As we have already discussed, you should now be familiar with business challenges, as most successful entrepreneurs have faced them and eventually become stronger and more successful.
Few would dispute that endless amounts of work produce stress, or that stress can be relieved through safe and regular physical exercise, which benefits both the body and the mind. However, physical exercise is voluntary and naturally allows the body to rest and recover afterward. Work-related stress, on the other hand, is different. It grips the mind and body without letting go, gradually wearing a person down day after day.
The humorous response of a bakery owner in Belgium, who advised me to tell my readers to “take lots of Valium” if they plan on starting and running a business, confirms the fact that entrepreneurs regularly face stress. Yet constantly relying on medication to combat stress is neither a healthy nor sustainable long-term solution.
Regularly refreshing and energizing the body and mind is essential for reducing stress. Before that can happen, however, one must first recognize that a problem exists. The next step is to address the cause, not merely the symptoms. For example, taking aspirin may reduce a work-induced headache, but it will not remove the actual cause of the headache.
The following are several effective ways to prevent and control stress:
- Take charge of work situations. Set personal limits and avoid unrealistic deadlines. No one can give 100% of their physical and mental energy day after day, month after month, without eventually suffering in some way. Control your work — do not let it control you.
- Pace yourself. Stay flexible and slow down when necessary.
- Periodically stop and relax. If it is impossible to escape work every evening, find moments throughout the day to rest, even if it is only for 15 minutes with your eyes closed. Some studies suggest that lying flat on your back while relaxing can improve recovery.
- Open up to others. Discuss problems, fears, and frustrations with people you trust. As the old saying goes, “A problem shared is a problem halved.”
- Do things for others. Acts of selflessness can greatly reduce stress. Focusing on helping others often eases personal tension and frustration.
- Exercise regularly. Many experts agree that safe and consistent physical activity is one of the most effective stress relievers.
- Balance work and recreation. Few people die wishing they had spent more time at the office. Schedule time for recreation and quality moments away from work.
- Engage in non-competitive activities that break the monotony of a normal workday. Read a book about someone inspiring, practice yoga or meditation, go hiking, play with your children, learn to cook a new dish, or visit an art gallery or museum.
- Develop an outside interest or hobby, but do not let it take over your life. Most importantly, choose a hobby unrelated to work.
- Do not seek relaxation through alcohol or drugs. Whether through pills or alcohol, escaping work pressure through chemical means only creates additional problems.
- Take a vacation or, at the very least, a few days off. Most business dreams will not collapse simply because you took time to relax, recover, and regain energy.
The key to reducing stress is to regularly plan time for rest and relaxation. As the famous psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm once said, “A person’s main task in life is to give birth to himself (or herself) and become what he (or she) potentially is.” Needless to say, it is difficult to develop a healthy personality if every minute of the day is consumed by work.
Final Thoughts:
You must make time to relax in order to endure and overcome the pressures of stress. Find activities that help disconnect you from difficult situations and give your mind space to recover and develop new ideas. Always stay focused, believe in yourself, and strengthen your ability to endure and overcome stress in business.