gently. That space helps me show up better in everything else I do!

A paved pathway winding through a park area bordered by trees, shrubs and wildflowers. The path curves gently ahead with trees creating a canopy overhead. Urban buildings are visible in the distance against a bright blue sky. — Woodberry Downs, Hackney

Creative Work Isn’t Always Gentle (And That’s OK)

The truth is, when I’m deep in a mural project, everything else takes a bit of a backseat. It’s very long hours, physically demanding, and often means travelling far. I’m not eating as well as I’d like, eating late, and I don’t always get my movement in. For days/ weeks, things feel out of sync.

But I’ve learned that doesn’t mean I’ve failed. It’s just part of the ebb and flow of this kind of work. I let myself go fully into the creative process, and then, when I come out the other side, I gently guide myself back to the things that help me feel good - yoga, walking, healthy eating etc.

Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly every day. It’s about returning to the things that ground you, when you can.

A pond with two adult white swans swimming alongside several grey, fluffy baby swans. Sunlight reflects on the water, with reeds and water plants growing at the edges. Dense green vegetation surrounds the pond under blue sky. — Woodberry Downs, Hackney

Structure Supports Me (Even When It’s Flexible)

I’m a workaholic by nature - there’s always something to do, always a new idea to explore. But I’ve come to realise that structure is one of the most powerful tools I have for protecting my wellbeing.

I block out time in my week that’s just for me and Summer. Saturday’s are ours - no meetings, no errands, just being present with each other and often meeting our mutual friends in the afternoon. Slow mornings are a must for us both! Sunday’s are family days with Eddie and Summer. And I always carve out time at the weekend for a long bath (around 2-hours extremely hot so it takes about 30 mins to be able to sit in the bath). It sounds simple, but it’s a ritual that helps me slow down and come back to myself.

That structure isn’t rigid, it changes with the seasons of our life, but having those anchors helps me stay connected to what matters most.

Two guinea pigs, Muffin and Fudge, sitting on hay bedding - one with tricolour markings (brown, white, black), the other predominantly golden/ginger with white markings. The enclosure has a pink background wall and wooden elements. — Guinea Pigs Muffin (left), Fudge (right)

Movement as Medicine (When I Can Fit It In)

Before Co-Creative Connection, I did yoga every morning. These days, it’s more of a “when I can” thing, and I’m okay with that.

I lead a five-minute exercise session with Summer’s school mates (Year 1-6) every morning in the playground (unless it’s raining)

I try to make it to a bootcamp session twice a week, and I get a 1.5 hour yoga on Wednesday. I’ve let go of needing it to look a certain way. Moving my body, even just a little, reminds me I’m here, and I’m capable.

It’s not about strict routines anymore, it’s about making space for movement in a way that feels nourishing and realistic.

An urban canal with a paved walkway running alongside it. The path is lined with vegetation, flowering plants and trees in full foliage. Modern apartment buildings stand across the water under clear blue skies. — Woodberry Downs, Hackney

The Little Things That Bring Me Back

There are a few small things I do that make a big difference to how I feel. I eat mostly vegetarian (with some fish), because I know eating well fuels both my body and mind. I check in with what my body needs and adjust where I can.

Every evening, Summer and I do a five-minute meditation before bed. It helps both of us wind down and feel connected after busy days.

And then there’s Muffin and Fudge, our two guinea pigs. If I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious, cuddling one of them instantly brings me back to the present. It’s such a small thing, but it’s grounding and joyful!

Rose sitting in a squat yoga pose also known as Garland pose against a colourful background of a Rose Hill hand-painted mural . She is wearing a red bandana, her PJ’s that are white with silver stars, and smiling with hands pressed together. Behind her is a royal blue wall decorated with abstract shapes in white, red and Coral pink. — Hackney

Final Thoughts: You Won’t Always Get It Right - And That’s Okay

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that caring for your mental health isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about noticing when things feel off and knowing how to guide yourself back.

There are weeks where everything clicks into place. And there are weeks where I feel like I’m constantly behind. But I try not to hold guilt around that anymore.

You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to shift your priorities. You’re allowed to be a work in progress.

Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, a creative, or all of the above, please know that your wellbeing matters. And it’s never too late to check in with yourself and say: what do I need today?

Rose, Summer and Eddie (Rose’s husband and Summer’s father), smiling and taking a selfie in a forested area with evergreens and rocky terrain. Rose wears a striped shirt with red bandana, Eddie wears a yellow shirt, cap and sunglasses with a blue water bottle. Summer, in between them is wearing a striped top, patterned pants and white cap.

Over to You… 💛

What does looking after your mental health look like for you right now? I’d love to hear how you’re finding your rhythm, whatever that means for you.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic with us, or pass this blog along to someone who might need a gentle reminder that they’re not alone. Let’s keep the conversation going.

You’re doing better than you think.

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