Here are 5 Ways to Tackle Entrepreneurial Stress
Owning a business is hard. Your to-do list can be seemingly never- ending and it can feel like everyone is constantly needing something from you. So, it’s understandable that entrepreneurs get overwhelmed and feel stressed out sometimes. Below are 5 tips to help you manage and plan for stressful periods.
- Sweat it Out
Starting an exercise regime may sounds like you are adding even more work to your life, but according to the Harvard Medical School, exercise is one of the best ways to combat anger, frustration, and anxiety. Taking 30 minutes out of your day to do something as simple as going for a brisk walk can have a positive impact on your stress levels. Not only will you feel better, but a better state of mind means more productivity at work. - Delegate What You Can
Letting go of control can be tough, especially when you are dealing with a business that you have put so much time into building, but it’s important to remember that you can’t do it all. Assign some of your workload to staff or hiring a contract worker for a certain project can help take some of the stress of your shoulders. Not only will this lessen your workload, it will allow you to focus on the most important parts of your business such as prospecting and client relationships. - Connect with Other Entrepreneurs
It can be hard for someone who works a 9-5 job to understand the unique challenges and stressors that entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. By connecting to other like-minded entrepreneurs, you have the opportunity to ask advice, gain knowledge, or simply vent with someone who has probably been in the same stressful situation that you may be experiencing. Having a little empathy and support in trying times can be uplifting and give you the push you need to keep going. - Don’t Try and Stick it Out
Pushing yourself to the limit may seem like the only option, but the truth is it does more damage in the long term than good. There is no shame in admitting that you have reached a breaking point and simply need to rest. Whether that means taking an afternoon off or taking a week off, having some time to unwind will only benefit your business in the long run. Walking away from a business for any period of time is not easy for entrepreneurs, therefore planning for vacations and rest days is often necessary. Even knowing that you have a planned break coming up can make life a little easier. - Reflect on Your Goals
Many entrepreneurs know the feeling of being stretched too thin. This feeling can make you feel swamped, unfocused, and not knowing what to tackle next. Next time you get to this place, instead of just doing everything “good enough”, take some time to write down and re-evaluate goals and the action plan you have developed to reach them. You may find that a certain plan or strategy isn’t working and it is something you can stop wasting time on. Subsequently, you may find that something that is working really well could be made more efficient. This will also allow you to see a visual of your progress. Seeing your success can give you validation that all of your hard work isn’t for nothing.Being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest jobs in the world, but it can also be the most rewarding. Tackling stress pro-actively will not only make you a healthy person, but it will help your business be healthier as well.