Article

Keeping Your Stress Levels in Check

Break the Cycle of Stress

It may seem like the stress of running your own business is never-ending.  You know that taking care of your health and maintaining relationships with family and friends is essential to a balanced and fulfilled life, but there just doesn’t seem to be time. Here are some tips that can help you break the cycle of stress and start to feel more satisfied and in control of your life.

August 4, 2023
Break the Cycle of Stress
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

Regardless of whether business is booming and you are constantly busy, or times are slack and you are struggling to grow your business, it may seem as if the stress involved with running a business is never-ending. However, by adjusting your approach to time management and reviewing your priorities, you can break the cycle of stress and start to feel more satisfied and in control of your life.

Where to Begin

If you are uncertain about where to begin, keep track of your activities over the course of a typical week or two.

  • What time do you get up in the morning?
  • How many hours do you spend in the office?
  • How much time do you spend commuting?
  • Do you have time for exercise and dinner with family?
  • Do you take work home with you on evenings and weekends?
  • Are eating patterns, alcohol, or caffeine consumption hindering your ability to wind down at night and wake up refreshed in the morning?

Next, analyze how you allocate your time at work.

  • Have you been attending unnecessary meetings?
  • Do you often take on responsibilities that could be handled by others?
  • Do you spend too much time on certain tasks?
  • Can you delegate less essential functions to other staff?

Finding Solutions through Patterns

Simply by recognizing your patterns, you may be able to identify areas where you could improve your habits and minimize stress. For example, you may be accustomed to making and receiving client phone calls throughout the day, even when commuting or working out. While it is important to be accessible to clients, perennial interruptions can interfere with your ability to concentrate or relax.

One possible solution could involve designating time to make and receive calls. Then, allow another staff member to handle any non-urgent or routine matters, as well as set up appointments to ensure that a client is available for your return call. By establishing a schedule, you may find that you can handle calls more quickly and efficiently, while also freeing up time to focus on other work or leisure.

Break the Cycle of Stress

Taking time out to take care of your health and maintain relationships with family and friends is essential to a balanced and fulfilled life. Schedule regular vacations from the office, and set aside time in the evenings and on the weekend for outdoor or other recreational activities. Leave your phone and laptop behind.

If you continue to feel stressed throughout the work day, or even after leaving the office, consider your professional approach. If you find that you often feel anxious in the course of your day, especially in certain situations, assess your attitudes and negotiating skills. If you worry about making mistakes or delegating responsibilities to others, consider the possibility that your perfectionism may be hindering your efficiency and adding to your stress.

Because everybody is different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to stress management. But, by taking an honest and thorough inventory of your professional and personal life, you can identify self-defeating patterns, take the steps necessary to end the cycle of overwork, and begin to feel more satisfied and fulfilled both personally and professionally.

Other content you may like

  • Market Volatility Can Trigger Your Loss Aversion

    Market Volatility Can Trigger Your Loss Aversion

    March 2, 2022
    At the foundation of your financial well-being lies your behavior. There is an entire field dedicated to study it – behavioral finance. Did the what-ifs of January’s volatility leave you feeling panicked? Your financial advisor is there to support your financial and emotional well-being, while keeping an eye on your long term investment strategy. Here are some ideas to help cure irrational investing behavior.
    Read this Article
  • Strong Valley financial advisors Chris Conner, Adam Tirapelle, Jason Rankin and Kyle Trippel sit down for a podcast.

    First Half Market Recap - Mid-Quarter Roundtable 2025Q2 - Highlight 1

    June 25, 2025
    The team reviews 2025: April’s sharp sell-off, a full rebound, bond gains, commodities drift, and the round-trip from panic. They frame volatility as a reminder that diversification—not hot-stock chasing—carries retirees safely through headline storms.
    Read this Article
  • Break the Cycle of Stress

    Keeping Your Stress Levels in Check

    August 4, 2023
    It may seem like the stress of running your own business is never-ending. Here are some tips that can help you break the cycle of stress and start to feel more satisfied and in control of your life.
    Read this Article
  • Deciding Between Wants and Needs

    Deciding Between Wants and Needs

    March 21, 2023
    Are you looking for power and control over your own budget? One of the hardest things to do in life is realizing when a want is not a need. Not only is the choice subjective, it is often difficult to fit into simple categories. But in the long run, it’s the secret to sustaining yourself from day to day in building a budget that balances your needs with your wants and puts you in a better position to reach your financial goals.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset