Keeping Your Stress Levels in Check

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.