Running a business can be hugely rewarding, but there’s no getting away from the fact that it can also be pretty stressful. If you feel like you’re juggling ten balls at once, or you never really switch out of work mode, here are 11 simple ways to reduce stress in your own business.
1. Delegate
You’re the boss, so it’s up to you to manage your workload. When you run a business, it’s natural to want to work hard and ensure that everything is perfect, but there comes a time when you realize that it’s not possible to do every job. Delegation lightens your load and enables you to focus on priority tasks. Hard work is essential to make a business work, but you have to have a life too.
2. Manage your time
Time management is one of the most valuable and precious skills you can have as a business owner. Get organized, use schedules and diaries, and don’t forget to leave room for downtime.
3. Inject a bit of fun
Work isn’t supposed to be fun, right? Well, that’s what most people think, but there’s a reason why corporate giants like Google have awesome offices filled with slides and retro arcade games. Studies show that people actually work harder and are more productive when they’re happy, so feel free to inject a bit of fun into your working day. There’s nothing wrong with having a mini putting green set up in your office if you feel that this would help you focus and de-stress.
4. Exercise
Exercise is one of the best natural remedies for stress. When your body is moving, it releases endorphins and the levels of serotonin in your brain increase. Make time to hit the gym, go for a walk during your lunch break, cycle home or organize fun group sessions at work.
5. Get some fresh air
If you’ve been cooped up in an office, a store, or a warehouse for as long as you can remember, a burst of fresh air will do you a power of good. Research suggests that being in the open air improves mental health, and it can also make you more awake and alert if you’re struggling with tiredness.
6. Take a break
Sometimes, when you’re stressed out, or you’ve got a lot on your plate, it can be difficult to relinquish control of the reigns, but it’s not good for you to be at your desk 24-hours-a-day. Take regular breaks, make sure you get enough rest, and try and find a more suitable work-life balance.
7. Meditate
Meditation is an increasingly popular means of coping with stress. The beauty of meditation is that you can do it anywhere, and even five minutes of quiet time will make a positive difference. You can use an app to guide you, join classes or just meditate alone.
8. Offload
Do you feel like you’ve got thoughts whizzing around your head, are you anxious, or do you find it virtually impossible to switch off when you leave the office? If so, it’s beneficial to try and offload. Have a rant from time to time, talk about how you feel, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or seek support or guidance.
9. Get enough sleep
In the world of business, it’s incredibly common to stumble across people who run on empty most of the time. There may be days when you finish late, or you can’t sleep, but try and prioritize rest. If you don’t sleep well, this will hamper your performance at work, and you may feel even more stressed. Get into a routine of going to bed at the same time every night and setting your alarm for the same time each morning. Before you go to bed, take an hour or so to unwind. Do something that makes you feel relaxed. Run a bath, read a book or listen to a funny podcast.
10. Indulge in a daily digital detox
In this day and age, it’s virtually impossible to leave work at the office due to the fact that the vast majority of us are contactable around the clock. If you find that you’re checking and sending emails at midnight, or you’re getting phone calls at 6am, take a break from the digital world. Give yourself some breathing space away from beeping noises and flashing lights.
11. Make time for hobbies
There’s no point in working flat out all your life if you have no time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. There’s nothing wrong with being industrious, but make sure you balance work with play. Devote time to your interests and hobbies and hang out with friends and family.
Running your own business is a full-time job, and it can be incredibly stressful. The good news is that there are ways of combating stress and finding a better work-life balance. If you’re feeling frazzled, hopefully, these tips will come in handy.
