Top 10 Ways to Care for Yourself as an Entrepreneur
We all experience stress on a regular basis, though the type and intensity of the stress can vary from minor challenges to major crises. Business owners tend to have different stressors even though they are passionate about the business.
When stress gets to be too intense, chronic, and unmanaged, it can take a toll on our health and well-being. That's why effective stress relievers are essential in restoring inner peace and physical health.
It can be challenging, however, to find stress relievers that fit for every stressful situation. You may not always be in the mood for meditation when your thoughts are racing, though it is a powerhouse of a stress reliever; you may sometimes face relationship stress that isn't as well-managed by breathing exercises (another highly effective stress reliever) as it might be by learning communication techniques.
The following list was designed with versatility in mind. These stress relievers are proven effective and can be used in a variety of situations. You can try them each once and see what you enjoy the most, or make a few favorites part of your daily routine, with some extras to use on an as-needed basis.
#1 Use Music Therapy
Music can alter your physiology in ways that help you to relieve stress. It's an enjoyable, passive route to stress relief. Formal music therapy sessions can help with a variety of stress-related issues. Finding a music therapist isn't the only way music can help as a stress reliever. Creating playlists for various moods (a cathartic mix for when you want to process feelings, an upbeat mix for when you need more energy, etc.) can help you to relieve stress passively, enjoyably, and conveniently.
#2 Laughing
The physical act of laughing releases tension and brings positive physiological changes.
Finding ways to work more laughter into your day can be an effective route to stress relief. Check out these silly jokes you can try out on your kids, they might do an eye roll but you'll probably laugh anyway.
#3 Throw a Small Party
Social support works wonders on a person’s stress level, and each type of friend is important. Throw a small party (as opposed to a large, unruly one) and celebrate your most important friends and the roles they play in your life. You’ll strengthen your social bonds and relieve the stress you may be feeling.
#4 Delegate and Cut Down on Some of Your Commitments
Living a full life is great, but when you're exhausted and overwhelmed, you are probably enjoying everything less than you could be. Sometimes cutting out or handing over some of the most stressful or least necessary activities can do wonders for your stress levels. At Bright Moments we have a passion for small businesses and in particular, owners like you that get bogged down with administrative duties and neglect the things that you’re passionate about, the things that make your business great and personal. Contact us for your free 30 minute consultation.
#5 Meditation/Prayer
Meditation brings short-term stress relief as well as lasting stress management benefits. It has become one of the most popular ways to relieve stress among people of all walks of life. This age-old practice, which can take many forms and may or may not be combined with many spiritual practices, can be used in several important ways.
It can be a quick-fix stress reliever to help you reverse your body's stress response and physically relax.
It can be a part of your daily routine and help you build resilience to stress.
It can be a technique you use to get centered when you're thrown off by emotional stress.
Many people turn to spirituality for stress relief, and studies show it works. Prayer can be physically relaxing as well as emotionally comforting and spiritually uplifting. The next time you feel stressed, don't forget the power of prayer.
#6 Play Games
Enjoying a good game with a group of friends, or playing something relaxing online can take your mind off of your stressors, and can lead to a more relaxed state. Take a 'brain break' at this Brain Games site.
#7 Use Journaling
Journaling can be used in several different ways, all of which can relieve stress. Also, journaling is proven by research to bring several additional health benefits. A gratitude journal is one option. Counting your blessings does more than remind you of those things you have to be grateful for; it puts you into a mindset where you more often notice other things you have to be grateful for, and your stressors feel smaller in comparison. It also reminds you of all of the resources you have to cope with the stress, which can be quite empowering.
#8 Eat a Balanced Diet
A poor diet can bring greater reactivity toward stress. A healthy diet can bring greater physical and emotional wellness.
Find some simple go-to meals and snacks, and feel less stressed in your daily life. Consuming caffeine too late in the day can affect sleep quality, which impacts stress levels. Consuming too much caffeine, in general, can make you more emotionally reactive to stress. Learn how much caffeine is too much.
#9 Take a Walk
Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever that can work in minutes. Taking a walk allows you to enjoy a change of scenery, which can get you into a different frame of mind, and brings the benefits of exercise as well. Learn about the other benefits of walking as a stress reliever.
#10 Learn Assertive Communication Skills
Relationships can be great stress relievers. Knowing how to keep your relationships healthy through effective communication is one of the best investments of time and energy for stress relief.
At least one of these tips can be put into practice as you handle business, family, and the ongoing stresses of life. EVERYONE has experienced significant stress in 2020 and while we are learning new routines and a way of life, let’s also learn the importance of self care.
