10 Ways to Manage Stress When You’re Under Pressure
Having been an employee and now being self-employed, I tend to think that few people realize 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.
If you’re thinking about self-employment, here are ten things you can do to help you deal with the stresses 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 easier than meditation, and it can get the same results. 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. Socialize
Take some time each day to meet someone face to face and socialize. Make a lunch date or an afternoon coffee break out of it. Just the simple act of meeting a friend can offer 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 gaze at, or just picture it in your mind. It could be a sunny beach, a quite mountainside or anywhere else you feel peaceful and 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. It’s not.
9. Ask for Help
Being self-employed doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself to run your business. Get 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 realize 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 find ways to combat it.
I’d love to hear the stress-relieving strategy you are using–or planning to use–in the running of your business. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Your partner in managing your health–especially when you’re under pressure,
James
For more about the warning signs that you are stressed-out, check out my “Effects of Stress on Your Body” infographic.