Reducing Stress While Growing or Launching a Startup
Entrepreneurs are far too familiar with work-related stress. In this unstable business climate, and with the perils of COVID-19, there is even more stress than usual. Even during these difficult times, there are ways to continue with business goals while practicing stress reduction and healthy self-care.
Moms who are juggling a startup and child-rearing responsibilities have stress from both of these avenues. Creating a healthy balance between career and home life is key. For moms who run their business from home, making time for self-care is important to prevent burnout. Moms Exchange offers valuable advice and support for “momtrepreneurs” who are doing it all.
Making Time for Stress Reduction
Often, business owners (especially moms), ignore self-care. There is often a concession that self-care will happen “when there’s time.” Unfortunately, extra time never seems to emerge, and this can leave business-owning parents tired, overworked, and super stressed.
Instead of waiting for the right time, it may be necessary to schedule it into your weekly routine to ensure that self-care happens regularly. Choose an hour or two each week to dive into self-care. Shut off your phone, turn off your computer, and step away from the business. If you have young children at home, secure a childcare provider for the same day and time each week and try not to schedule anything else during that block. Your stress relief is sacred, so treat that time as if it were a money-making business meeting. In a sense, it is, as it keeps your mind de-stressed so that you can perform optimally at work and at home.
Consider decluttering and organizing your home to reduce stress. A clean home creates an environment that is emotionally healthy and calm. It is wise to deal with household issues and disorder now to create a more positive, healing, and healthy atmosphere at home. If you are working in a home office and running a business, an organized environment will help you stay focused. Sometimes, stress and anxiety can creep up unexpectedly, and it is important to stay aware of the messages of your mind and body in order to stay well.
Listening to Stress and Anxiety Cues
If you are stressed, your mind and body are probably sending you a lot of clues to let you know about it. Sometimes stress and anxiety become such a common occurrence that the symptoms go unrecognized. Take time to check in with your mind and body. Do you notice any physical tension? Some people carry stress in their shoulders and neck, while other people have stomach discomfort or jaw clenching. Headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues are common physical indications of stress.
Emotional indicators of anxiety or stress can include irritability, excessive fatigue, dwelling on negative outcomes, and sleep disturbance. To function better in business and personal life, reducing distress is critical. Consider mindfulness exercises and meditation for relaxation. Guided videos and demonstrations on meditation and mindfulness are ideal for beginners.
You are sure to notice a drastic change in stress levels once you start a regular relaxation practice. Exercise is a great way to boost energy levels and reduce stress. Set aside time several days per week to crank up the tunes and try out some high-intensity workouts. Schedule time with friends and colleagues to go for walks, kids in tow! If your friends are also business owners, perhaps you could strategize while you get your steps in.
Reach Out for Support
Business owners and moms who operate a home-based business can feel isolated a lot of times. Create a support network that includes other business owners, moms, and colleagues. If you are feeling stressed out, there is a good chance that others in your network are feeling the same way. Reach out and brainstorm ways to reduce stress collaboratively. Talk about your business strategies to see if you can benefit from one another’s ideas.
COVID has impacted businesses and has made it difficult for business owners to survive. With collaboration and stress-reduction techniques, you can grow your business and feel better. Check out Moms Exchange for great ideas on running a business while raising a family.
Julie Morris
Julie Morris is a life and career coach. She thrives on helping others live their best lives. It’s easy for her to relate to clients who feel run over by life because she’s been there. After years in a successful (but unfulfilling) career in finance, Julie busted out of the corner office that had become her prison.
Today, she is fulfilled by helping busy professionals like her past self get the clarity they need in order to live inspired lives that fill more than just their bank accounts. When Julie isn’t working with clients, she enjoys writing and is currently working on her first book. She also loves spending time outdoors and getting lost in a good book.