Running a business is no mean feat. It’s grueling and can be extremely challenging.

Ask any business owner and they’ll tell you that stress in some form or another is a part and parcel of their life.

Research from Gallup shows that up to 45% of business owners are considerably more stressed out than “other workers”.

To add on, since 1999, there has also been a worrying 30% increase in suicides by entrepreneurs.

The suicides of successful business moguls such as fashion designer Kate Spade, American chef Anthony Bourdain, CEO of Diaspora Ilya Zhitomirskiy, Reddit co-founder Aaron Schwartz, and Jody Sherman founder of Ecomom to name a few individuals has pushed the discussion of business owner mental health to the forefront.

So, what can business owners do to relieve stress?

Before we look at stress management tips, let us first define the term.

What is stress?

The American Institute of Stress defines stress as:

“…physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.”

Another proposed definition of stress by the organization is:

“…a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.”

It’s worth noting that not all stress is bad, however. Short-term stress can help us adjust to new conditions, by keeping us alert and pumped up with adrenaline.

But when the body remains in a prolonged stressed-out condition, it is now termed chronic and unpleasant symptoms (aches, pains, headaches, chest pain, insomnia, dizziness, etc.) often accompany this state.

The 4-Types of Stress Categories

Stress can be categorized into four major classes.

Now that we’re well acquainted with what stress is and the different types of stress, let’s look at the best ways to relieve it.

Tip #1 Delegate, delegate, delegate

Building a business from the ground up often requires you to be a Jack-of-all-trades while you get the systems in place.

However, as the business grows, you need to learn to step back, entrust a few people with key responsibilities, and leave them to get the job done.

Tip #2 Feed your body with the right fuel

What you put into your body will have a significant impact on your energy levels, motivation, and overall well-being

The effects of stress on your health are real.

Researchers at Harvard have linked stress to other conditions such as overeating. But do not worry because doctors over at WebMD have compiled a list of the best foods to eat as part of a stress management diet.

Tip #3 Plan for the upcoming week during the weekend

Take a moment during the weekend to plan for each of the five major areas of your life – finances, health, family, spiritual, and business.

Detail what is required from you so you mentally prepare and don’t find yourself ambushed during the week.

This preparation includes carrying out tasks such as selecting what you’re going to wear throughout the week and meal prepping.

Conclusion

Stress is a normal response to day-to-day stimuli that you will encounter as a business owner.

Armed with these three tips, you’ll be more prepared to tackle the week; work more effectively as you allow your support to carry some of the workloads, and function with greater clarity thanks to taking care of your body.