How to manage stress as a small business owner

Running a small business can be stressful, so it's important to put things in place that can keep your physical and mental health in check.

To help you stay relaxed and produce your best work, we've put together a few tips on managing your stress levels.

Find your triggers

If you're feeling overwhelmed at work, the first thing to do is to identify what is causing your stress.

From rush hour traffic to outstanding invoices, writing down a list of triggers is a good way to figure out the problem and try to resolve it.

Should you feel stressed for a prolonged period of time, consider speaking to your doctor or a therapist to get to the bottom of the issue.

Take a break

As a small business owner, it can be hard to step away from the day-to-day running of your company in fear of missing out on clients.

However, overworking can make you less productive and eventually lead to burnout, which may mean you need time out to recover.

Booking a holiday or taking a few days off will help you recharge, so you can return to work feeling refreshed and ready to take on each day.

Set a schedule

It can be tempting to scroll through social media instead of writing a to-do list, but you'll feel a lot more relaxed with a plan in place.

Once you've set your schedule, stick to it and avoid the urge to work overtime unless something is urgent. Most of the time, the job can wait!

If you have a big project coming up, it can also help to break the task up into manageable chunks to make it feel less overwhelming.

Get out in nature

Whether you're an electrician or graphic designer, taking regular breaks during the working day is important for your mental wellbeing.

If you're looking to clear your head before, during or after a busy day, try going for a walk in your local park or green space.

Being in nature can lower your stress levels, improve your mood and keep you focused – which are all positives for your business.

Shake things up

Isolation is a common issue for small business owners, especially those who work by themselves or at home.

If every day is beginning to feel the same and you find yourself losing motivation, try switching up your routine.

That could mean working from your local coffee shop, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs or exploring a different route on your lunch break.

Thinking of being your own boss? Depending on the type of work you're planning, business insurance could help protect your new venture. To learn more or to get a quote, visit our business insurance page.