Introducing Tidy Minds
A new mental health initiative for busy self- employed people
We’re thrilled to welcome Melinda Messenger – Psychotherapist, Broadcaster & Wellbeing Advocate as our official Tidy Minds Mental Health Ambassador.
We know that running a business alone is tough – mentally and emotionally. The Tidy App is designed to help people reclaim time and reduce stress, but our vision goes beyond simplifying admin. We recognise that the mental health impact of self-employment extends far deeper.
So with Melinda’s expertise, we’ve created Tidy Minds, our new initiative designed to highlight mental health challenges in the self-employed community and to build a space for connection, support and helpful conversations.
Melinda Messenger
Why we’ve created Tidy Minds
Nearly half of self-employed professionals report feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or stressed by the pressures of managing a business alone. Late payments, inconsistent income, admin overload and long working hours can all contribute to anxiety, burnout and declining physical and mental health.
Through interviews, articles, online events and video content, Melinda will open up conversations about:
- Dealing with stress and overwhelm
- Maintaining work–life balance
- Managing financial uncertainty
- The emotional realities of working for yourself
- How simple routines can transform wellbeing
- The benefits of community, and much, much more!
Hello, lovely people,
I’m really honoured to be the Mental Health Ambassador for the new Tidy Minds initiative dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of self-employed people – it’s a subject close to my heart.
As someone who is self-employed, had a variety of roles – from TV to psychotherapy – I know how deeply our work can affect our mental and emotional health. Working for yourself can be incredibly rewarding, but it also brings pressures that many people don’t see: long days, financial uncertainty, isolation, and the constant juggle of keeping everything going on your own.
So I’m here to shine a light on the struggles many of us self-employed people face. Through Tidy Minds, we’ll be sharing conversations, guidance and practical tips designed to help you look after your mental health, while navigating the ups and downs of self-employed life. And we’ll be building a community that reminds you that you’re not alone and that support is available.
With love, Melinda
A welcome message from Melinda
Why Tidy Minds matters
Stay connected and stay tuned to Tidy Minds
Tidy Minds will be rolling out new content, resources and events throughout 2026.
Watch. Share. Support.
Financial pressures and HMRC Deadlines
For many self-employed people, January brings financial stress alongside HMRC deadlines.
Worrying about money, tax or outstanding payments can sit heavily in the background, affecting sleep, mood and confidence.
Financial pressure can make everything feel more overwhelming. When we’re anxious, our thinking narrows and problems can feel bigger and more permanent than they really are. While practical advice matters, so does how you look after yourself emotionally.
Breaking things into manageable steps, talking things through and reaching out for support can ease the mental load.
Steps you can take...
“When money worries or HMRC deadlines feel heavy, it can help to bring things out of your head and onto paper. Write down exactly what’s due and when – often the unknown is more stressful than the facts.
Break tasks into the smallest possible steps, and deal with one thing at a time. If you can, talk it through with an accountant, adviser or someone you trust. Reaching out isn’t a failure – it’s a practical way of reducing the emotional load. Taking small practical steps to get yourself organised is often the quickest way to take control of the situation, and ultimately will make you feel better than ignoring the problem. The reality is that many, many people are in the same situation, help is available, so be kind to yourself. ”
With love & support, Melinda
January and low mood
January can be a tough month for many of us. The days are shorter, the pace suddenly changes after Christmas, and motivation can feel harder to find. It’s very common to feel flatter or more tired at this time of year.
If you work for yourself, January can feel even heavier. Without the structure or reassurance of an employer, it’s easy to put pressure on yourself to “hit the ground running” when your energy may still be low. Being kinder to yourself and setting realistic expectations can make a real difference.
At Tidy Minds, we’ll be sharing gentle ways to support your mood and wellbeing through the winter months – small, practical steps that help you steady yourself, rather than push through at all costs.
Steps you can take...
