Starting and running a business can be one of the most challenging things to take on at any stage in your life – and a result of those challenges includes stress.

Stress is part of everyday life but being able to recognise when before it starts to get too much is crucial to the success of your business.

On one hand, stress and pressure can be a useful motivator and can push you to new heights, but leaving stress unmanaged can damage not only your health, but have an adverse effect within the workplace on both your employees, the team around them and the wider business.

Here are the top ten ways you can de-stress and put you in a better position of achieving your goals.

#1 – Look after your body

Get active

Looking after your body is key to improving your mindset. It can sometimes be hard to find time to exercise but getting active for even half an hour a day can be beneficial. Joining a class or sports team which blocks out the same time each week can make it a lot easier to incorporate exercise into your routine.

Endorphins released during workouts can train your mind to seek progress and achievement and you can transfer this to the workplace.

#2 – Positive thinking

Think positive

A negative, pessimistic outlook on your current circumstance can drag you back and impact on your motivation and decision-making skills. Take a step back when faced with a tough choice and weigh up the positives.

Research has also linked practising gratitude with a whole range of benefits, so ensure you celebrate your wins.

#3 – Sleep well

Find time for yourself

This is especially important at times of big change. Stress is balanced out by recovery and getting high-quality sleep is critical. Good nutrition and enough physical activity during the day will help you get that all-important sleep time.

#4 – Concentrate on what you can change

Make some changes

If something is drastically out of your control, there isn’t much more you can do. The best way to tackle this is to take on the things you can actually change – small progress is frustrating but rewarding.

#5 – Use lists

Tick off your achievements

Creating a task list of jobs that need doing can break down a seemingly impossible task into something manageable.

Ticking off your goals is a great morale boost and planning ahead of a big project can help you fully grasp the job at hand with an analytical mind.

#6 – Measure your stress

See what works for you

Everyone is different – and that goes for what works for them physiologically. There are numerous devices out there to track your stress level, from heart rate variability wearables to your Apple watch. Seeing the concrete data that shows what parts of your day cause you the most stress and what best aids your recovery can help you adjust your routine for better future wellbeing.

#7 – Be analytical and try to learn from mistakes

Find out what the problem is

Self-awareness is an excellent skill to wield when running a company, but self-criticism can be the architect of your downfall. Find out what your problem is at work and think about how you would advise a friend. If something has gone wrong, see it as a lesson learnt for the future.

#8 – Take breaks

Scheduled break times aid recovery

Taking small breaks during the day, for a tea or coffee for example, can actually have a significant effect on your stress recovery.

#9 – Headspace

Learn to meditate

It’s really important to take time out of your schedule to be mindful of yourself and think about your situation.

There are now a load of apps that teach you breathing and meditation strategies to help calm you down in quick, short bursts. Headspace is one of those apps with lots of programmes to choose from, and there are techniques for relaxation and mindfulness that take just ten minutes a day.

#10 – Open up

Talking about your problems is crucial

Importantly, if you’re having trouble at work, don’t bottle things up – share your concerns. Even the biggest of problems can be tackled with a supportive friend at your side.

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