An artisan cheese vendor and a tech entrepreneur might not have much in common, but chances are both are stressed. According to Bank of America's Spring 2017 Business Advantage Small Business Owners Report, 41% of respondents identified their business as their biggest source of personal stress.
Although it's often a labor of love, if the angst of running your own business is exercise, juggling finances, maintaining relationships, and even raising children, you're already in a pickle. When you get wrapped up in 24/7 entrepreneurial endeavors, you lose sight of self-care and other important things. You may not realize how quickly you burn out, which can have countless long-term repercussions.
Related: Do These 4 Things To Avoid Losing Your Mind As An Entrepreneur
When work-related stress gets overwhelming, it's time to take a step back and recharge. You need to be at the top of your game to run a successful business.
Schedule some time for yourself every day, especially in the morning, before your schedule fills up and overwhelms you. You'll feel more refreshed and you'll not only improve your personal development, but you'll also strengthen your relationships and improve your business all around.
As Stephen Covey says in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , you need to “sharpen the saw” if you want to cut more wood and increase long-term productivity. Give yourself a much-needed boost with these simple activities that will recharge your internal battery every day.
1. Get virtual help.
With a million little things that can eat up all the time in an entrepreneur's day, a simple and easy way to reduce stress is to outsource some of those more mundane tasks. . Take more time for yourself by hiring a virtual assistant like Drift, Clara or x.ai to answer questions and manage follow-ups and appointments.
If you opt for Clara, your cyborg virtual assistant – in part algorithm, part human – will use artificial intelligence to respond to your emails within minutes, even into the wee hours of the night. Clara communicates only by email, manages time-based interactions, and arranges meetings, calls, and even lunch or coffee appointments on your calendar. And if you don't like its name, you can rename it. The company also keeps human assistants in the loop, who will step in when its algorithms can't handle an email or a messy situation.
Amy Ingram is the name of x.ai's virtual assistant, and she has received excellent reviews for his friendly demeanor. Amy's competence and positive attitude put her clients so at ease that he has been said to be polite to her by asking her to make an appointment for him.
2. Exercise.
The simple act of moving your body – whether for a walk or high-intensity cardio – helps release tension and has the added benefit of releasing endorphins. If you choose physical activities you enjoy, you'll be more likely to stick with them.
I love running with my dog, Finley, lifting weights and shooting hoops at the gym. Doing these exercises doesn't feel like a chore to me, and having a few of them on rotation keeps me from getting bored.
In addition to the obvious health benefits, burning extra calories on a regular basis helps you feel better. manage anger and stress. Researchers have found that an exercise routine provides an outlet for negative emotions, which is why active people are less likely to project work-related anger or frustration onto their loved ones.
If it's not for your own well-being, exercise for your loved ones. Even a long walk at lunch can help you reap those rewards.
3. Spend time with family.
In times of stress, it's so important to go back to the "why" behind your business. The best way to do this is to hang out with the people you're building a business for or those who gave you the confidence, inspiration and support you needed to become an entrepreneur.
Try a dinner party with family to reconnect. Eating together improves relationships, and a home-cooked meal is generally healthier than takeout. One way to double your advantage is to play games with your family or friends. Choose a physical game to improve your health or a board game to challenge your mind.
4. Give back.
There's an old saying that doers sleep better at night, but a recent study has actually shown it to be true. Participants were asked about their quality of sleep, as well as their feelings of having purpose and meaning in life. Those who felt determined slept better and had fewer instances of sleep-related health issues, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
Getting involved in your community also gives you a boost of built-in thumb that keeps you going when you get bogged down. Leverage the skills that allow you to succeed in your career and exercise a sense of purpose.
I have personally found meaning in coaching young athletes, using my leadership skills to have a positive impact on the lives of others. When I started coaching, it was great to be a mentor to the next generation of leaders in our community. Years later, I get an extra lift when I meet my former players and they call me Coach. It's a living reminder that giving of my time makes a difference, which keeps my battery charged.
5. Connect with other entrepreneurs.
A little shoptalk is good for you – when you can get out of your bubble, of course. Taking the time to get to know other entrepreneurs helps you take a step back from your own business and refocus.
Find colleagues outside of your company who can relate to your experiences. Other entrepreneurs understand your challenges and will appreciate your accomplishments once you get to know yourself. Listen to their problems and don't be afraid to share yours, it's a chance to not only discover proven solutions, but also a healthy place to discuss things you can't talk to your colleagues or members about. of the team.
Talking with other entrepreneurs can also help improve your business. In fact, business owners surveyed in the Future of Business Survey, conducted by Facebook in partnership with the OECD and the World Bank, said they rely on other entrepreneurs more than Google to learn how to run a business. Joining or even creating your own online and offline communities can spur collaboration and problem-solving innovation.
Starting tomorrow, set your alarm a little earlier than usual to catch a little "me" in the morning. Whether you're reading, helping the kids get ready for school, or making a plan for a small business meeting, that time will be well spent. You'll be better equipped to face the many challenges of your workday with your fully charged internal battery.
Related: How Successful People Can Beat Stress
