We started our own business, so we know just how stressful it is to start a new business. In the early stages there is a lot to think about and even more to do! So, with that in mind we have compiled a list of ways to bust stress as a new entrepreneur.
1. Schedule In Breaks
Have you ever been at your day job and everything was difficult, stressful, and you just couldn’t concentrate? But then you took lunch and then 30 mins or hour away from your desk just helped you reset your brain. When you get back to work, you are focused and find it weird that you even struggled to understand that client’s email.
Well, just because you’re a business owner, doesn’t mean you have superpowers and can work through breaks without feeling tired and stressed out. In fact, you need a break even more as a business owner than you did as an employee. Find the best schedule that works for you, but ensure you take at least:
- A 30 minute break in the morning.
- A 30 minute break around lunchtime (an hour is preferable though.)
- A 30 minute break in the afternoon.
This will keep your brain fresh and ready to tackle anything. Where possible, we recommend breaking tasks down even smaller and getting up from your desk once every hour or two to stop. This will stop your legs from cramping and reduce eyestrain.
2. Make Time For Your Hobbies
After a hard day of work, you may just want to veg out in front of the TV to relax. We’re not saying you can’t do that, we love catching up on our favourite shows as much as the next person. But you should also make time to do your hobbies. They will replenish your creativity and make you feel better. We won’t tell you what you should do as a hobby, do something that brings you joy.
Have at least one hobby that gets you moving, even if it is just walking, so that you get fresh air and get the blood moving around your body. Exercise also releases happy endorphins and will help you to let go of the stresses and issues of the day.
3. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Spend quality time with your loved ones to beat the stress of your startup. Talk to them, do an activity you enjoy, or go out to dinner together. Even if you don’t live with your family, schedule video chats or phone calls to catch up with them and keep the connections strong.
As a new business owner, it is easy to get so caught up in starting the business that life passes you by. But ensure you schedule time to spend with other people to take a break. Yes, even if you are an introvert, you need time with other people.
4. Have a Strict Finish Time
As a business owner, you will put a lot more work in than a traditional 9-5 while you are getting your business off the ground. It will involve working late into the evening, but you need to have a strict switch off time. You may aim to finish at 7pm every night, but you need to have a time where no matter what you will pull the plug. Ensure it is no later than 10pm. Otherwise, it is easy to keep working until 2am and affect your sleep. And poor sleep only contributes to stress!
5. Brain Dump Every Evening
One thing we love doing is a brain dump before we wind down for the evening. This just means you write down anything that you need to remember, or anything that may be worrying you. Just get everything out of your mind so you can properly switch off. Otherwise your brain will constantly be on your business as you try and switch off and enjoy your hobbies.
6. Schedule Business Time Every Morning
If you are the only person in your business and you do a lot of client work, then you may really struggle to find time to do tasks that build your business. This may be pitching new clients, adding to your social media presence and blog posts, or even recruitment. When we started our new business, what helped us was to schedule at least one hour of business time every morning. Now we do two hours, but there are more of us to help out on the client work. This ensured there was enough time to do tasks that would grow our business, rather than just keeping our head afloat.
7. Outsource Technical Tasks To the Experts
There are so many freelancers out there who can help with large parts of running your business and free up your valuable time. They will take time-consuming activities off your hands and ensure complex tasks are done correctly. While you may be an expert at your particular product or service, there are a lot of different areas of knowledge necessary for a successful business.
Here are some experts you might consider hiring to help your business run smoothly or free up your time:
- Copywriters (of course this was going to be first)
- Website designers
- Social media managers
- Accountants/bookkeepers
- Virtual assistants
- Legal matters
- Graphic design
- Marketing
8. Do Not Disturb Function
When you are working turn off all distractions. Turn off email notifications, yes even for your business, and put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode. Every time you get distracted you will struggle to get back into work mode. We check emails only a few times per day. Usually in the mornings, around lunch, and then before we log off in the evening. This keeps distractions to a minimum.
9. Walk Away For 20 Minutes
When things get too much, sometimes it is best just to get up and walk away from the computer for 20 mins. This is the only way to deal with things that are stressful and overwhelming. Often you just need a bit of a break and then it will be easier when you return to your desk.