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Juggling professional demands along with the stressors of everyday life can be challenging for business owners and professionals, but carving out time for our mental health is paramount to reaching our goals. When we have a lot on our minds, our health often falls to the wayside. However, it’s these moments when we’re overwhelmed when simple tricks to manage our stress help the most.
We all want to be our best selves, further our careers and achieve our dreams, but we have to maintain our stress levels along the way to do so. Not only will it make for an enhanced professional experience, but a better quality of life overall. MyWants aims to help you thrive on all fronts, so read on for critical tips:
Reduce Your Stress
As a business owner, the work often never feels complete. According to the American Institute of Stress, a large majority of our stress comes from our professional lives— and understandably so, you are not only in control of your business but the livelihood of your employees as well, making it a heavy responsibility. Despite the burden many professionals carry, many of us have blind spots in regards to our own stress management.
Simple tricks like opting for a salad for your midday meal or taking a walk at lunchtime can have a profound impact. The Mayo Clinic recommends doing things like eating healthy and staying active. A poor diet can make us feel sluggish and lazy, making achieving our professional goals and reducing stress considerably more challenging. And exercise can help you burn off negative energy, plus it helps your body release stress-reducing chemicals.
Another option is meditation. While it may sound like a fad, sitting silently is a skill that could prepare you for further success. Following a guided meditation from apps like Calm or Headspace could leave you feeling relaxed, focused, and energized. Laughing also provides relief after a busy day, and tuning into a podcast that makes you smile has been shown to reduce stress.
Work From Home Tips To Achieve Your Goals
Recently much of the business world has transitioned from industrial offices to home setups, and while some individuals may welcome the change, others may be enjoying it less. If you have young children at home, it could be tricky to focus on work with your kids in the next room. Alternatively, you might miss the sociability of an office environment, and feelings of isolation are known to increase anxiety and stress.
Lowering your stress levels while working remotely could be as simple as regular exercise or creating an efficient home office. You don’t need the most expensive equipment but making sure your electronic devices don’t have issues with video conferencing or multimedia projects can keep excessive stress at bay.
Additionally, simple changes like using a stand-up desk can help manage back pain, and reduce the pitfalls of a sedentary lifestyle. Office essentials can be expensive, so keep an eye out for online deals and discounts from major retailers. Opting for a low-cost computer could offer significant savings, and be certain your internet speed is as fast as possible, with products like Google Nest WiFi.
Owning a business or reaching for the next rung on that corporate ladder is exciting and motivating. As humans, we are hard-wired to compete and incessantly strive for more, and the stress of reaching our goals often feels worth it afterward.
However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use every option in our tool-box to reduce and prevent stress. There is often enough tension in our daily lives without adding professional strain to the equation, so whether you own your own business or work from home for an employer, keep these tips in mind to help you stay active in your pursuit of a stress-free workday.
Look to MyWants for more advice handpicked to help you and your business blossom, and for additional small business services and resources.