Life is going to be stressful at times and even more so when you’re an entrepreneur and in charge of your own company. Some days will be more demanding than others and over time your worries and tension can build up.
It’s important that you’re proactive and take control and get ahead of your stress before it controls you. Here are eight stress management tips for small business owners that will improve your life and health and ensure that you can perform to the best of your ability each day in the workplace. You’ll feel more motivated daily and have more natural energy to carry you through your schedule this way.
1. Make To-Do Lists & Prioritize Tasks
One stress management tip for small business owners is to make and follow to-do lists. Not only write down what you want to achieve but then put these tasks in priority order. It will help keep you on track daily and ensure that you tackle all you want to get done. It’s also useful since you can clear your mind and not have to keep track of all you want to do in your head. To-do lists will increase productivity and, most importantly, will reduce your stress. At the same time, you should learn the art of saying no and not overcommit yourself as a small business owner.
2. Choose Healthy Food
It can be easy to grab fast food or convenience foods when you’re rushing around and a busy business owner. However, these will only make you feel more tired and sluggish. Instead, choose healthy food and eat foods that nourish your mind and body and provide you with natural energy. Carry healthy snacks with you in your work bag and prepare meals and foods at home that you can bring with you for lunch. Also, limit and pay attention to your caffeine intake, as too much of it may make you feel jittery or not sleep as well.
3. Take Time Away & Find Hobbies You Enjoy
Another stress management tip for small business owners is to take time away from the office and your job. Time off will help you recharge and you’ll come back feeling more focused and energized to work hard. Also, discover hobbies you enjoy and engage in them in your free time. For instance, maybe you want to travel more or get into photography. Consider getting a DJI Mini 2 you can take with you on your adventures so you can capture all the amazing sights and beautiful scenery. Also, getting outside and spending time in nature will boost your energy levels and mental health.
4. Delegate to Your Staff
Reduce your stress by hiring talented employees who can help you get more done. As a small business owner, you must be able to focus your time and energy on running your company and not on doing work that can be completed by others. Commit to delegating to your staff often and regularly to take some pressure and tasks off you. It’s not only beneficial for you to do but will benefit your staff since they’ll feel more challenged and engaged at work. Spend time getting to know your employee’s individual talents and abilities so that you can give them assignments that are appropriate for their knowledge and skill level.
5. Establish A Support System
It’s also wise and beneficial for you to establish a support system as a small business owner. You need people who you can lean on and who will be able to offer advice and tips when you need them. Build your network and find people who you can trust to guide you in the right direction. You may also want to secure a mentor who has been in your position previously and can help steer you down a positive path and help you avoid making the same mistakes they did. Consider joining professional organizations, reaching out for community support, and attending networking events and conferences.
6. Make Time to Reflect
You also need time to rest your mind and think about what direction your business is heading next. Reduce and manage stress as a small business owner by making time to reflect and think about your current habits and future. Reflecting will help reduce anxious thoughts and feelings and make you feel more in control as you charge forward. You may even want to dive into guided meditation as another way to clear your mind and gain more awareness of your thoughts and feelings. This is also a good time to identify your stressors and be thankful for all that’s going well.
7. Stick to A Routine
There are many benefits that come with sticking to a daily and morning routine as a small business owner. You’ll know what to expect each day which will help reduce any anxiety you’re experiencing. It makes situations appear more predictable and controllable for you. Also, stick to a sleep schedule to ensure you fall asleep at a decent hour and stay asleep. Lack of sleep will only increase your stress and anxious feelings in the long run. Overall, routines help promote your well-being and make life more manageable.
8. Exercise More
One of the best ways to reduce stress and feel better, in general, is to exercise more. You might be busy as a small business owner but it’s no excuse to skip a workout. The time to do it is when you don’t feel like it because you’ll always feel better after moving. There are ways to incorporate more exercise and movement into your day besides setting aside time to break a sweat. For instance, you can go walking at lunch, invest in a standing desk, join a gym nearby work, or set up a home gym that you can use in your downtime. Exercising releases the happy chemicals in your brain and will help you build more confidence in yourself as you get fitter and stronger. Physical exercise not only lowers stress levels but can improve your overall quality of life as well.