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.
Looking after your mental wellbeing is part of the job
When you work for yourself, it’s easy to believe that productivity is everything. There’s always another email to answer, another proposal to send, another late evening catching up on admin – because there’s no one else to take the strain, the responsibility sits squarely with you.
But I’ve learned, both through my own experience of self-employment and my years working in mental health – your wellbeing isn’t separate from your work. It’s the foundation of it.
When we ignore our stress levels, push through exhaustion, or treat rest as an expendable luxury, our nervous system quietly moves into survival mode. We might be functioning, still delivering, still performing – but internally we’re running on adrenaline, and this affects our executive functioning.
Over time this catches up with us.
Steps you can take...
“Firstly please understand that looking after your mental wellbeing isn’t indulgent. It’s professional. It’s sustainable. It’s strategic. If you want your business to thrive, you must ensure that you are able to stay regulated, focused and well. Looking after yourself isn’t time away from your business. It’s how you protect it. For we self-employed especially, there is no HR department to check in on you. No one else monitoring your workload. You are the entire system.
So small acts consistent acts of care can make a remarkable difference:
- Pausing between tasks instead of rushing.
- Finishing at a defined time, even if everything isn’t done.
- Taking one proper day off each week.
- Being kind to yourself when things don’t go to plan.
Mental wellbeing doesn’t require dramatic change, it just requires awareness.”
With love & support, Melinda
Small daily habits that support your mind and your workload
Tending to our mental health should ideally be incorporated into our everyday routines so that it becomes second nature. But when we are constantly rushing around, and under pressure to finish jobs on time and on budget, it is all too often the very last thing we tend to think about. The more we rush, the more frazzled we feel, and ultimately the less productive we become; especially when we can’t think straight because we feel so stressed.
When you’re self-employed you have to create your own structure, and that can feel either liberating or overwhelming, depending on the day. Building small, daily habits – repeated consistently – help to create resilience.
Steps you can take...
“I’ve found that a few simple anchors can transform how my day feels.
Start before the noise begins – Even 10 minutes in the morning – whether that’s for a short meditation, petting the dog, stretching, or simply sitting with a cup of tea – gives your nervous system a chance to settle before the demands of the day begin. Many people take this time to count their blessings – practicing a few moments of gratitude – in whatever form that takes for you – can really set a positive frame of mind for the day.
Choose one or two priorities only – Long to-do lists create pressure. Clear priorities create momentum and focus. And once you’ve achieved those main priorities anything else feels like a bonus.
Work in focused blocks – Our brains aren’t designed for constant switching, so protect your attention. Close unnecessary tabs, silence notifications, turn off your phone to concentrate if you have to. Give yourself the chance to focus on your set priorities.
Take at least a couple of breaks – Stepping outside even briefly, resets the body. It reminds you there is a world beyond your screen. If you have physical job, or work outside, be sure to stop and rest – sit in your van or car with your phone off, perhaps listen to a podcast or radio show – close your eyes for 10 minutes if you can.
Close the day intentionally – Before you finish, write tomorrow’s top priority and make a note of anything you need to complete it. This allows your mind to rest rather than rehearse unfinished tasks overnight.
These are simple routines which act as guardrails, and the goal isn’t perfection, it’s steadiness. When your habits support both your mental health and your workload, work feels less chaotic – and more contained. And containment calms your mind.”
With love & support, Melinda
Freeing your mind by automating essential tasks
Mental overload doesn’t only come from “big” problems. It often builds because of the multitude of repetitive tasks and decisions required everyday to keep your business running smoothly.
Emails. Invoices. Quotes. Receipts. Admin. Accounts. Deadlines. Follow-ups.
Each one seems small, but together they can mount up to create a constant background hum in your mind – the feeling that something is always unfinished or overdue. One of the kindest things you can do for your nervous system is remove or reduce the unnecessary overload where possible.
Steps you can take...
“When essential tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing or tax preparation are well organised and where possible automated, this helps to keep this background noise to a minimum. Set aside some time to get the right systems in place, use digital tools to help you plan your day, keep good records, automate your payments and invoicing – once these systems are set up you will really notice the difference:
- You’re not chasing paperwork.
- You’re not worrying about forgotten deadlines.
- You’re not spending evenings catching up.
You create breathing space. And breathing space is not a luxury – it’s essential to your overall wellbeing.
Support yourself with systems that work for you, so that your energy can be directed where it matters most: your creativity, your clients, your ideas, your growth.
When the background noise reduces, your clarity increases. And clarity is powerful in business.”
With love & support, Melinda
The positive power of being self-employed
We talk often about the undeniable pressures of working for yourself – but there are positive aspects that deserve equal attention.
The autonomy and mental freedom. The ability to shape your work around your life, rather than forcing your life around your work. Self-employment gives you something extraordinary: choice.
You can decide when your day begins and ends.
You can choose your clients or jobs.
You can build something that reflects your values and lifestyle.
This flexibility isn’t just practical – it’s psychologically powerful.
When we feel a sense of control over our environment, we feel more capable, creative and engaged. Ultimately self-employment can be very fulfilling.
Of course, freedom comes with responsibility. There are financial pressures and moments of uncertainty. But there is also possibility.
Benefits to celebrate...
- Create a work schedule that suits you.
- Take time out without asking permission.
- Prioritise family, health, or personal commitments when it matters.
- Change direction if something no longer suits you.
That level of choice is rare. Self-employment isn’t just a career choice, it’s a lifestyle decision. And when approached with awareness and structure, it can offer both achievement and balance. The key is remembering that you are allowed to build your business in a way that supports your wellbeing – not undermines it.
You don’t have to choose between success and steadiness. With planning and the right support systems you can create both.
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.
