Dealing With Stress As An Entrepreneur
Because no one wants to be the Queen of Grumpiness.
As business owners, it sometimes feels easier to ignore our stress rather than determining ways to just #JustDealWithIt. Our to-do lists feel endless, there is no longer anytime to get to that class you were planning on attending this (... last) week, and your children start referring to you as Queen Grumpy Pants. I know because this happens to me! There are times where I see small details slipping through the cracks or I begin running late to my appointments and I realize that I need to take a step back and utilize some of my favorite methods to deal with the stress.
Here are some easy-peasy tips to deal with stress as an entrepreneur:
Find an accountability partner.
Now, my husband doesn’t know anyyyyything about website design but he does know me and that’s enough. First and foremost, your accountability partner can (and should) be honest with you. When you’re 5 cups of cold brew deep before 12 pm, they can help you recognize that you maybe need an extra helping hand. What small steps can they take to relieve some of your stress? My husband agrees to take some of my responsibility taking care of the kids when I have a big project or he cuts his day a little shorter to help around the house. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be directly related to your business!
SLEEP. PAUSE.
Yep, you heard me right. That “last one” email when it’s already 3 am can hold off. Try and make compromises with your sleep schedule and promise yourself to get 1-2 nights of an 8-hour sleep. You’ll feel amazing!
Throughout the day, remember to give your brain a chance to relax. What makes you feel calm? A lot of people enjoy taking a walk outside but I, personally, want to avoid the freezing Ohio cold and go to my favorite store. But… maybe leave the wallet inside the car if you are headed to Target like me. #Ain’tNobodyGotTimeForThat.
Or just keep it simple and take 5 minutes to meditate and focus on your breath. Studies show this is the number one most common way to reduce stress!
Journal, journal, journal.
I use my journal as a spur-of-the-moment vent sesh. You might want to buy a padlock for your journal once you get going… trust me, it’s not always pretty. The nice thing about journaling is that you can do it as consistently or inconsistently as you like and write about anything you want whether it be business, personal or just nonsense!
Finish all your little bite-sized tasks.
Set your timer for 30-minutes, no distractions. Complete as many small tasks on your to-do list as you can. Some of the little nagging things that stress me out to see on my to-do list are client follow-ups, checking my calendar, sending e-mails to leads, or making my TDL for my amazing assistant (who also relieves much of my stress!!!).
Background noise.
… Because music makes the world go ‘round! By picking out a favorite podcast, audiobook, or relaxing music to play in the background, my day suddenly becomes much more enjoyable. Now, I’m not talking about raisin’ the roof with Cardi B, but just something soothing to help you focus and stay calm throughout the day.
Clear desk = clear mind.
AKA, make sure that pile of stuff that’s been gathering on your desk since last Wednesday is no more! You can eat your lunch while you organize or schedule in a 15-minute break during your day if you notice that your once pristine office is starting to resemble a landfill.
And there ya have it! I want to hear more ways that you find productive in relieving the stress in your life. Comment below your favorite tips!
Also, reach out to us on our Contact page. We’d love to answer any questions and hear about what you’re currently working on!
