No one has ever said, “You know what I need in my life? More stress!”
We all know that stress isn’t good for us. It can lead to a variety of health issues including headaches, muscle aches, digestive issues, high blood pressure and heart disease just to name a few. Avoiding stress isn’t always that easy though, especially for small business owners. When you’re the boss all the worries fall on your shoulders and sometimes even minor issues can be major stressors. That’s why it’s important to find ways to reduce stress whenever possible. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Delegate. Sharing the load really can make it lighter. Letting someone else worry about some of the smaller decisions can be a huge relief. Even if you’re not comfortable stepping completely out of the decision making process it can often help just to know that you aren’t the only one responsible for deciding things.
- Make a list. Not only will a list keep you on track and help you remember all that needs to be done, it can also provide a comforting sense of accomplishment as you check things off. If your To Do list is too overwhelming refer to the first bullet point and see if you can’t share the tasks.
- Avoid over caffeinating. Many of us are conditioned to consume caffeine so that we can keep going. While that may help in the short run when the caffeine boost wears off you can actually end up feeling lower than you did to begin with. Plus caffeine affects your sleep patterns which can make you even more tired in the long run, creating a vicious cycle where you feel like you need even more caffeine.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises, listening to music or just taking a moment to reflect quietly can really help reduce your stress level.
- Take time to recharge. Everyone needs a break. Schedule time for yourself just as you would for a client or other business associate. Taking the time to relax can really recharge your batteries making you better prepared for the tasks ahead. You’re not slacking off - you’re doing what needs to be done to keep your business going.
Reducing your stress can provide so many positive benefits for your small business. You’ll be able to think more clearly and make better decisions. You’ll feel better emotionally and physically, making you better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. When you’re not as stressed you feel more confident. When you project that confidence, others will respond by having more confidence in you which can garner new opportunities for your business. When you look at all the positives, it’s clear that you can’t afford not to take the time to reduce your stress.
If inventory management issues are causing you stress, we have the solution for you. Stockpile is a robust inventory management system that can handle all of your small business needs. It is quick and easy to implement and best of all, it’s free. Now doesn’t that make this a stress-free decision? Try Stockpile today!
