Ways to Tackle Stress

By Nick Glavan 

If you are like me, you may be feeling a little more stressed out than normal this summer. My mind is often racing with thoughts about personal and “real-world” issues, on top of trying to produce quality programs and advising for clients at work. I took to the internet to research a bit about how entrepreneurs are handling their stress and picked a few ideas that resonated with me. ​

Be vulnerable 
Admitting to your stress can feel nerve-racking. There is pressure to be ready and willing to tackle each day at your best. But sharing your feelings of stress can open the door to lessening its hold on your head space. This past weekend, I was able to connect with friends around a bonfire, and being able to share our struggles, and triumphs, of handling the stress definitely lightened my mood. I know it can be easy to automatically reply with an “I’m good!” when asked “How are you?” but take this as your permission to be vulnerable and acknowledge your stress. You might even get some tips on how others are dealing with stress that could help you. 

Write it down 
If you aren’t ready just yet to talk through your stress, don’t underestimate the power of writing it out. Allow yourself to free form write your stream-of-consciousness in a journal or even on some scratch paper. Whether or not you review your writing, it should allow you some time to reflect as your scribble down your thoughts. This also gives you a chance to process some of the emotional stakes that come with stress, and typically, you’ll feel better having it out on paper compared to running around your brain. Once your struggles are written, you may find it easier to address the stress from a more logical perspective. 
 

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Pace yourself 
Especially in entrepreneurship, there are added pressures to give 110% of yourself when others are counting on you. But trying to maintain that level of perfection on a constant basis will run you towards burnout. Keep perfectionism in check and know when “good” is good enough. Try to put in your best for each day and be aware, that level may fluctuate. Once you’ve reached an endpoint, move on. Don’t continue to dwell on stress-inducing tasks; address what can be addressed and let it go.  You might want a moment or two to really disconnect from a project that’s been consuming your energy. Try drinking a full glass of water and taking a quick walk outside to reset and ready yourself for the next project on the list. 
 

Say no and give yourself grace 
It’s tough for everyone, because no one wants to be a victim of FOMO, but saying “no” can help to avoid spreading yourself too thin. No person can solve every single issue that arises, so don’t hold yourself to too high of a standard. You might need to take a mental health day or turn down a meeting in order to prioritize your well-being, but don’t feel guilty for it. You’ll likely operate better taking a step back to recuperate, rather than continuing to pile on more activities to your to-do list. 

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Besides these quick tips, I’m always an advocate for seeking professional help when life is getting overwhelmingly stressful. It’s normal to need help with managing stress and hopefully some of these tips can help you tackle the stress in your life. What other techniques do you use to manage stress? Feel free to leave a comment with your best stress-handling tip. ​