Dealing With Stress in Our Overworked Lives

As small business owners, we often take on more than we can handle. Wearing all the hats running our businesses, as well as the other commitments we have (i.e. volunteer work, family, etc.), can sometimes leave us feeling overworked, frustrated, and stressed out.

Being under so much stress is not good for anyone and it can definitely have an effect on our businesses.

So we need to alleviate some of our stress and find solutions for the reasons that we are so overworked.

  • Take a step back from everything and decide which tasks are 'needs' and which tasks are 'wants'. Which tasks are more important than others? We consider everything that we do in our lives, especially when running our businesses, as important. However, which tasks can you postpone long enough without producing a negative effect on ourselves and our success. Which tasks can wait?

  • Learn that you cannot say 'yes' to everything. For most people and for most businesses, saying no to anyone can be like pulling teeth. It can be very painful and have a lasting effect. But again, you need to think of yourself, your success, and your well-being. Decide which tasks you have been asked to do that can be better accomplished by someone else or that will have a negative effect on yourself and make a point to politely decline to assist.

  • Prioritize your life. In step #1 above, we learned to decide between 'important' and 'can wait' tasks. But, even the important tasks can add up. So, you need to break down that list of important tasks even farther and prioritize them. In business, ensure that those tasks that will enhance your business and your reputation with your clients are the first tasks on your list.

  • Focus on the task at hand and not so much the long-term outcome of the task. All to often, as small business owners, our heads are working in overdrive as we imagine the possibilities that can occur because of certain tasks that we do. Now, that doesn't mean we shouldn't imagine the outcome of accomplishing tasks and any rewards or ramifications that may result from it, but just don't obsess or over-dream about it and make it your sole purpose in thriving.

  • Remember to pat yourself on the back when you have accomplished a task, especially the important ones. Take a break away from it and refresh yourself before beginning your next task. I've always found going and looking out the window at the wonders of nature while I wait for the kettle to boil for my hot chocolate can have a brightening and rejuvenating effect on my day.

  • And last, but not least, ask for help. No matter how much we think we can take on the world we are not all 'super human' and to ask for assistance with something is a part of being 'normal human'. When running your business, generating revenue and increasing your customer base is your most important 'needs' so why not get some help with the non-core tasks (i.e. correspondence, maintaining your website, designing your newsletter, etc.) in order to keep up. There are many, many qualified professionals out there that specialize in helping others stay on the right track and grow their businesses.

    Stress is an all too common word in our society but it doesn't have to be something that rules our lives. Learn to manage your time and prioritize your life (and all of it's aspects) and you will find that you not only feel better inside, people will notice the new relaxed you which, in turn, will be another benefit for yourself and your business as they are more comfortable dealing with you.

    About The Author

    Janice Byer is a certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). See this and other articles on her website; jbyer@docutype.net

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Make a Handbag - Discover Inner Peace and Stress Reduction

    Have you ever considered sewing a handbag as an act... Read More

    Brain Diet : Right Diet prevents Memory Loss

    These days, when people have become so conscious about what... Read More

    Stress - What We Say is Half the Problem

    Everywhere I go, I hear the same unpleasant sentence repeated... Read More

    Stress Management: 12 Stress Busters for Speedy Stress Reduction

    Are You Too Stressed?Is your stomach all tied up in... Read More

    No More Sleepless Nights (Insomnia)

    Insomnia is usually the result of the modern way of... Read More

    Stress Managment: How to Beat the Get By Syndrome

    I'm sure you have heard of IBS, irritable bowel syndrome,... Read More

    Stress Secrets: How To Remove Hidden Sources Of Stress

    Most people find it easy to identify the sources of... Read More

    Calming The Voice of Stress

    But how can this happen to someone?Let's concentrate on how... Read More

    The Benefits of Eating from a Jar of Honey

    June is the month of the honey moon. Custom holds... Read More

    Social Phobia

    Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More

    How to Cope With Stress and Anxiety

    Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world... Read More

    Taming September: Avoiding Fall Frenzy

    When September rolls around, does it generally hit you like... Read More

    How To Use Diet To Reduce Your Stress

    The Problem You don't need me to tell you how... Read More

    Some Tips for Mental Well Being - Ways to Help Yourself!

    Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily.Daily Exercise -... Read More

    Panic Is No Laughing Matter

    Burt Reynolds revealed his vulnerable side when he realized he... Read More

    Stress Management: Holding On Vs. Dropping It

    One of the dumbest things I have ever done is... Read More

    How to Recognize Stress Before it Turns Into Anger

    After a stressful day as a computer programmer, Jim pulled... Read More

    5 Steps to Make Stress Your Best Friend

    You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More

    Stress Management: Workaholism is a Thief

    Let's take a look at some of the more serious... Read More

    Stress Management and Mastery: How to Handle Change

    Q. I have just recently come to recognize that I... Read More

    Destressing Your Life!

    Do you have stress in your life?......I know you answered... Read More

    Workplace Stress: What to Do During Down Times?

    The main problem in a down economy is that workplaces... Read More

    Deep Breathing ? How It Can Simultaneously Improve Health And Bring You Closer To Your Goals

    I hope by reading this article you will see the... Read More

    Using Exercise to Relieve Stress

    Most people know of the importance of exercise as a... Read More

    Overcoming Stress: Successful Living The Easy Way

    So many of us live a stressful life. Unfortunately, when... Read More

    Understanding Your Stress Levels

    In order to understand stress better, it is a good... Read More

    Stress Management and Mastery: Breakdown or Breakthrough?

    Q: "My career, though very very stressful, is one that... Read More

    Five Tips to De-stress Your Life

    I recently received this e-mail message about stress management (author... Read More

    How To Reduce Stress and Ease Worries in Just 3 Minutes

    Meditation, relaxation and visualisation are the standard recommendations for reducing... Read More

    Stress Management: How to Change Limiting Beliefs

    Mark Twain once said, "It's not what we don't know... Read More

    Stress Management--Getting the Better of the Daily Grind

    There are many kinds of daily grinds. In the U.S.... Read More

    Training Your Mind For Better Business and Leisure

    Training Your Mind For Better Business and LeisureModern life moves... Read More

    13 Stress Reducers & Profit Boosters

    The United Nations declares workplace stress to be a worldwide... Read More