The entrepreneurial space in the US is thriving, with new startups launching every day. However, that’s also the reason to worry about the stiff competition in the market. According to 2022 data, there are nearly 31 million entrepreneurs in the country, making up 16% of the workforce. Whether you are new to the landscape or have been around, you will probably feel the heat.
The heavy workload is another stress factor as you juggle multiple responsibilities and make critical decisions. A survey shows that 84% of business owners hustle for more than 40 hours per week. Additionally, 1 in 10 of them feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Undoubtedly, managing a growing startup can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being.
A few stress-busting strategies can be your saviors on the toughest days. Adopting them can help you preserve your sanity and give your best to your startup. The best part is that busting stress is not about overlooking your responsibilities. It is only about achieving equilibrium.
In this article, we will explore a few actionable strategies for busy entrepreneurs to manage stress more effectively.
Prioritize and Delegate
The endless to-do lists are the primary sources of stress for busy entrepreneurs. In most cases, business owners are responsible for the situation because they do not trust their teammates enough to delegate the workload. Moreover, they often try to do too much without prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
The solution is to reduce your workload by prioritizing and delegating. Start the day by identifying the most urgent and challenging tasks and try closing them first. Also, pick the key responsibilities that require your attention and delegate others to reliable team members.
Delegating tasks does more than reduce your stress. Research proves that delegation of authority can enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and empowerment of employee performance. Additionally, it fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
Establish Work-Life Boundaries
According to Zipdo statistics, 95% of entrepreneurs are unsure about the ways to achieve a healthy work-life balance. The situation eventually pushes them toward burnout, which is stress in its worst form. When you launch your startup, disconnecting from work is challenging because you are enthusiastic and motivated. Gradually, it becomes a way of life, with boundaries between work and personal life blurring.
Establishing a balance is the only way to regain control and minimize stress. Start by setting clear boundaries and commit to sticking with them. For example, you can designate specific work hours, family time, and alone time. Avoid taking work calls and checking emails outside of work hours. Also, spend quality time with loved ones and maintain social interactions to avoid isolation.
Find a Go-To Stress-Buster
Stress can hit any time, when you are amid a financial crisis, on the verge of losing a key client, or facing an employee conflict. Learning to co-exist with anxiety is essential. The best way to do it is by finding a go-to stress-buster. However, the last thing you need is to get habitual to anti-anxiety pills. Think of healthy ways to cope with immediate anxiety.
Meditation and deep breathing exercises can melt out stress in a few minutes. Disconnect yourself from the situation and step out for a walk to get a new perspective. Call your partner as research shows that talking to a loved one in a stressful moment can have a calming effect.
Vaping is another quick fix you can try to relieve anxiety. Studies show that it is healthier than smoking because of the relatively low temperatures of the vapor. The Vapers World disposable vape packs are compact and handy, enabling you to light up discreetly. Remember to follow the rules and stick with your limits for the best results.
Adopt Time-Management Techniques
Time management is another factor contributing to entrepreneurial stress. Unfortunately, statistics show that only 18% of people have a dedicated time management plan. Imagine how anxious you may feel if you cannot fit your to-do lists in a day. You may end up overworking or losing control over your sanity.
Effective time management can reduce stress and increase productivity. Try time management techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix to organize your tasks and prioritize. The Pomodoro Technique is another proven best practice for busy entrepreneurs. You may also devise a plan that works for you.
Check your daily goals and ensure they are realistic. Break your day into manageable segments and focus on one task at a time. These simple steps can help you become more productive and less anxious, regardless of tight schedules.
Take Frequent Breaks
According to a recent survey, more than half (59%) of US workers are going through at least moderate levels of burnout. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and eating disorders are more common than ever in professionals. Entrepreneurs are no exception, and their on-the-fly lifestyle makes them even more vulnerable to burnout.
Taking frequent breaks from work can keep burnout and related mental health issues at bay. No matter how much you want to give to your startup, you must commit to a weekly break. Set aside one day for yourself and maintain an alone-time routine during this day. A yearly vacation can do wonders for your mental health. Give your body and mind the TLC they deserve with a consistent self-care routine.
Foster a Supportive Network
Entrepreneurship can be isolating as you invest long hours, face unique challenges, and work without a large team in the early stages of your startup. In a recent article, seven successful entrepreneurs talked about the strategies they implemented and the isolation they experienced during the startup stage. Fostering a support network was at the top of their advice list.
You can join a business forum to connect with like-minded people going through similar struggles. Network skillfully to build a support system that never fails and offer support to others in return. Consider joining a mentorship program to get valuable insights from a leader who has already overcome the hurdles of entrepreneurship and has success secrets to share.
In conclusion, the entrepreneurial journey is undoubtedly long and demanding, but it shouldn’t be about pushing yourself too hard. You can run your business without stress with these actionable strategies. Besides contributing to your well-being, these tactics make you a more productive person who can set up your startup for success.