“If January feels heavy, one of the most helpful things you can do is slow things down – on purpose. Your energy is often lower at this time of year, so expecting yourself to operate at full pace can actually make low mood worse. Try setting just one or two priorities for the day, rather than a long to-do list. Once those are done, anything else is a bonus. That simple shift can reduce pressure and give your nervous system a chance to settle.
Getting daylight really matters, even when you don’t feel like it. A short walk, standing outside with a cup of tea, or sitting near a window can help your body wake up – it also stimulates seratonin production, essential for positivity.
And finally, stay connected. January can be quite isolating in contrast to the festive season, especially if you work for yourself. A quick message, a short call, or meeting someone for a coffee can lift your mood more than you might expect. You don’t need to fix how you feel – it’s best to acknowledge you’re at a low ebb and take steps to ease yourself through it.”
With love & support, Melinda
Blue Monday: A positive reframe
You may hear January’s “Blue Monday” described as the most depressing day of the year.
There’s no science behind a single day being the hardest – but the feelings many people experience at this time are very real.
Winter, financial pressure and fatigue can all affect our emotional wellbeing, especially if you’re self-employed and constantly juggling responsibility.
Feeling low or unmotivated is often a sign your nervous system needs a little care.
Steps you can take...
“If winter feels particularly draining, focus on what supports your energy rather than what drains it. That might mean fewer commitments, clearer boundaries around work, or allowing yourself quieter days.
Stay connected where you can – a message, a short call, a shared coffee. Checking in with your family and friends may help you both out of a low mood. And if low feelings continue to linger or feel heavier, reaching out for professional or community support is a really positive step. Please don’t wait until things feel unbearable.”
With love & support, Melinda
Useful resources
There is always help at hand
Looking after your mental wellbeing is important – and support is available.
Below are trusted UK organisations offering information, tools and confidential support if you need it.
If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of harming themselves or others,
call 999 or go to the nearest A&E immediately.
Useful resources
Mind – Information, guidance and local support for a wide range of mental health issues.
https://www.mind.org.uk/
NHS Mental Health – Official gateway to NHS mental health services and self-help guidance.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
NHS Talking Therapies – Free NHS support for anxiety and depression (England).
https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhstalking-therapies/
Hub of Hope – National database of UK mental health charities and support services.
https://hubofhope.co.uk/
Helplines & Immediate Support
Shout – Free, confidential 24/7 text support for anyone struggling with their mental health.
https://giveusashout.org/
Text SHOUT to 85258
Mind Mental Health Helplines – Helplines covering a range of needs (info and support).
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-tosupport-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-healthproblem/mental-health-helplines/
Samaritans – Confidential emotional support available 24/7.
https://www.samaritans.org/
Call 116 123 (UK)
Specialist Charities & Community Support
Anxiety UK – Support, information and resources for people experiencing anxiety.
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
Rethink Mental Illness – Advice, community services and support for people living with mental illness.
https://www.rethink.org/
Kooth – Online wellbeing community offering anonymous, free peer support.
https://www.kooth.com/
Togetherall – Safe, anonymous online community for emotional support.
https://togetherall.com/en-gb/
Support for Young People
YoungMinds – Information and support for young people and parents.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
The Mix – Free support (online, chat, email) for under-25s.
https://www.themix.org.uk/
Urgent & Crisis Support
NHS 111 (Mental Health option) – Call 111 anytime (select mental health option) for urgent support across England.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergencycare/nhs-111/
Local Crisis Teams – NHS local crisis services (via NHS 111 or local trust sites).
Take control of your business with Tidy
The Tidy App is designed to address common challenges faced by self-employed and tradespeople, offering a tech-savvy way to manage your business admin, fast and secure ways to accept payments, and convenient ways to manage your cash flow. We even offer a more streamlined accounting process with a FREE QuickBooks account included.
Tidy offers busy self employed professionals a suite of digital business tools designed to take the hassle out of daily admin tasks, so that you can focus on what you do best – your trade.
