3 Ways to Manage Entrepreneurial Stress

Did you know that the Gallup Wellbeing Index reveals that 45% of entrepreneurs are stressed out? Whether it’s meeting with potential investors or brainstorming ideas for a new product, experiencing stress at work is common — especially if you’re the one in charge of it all. However, we must remember that stress isn’t synonymous with, or a prerequisite to, success.

Stress, after all, can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health. It can impair your memory and kill off brain cells, as well as cause muscle pain and increase blood pressure. And for your business to be in the best possible shape, it’s vital that you are, as well. If you want to achieve a better work-life balance, here are three top ways to manage entrepreneurial stress:

Have an Attitude of Gratitude

The life of an entrepreneur is busy, to say the least, but don’t forget to take a step back from clearing your checklist now and then to focus on yourself. As we’ve previously shared in our list of ‘3 Simple Ways for Entrepreneurs to Find Inspiration’, spending some time with yourself helps you be more present and mindful.

While you’re at it, try devoting some of your quiet time to practicing gratitude. CNBC shares that Glossier CEO Emily Weiss practices gratitude journaling for five minutes every day. It’s a simple enough practice, but writing down what you’re thankful for can actually help reduce depressive symptoms, improve your sleep quality, and most importantly, lower stress levels.

Approaching life with an attitude of gratitude can help combat entrepreneurial stress, as it helps put things into perspective and reminds you of your why.

Get Moving and Exercise

Exercising is essential for combatting entrepreneurial stress. But since there are different types of exercises for different people, it’s important that you choose one that’s good for your lifestyle, makes you feel great, and you can stick to.

For instance, if you need help taming your temper, then sports like kickboxing can help release anger or aggression. But for those who want something a little calmer, yoga is also a great option. A feature on Parsley Health with CEO Robin Berzin highlights how yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps bring balance to your body and clears your mind. Gentler forms of yoga are great for first-timers, but those looking to improve their practice can try signing up for a power or flow yoga class.

Honoring your body through physical activity not only helps manage stress, but also stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as your body’s ‘happy hormones’.

Make Sleep a Priority

‘Sleep is for the weak’ has become a mantra for many workaholics, but in truth, not sleeping will actually only make you weaker. Not getting enough sleep can negatively affect your overall health, as it can diminish your brainpower, weaken your immune system, and cause even more stress. It’s key to remember that sleep isn’t an option — it’s a necessity.

But of course, sleeping on time is easier said than done, as worries about work can follow you home and interfere with your sleep. This is why Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg turns off her phone during bedtime, so she can get some proper shut-eye. She’s also been supportive of campaigns for getting employees in on proper night-time habits, too.

When you have a good night’s sleep, you’ll be able to wake up revitalized for a productive workday.