Few people realise just how stressful it is to start your own business. While you’re free of bosses, strict scheduling and the other pressures of a regular job, you’ll find new stresses that come from working for yourself. Here are ten things you can do to help you combat the stress of starting your own business.
1. Meditation
One thing that many entrepreneurs share is a love of meditation. Studies show that meditation activates parts of your brain associated with stress relief. It allows you to reach a relaxed state where your mind can wander so that you can be more productive when you need focus. Work a short meditation session into your day.
2. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is even simpler than meditation but it can achieve the same effect. It involves sitting somewhere comfortable and taking in deep breaths. It can be combined with aromatherapy, music or meditation. The more oxygen you bring into your body, the less tension you feel.
3. Socialise
Take some time each day to meet someone face to face and socialise. Make a lunch date or an afternoon coffee break out of it. The act of simply meeting a friend offers great stress relief. You can vent about your stresses and get them off your chest, or escape the day by discussing something totally unrelated.
4. Take a Mental Vacation
Picture a relaxing place and imagine that you’re there. You can get a picture of this place to gase at, or just picture it in your mind. It could be a sunny beach, a quite mountainside or anywhere else you feel calm. Try to imagine this place with all five of your senses.
5. Exercise
Exercise is one of the greatest stress reducers. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous at all. Try stretching, doing some simple exercises like push-ups, or going for a long walk. Anything that gets your heart pumping releases endorphins in your brain that help you naturally cope with stress.
6. Eat
Eating can help you relieve stress. Asparagus, avocado, blueberries, almonds, oranges, salmon, spinach, turkey and a whole host of other foods contain natural ingredients that help you stay on an even keel. Eat as much fresh, natural food as possible and avoid food that is processed or high in sugar.
7. Natural Stress Relievers
There are a number of herbs that can help you reduce stress, like chamomile, L-theanine, kava and passion flowers. You can take these herbs as teas or supplements. Others include melatonin, vitamin-B complex, Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These produce mixed results and not everyone finds them effective, but try a supplement and see if it helps.
8. Sleep More and Better
Sleep is probably the best stress reliever and all you need to do is to close your eyes. Lack of sleep prevents your brain from functioning properly and you’ll find yourself getting stressed over little things. Don’t convince yourself that because of your busy schedule, it’s okay to skimp on sleep.
9. Ask for Help
You don’t have to do everything yourself when you run your own business. Enlist others to help you, outsource whatever tasks you can, and look into automating your business processes.
10. Get Rid of Stressors
If you feel stressed, take a minute to figure out exactly what causes your stress. Is there any way you can eliminate it? For example, a certain client may be particularly stress-inducing. Changing up your work schedule may help. See if there is any way to get rid of any of your stressors.
Finally, it’s good to realise that not all stress is bad. Sometimes it’s good to feel like you’re under the gun. It gives you a good kick in the rear to get you moving. But when you’re overwhelmed by stress, you need to combat it.