Whether you’re a new or seasoned business owner, there comes a time when you will feel stretched and overwhelmed. Often, you will have many demands on your time and attention and people are looking to you for answers and direction. Or, you may be bridging your business with a fulltime job; throw in family responsibilities and this can add to an overwhelming feeling of stress.
When I find myself in this place, there are some tips that really help me get through it. These tips help me to feel more grounded and reduce the feeling of stress. Some of my favourites include:
Setting boundaries
Often, small business owners feel they need to be available to both clients and employees at all hours of the day. This can have a major impact on your overall stress levels, as being able to relax and disconnect is hugely important. Try only answering calls or emails within specified hours, or ensuring you take at least one full day per week off. Give yourself permission to relax and unwind, and you’ll feel much better equipped for stressful days at the office.
Ask for help
You need to feel comfortable reaching out to your support networks when you need to, whether it’s friends, family or colleagues. Asking for help doesn’t imply that you’re weak, and can in fact suggest the opposite. It takes a strong and courageous leader to be able to ask for help, and can even help other people in your business feel empowered and valued.
Learn to delegate
Many business owners have trouble with delegating, particularly during times of high stress. But you need to be able to let go of the control at certain stages – not only will it help you to reduce your stress levels, but it allows employees and colleagues to feel that they’re truly trusted and valued. Simplifying your leadership in this way and trusting those you work with can have a major impact on your overall business and health, and it’s important you realise that you can’t do everything.
Remember to Breathe
Often when people are stressed they find it hard to take a moment to simply breath, particularly when they feel panicked or overwhelmed. It might seem like simple advice, but it can be extremely effective when it comes to combating stress and ensuring you’re able to have a calm, productive day (even when it feels like the exact opposite).