Stress is Not A Strategy: 5 Steps to Stress Less

As entrepreneurs, we are no stranger to stress. We’ve all experienced it in some form or another. Whether it's late nights trying to perfect a grand opening, nonstop calls to vendors, or sifting through mounds of paperwork, it’s not hard to get overwhelmed by stress. If not managed properly, stress can negatively impact our health and daily activities. Lucky for you, we’ve put together this 5-step guide to help you manage the inevitable.

Recognizing the Signs of Stress

Understanding how stress manifests is the first step toward managing it. Some influencers and business gurus claim that grinding yourself and “getting it out of the mud” is necessary for growth. That is simply not true. Hard times will come, but they shouldn’t be sought after for success. Make it a habit to regularly check your stress levels and manage them for better long-term success.

Here’s a mini questionnaire to know if you’re feeling generally stressed:

1. Are you feeling tense physically?

2. Do you tend to have trouble sleeping?

3. Are you feeling anxious often or irritable?

4. Do social events or interactions feel overwhelming?

5. Has your appetite changed in terms of certain cravings or less food?

   
   

If you answered yes to most of these, chances are that you’re most likely stressed. Let’s get into how to manage it.

Effective Stress Management Techniques

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

The foundation for how we feel comes from what we feed our bodies and how we move them. Exercising releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters that can relieve stress. As far as diet, eating balanced and well-rounded meals can support your overall health and improve your body’s ability to handle stress. Activities like walking, yoga, or dancing are great options. Include foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

2. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Playing hard does have its benefits, but if you don’t take time to rest, you may become burnt out. Deep breathing exercises are very helpful to slow your heart rate, relax your body, and reduce stress levels. Meditating often can break the stress cycle and promote overall wellness. It’s also helpful to include yoga stretches with proper breath control.

3. Keep a Stress Journal

Documenting your thoughts and feelings on a regular basis can help you process them better. Understanding triggers and patterns can help you stop a spiral before it happens. Journaling allows you to reflect on situations that cause stress. From there, you can develop strategies to manage them effectively. (Good thing we’re here to help you with this guide that you can always come back to!)

4. Grow Social Connections

Growing and keeping relationships with friends, family, and coworkers can provide emotional support. According to the Longevity Care Clinic, research suggests that people with strong social connections and community engagement tend to live longer and healthier lives. Being a part of like-minded individuals not only helps you with networking, but also having a better life! Sharing your feelings with trusted individuals can offer new perspectives and coping strategies.

5. Set Goals

If you want to get better at managing the stresses of daily life, you have to document what you want it to look like instead. Breaking tasks into manageable steps and setting achievable goals can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed. Prioritizing tasks helps focus on what's most important and where you focus your time. The best way to organize your goals is with the SMART goal outline.

Conclusion

Effectively managing stress is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. By incorporating healthy lifestyle choices, relaxation techniques, growing social connections, and setting goals, you can better deal with stress. Implementing these strategies can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.