Running a small business is stressful enough, but let's face it - some days, you're just overwhelmed. Small business owners often face more stress than their big business counterparts, particularly when everything's going wrong. You might also find yourself working longer hours and taking work home, which can be dreadful. It's often tough to stop your mind from going in different directions and stressing about the little things (or even the big ones). In today's blog, I've included seven of my favourite tips and tricks for managing stress based on my experiences supporting small businesses over the years.
With much information at our fingertips, it is easy to become consumed by headlines and uneducated news. We need to carefully choose what information we take on because it can have the opposite effect than desired.
Instead of finding answers, motivation, and shortcuts, you’re bringing in more doubts and uncertainty. Stop stalling and get moving. There will be bumps in the road, and that’s normal!
You have what you need to get started. If we all waited for something to be “right” or “perfect”, nobody would achieve anything.
Hydration is essential for a healthy body, and staying hydrated throughout the day is important. When you're dehydrated, you'll feel sluggish, tired and irritable.
If you find it challenging to drink enough water during the day, try some of these tips:
A good night's rest is critical because it affects how your body functions mentally and physically and sets you up for the day.
Length doesn't mean quality, so here are some simple tips for a better night's sleep:
You don't have to do this alone! It's essential to have someone you trust and can talk to about your business—a coach, mentor, or peer, for example. Someone who can give you advice when you need it and who can help you see things from a different perspective.
Having a coach or mentor isn't just about improving performance. It's about understanding who YOU are as an entrepreneur. It's about understanding what makes you tick and how to get the most out of yourself.
If you want to double the size of your team, open stores in 3 new locations, or double your revenue, you can do it! Aim high, but be realistic about what you can achieve in specific timeframes and with the resources available.
There’s nothing you can’t do. What will hold you back is:
Your team needs to know what their responsibilities are and how you expect them to meet those responsibilities. Make sure they understand what's expected of them clearly and concisely and that this information is always easy to find.
Hold regular meetings to set actions and get updates. Schedule team meetings at the same time each week, and set up smaller meetings and 1-2-1s as needed to best use everyone's time.
You should also ensure you're holding your team accountable for their performance. It can be done in many ways, including:
When you're working on a project or have much work, it can be hard to remember to take a break. It's tempting to keep going until the job is done—but that's not always the best idea. It often leaves you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and burnt out.
Regular breaks are essential for your mental and physical health. They can also improve efficiency, speed, and team morale, creating a happier work environment.
Encourage your team to take breaks in and outside of work. Please encourage them to move away from their workspace during lunch, remind them about their holiday hours to take time off with their family, and encourage them to take up a new hobby or do something fun on the weekend. Remember, you're the head of the team, so lead by example and encourage yourself to do the same.
You’re rushed off your feet, and you probably think that you don’t have time to slow down or implement these changes. But the way you work now will affect future results.
Start by choosing two or three tips from this list, and then add another once