Help Your Head.
May is mental health awareness month.
The last year has been a challenge for anyone’s mental health. Haircut pros are no exception.
Licensed barbers and cosmetologists are not trained in assessing and addressing mental health concerns for our clients. We can look after our own mental health. We can take steps to address elements of our daily life and work that impact our mental health.
Below are a few of my tips for maintaining solid mental health behind your haircut chair. If you have significant concerns or issues or need help, please seek out a qualified mental health care professional. Start with your doctor. If you do not have a doctor google a FREE mental health help hotline in your area. If you cannot find help, reach out to me. I will help you find help.
1. Block your lunch – You need time away from work every day. That is called lunch. Block your lunch well before the day has begun. Never sell your lunch spot to a client. Go outside. Grab some fresh air. Grab some water. Grab some food. Get away from the shop, the clients and the environment. One half our is ideal for this. You need the break.
2. Learn to say NO! – Set limits and boundaries. Stick to them. We are taught that we are in this business to serve, to give and to say YES. Sometimes we need to say NO. it feels good to say NO. Try it. Often.
3. Never Squeeze – Squeezing is bad for four people. You rush the client in your chair. You short change the squeezed client. You are late for the next client and worst of all you stress out yourself. Everyone loses when you squeeze.
4. Specialize – Stop doing things you do not enjoy. Start focusing on the stuff that brings you joy. Our industry is vast. Find what you love and what you are good at. Pass off services that you would rather not do. Who says you have to perm hair? Or color hair? Or cut hair? The more you focus, the happier you will be and the better your work will be. Everyone wins when the haircutter is happy.
5. Charge More – Making more money for each and every haircut will make you happier. Money is not all that will make most people happy. It is far easier to be far happier when the haircut price is higher. The math is simple. I am happy if you pay me $10 to cut your hair. I am thrilled if you pay me $20. I am over the moon at $30. See how easy that is? Imagine how life feels at $40.
6. Get Some Exercise – Get you heart pumping. Get outside. Get in the gym. Exercise releases positive hormones and makes you feel good. You do not need to do so much that you feel tired. Just enough to know you are alive and how good it feels to be alive. The American Council on Exercise recommends 30 minutes 5 times per week of cardio exercise. That can be a bike ride, a walk, a run or any of many options and choices. Moving your body is great for your brain.
7. Fire a Client – Not all business is good business. Not all business is good for you. I will address this topic in detail in next week’s blog posting. Focus on the first 6 this week. Next week we will dig deep on this idea.
Have a great week.
Take care of your brain.
THX.
Ivan
