We often hear about employees having to take time off work due to the effects of stress and the feeling of overwhelm.
But what do you do when you work for yourself?
You can’t just down tools and have some time out because you can’t afford to!!!
No one likes to feel stressed at work but being an entrepreneur, with the never-ending mountain of “things to do” it can be hard to feel in control. Beating business overwhelm should be high on everyone’s priority list.
So, how do we protect ourselves and our mental health?
FIRSTLY, understand yourself and how you’re coping, don’t just keep telling yourself it will be a better day tomorrow! Tell someone when you are feeling like it is all too much and share it with other people in the same situation,like in the WOWS Hub. You will be amazed how it helps.
SECONDLY, you have to learn how to say “NO”. Set boundaries and understand what is acceptable and what isn’t. In some industries the clients can be very demanding, usually, they are the people who don’t want to pay for the extra services they are demanding, which is even more stressful.
Set the hours you are going to work and make sure you take time out. Sunday is MY day, the time I spend with family and friends or maybe just binge-watch a TV series, whatever it is, Sunday is my day away from my business.
Understand your brand and what you are offering clients and don’t go outside those rules. Your ideal clients will accept your terms, those who don’t really aren’t ideal clients at all!
THIRDLY, get your business strategy in place. When you have a clear strategy and you know what you are going to action and achieve each month, the “to do” list disappears and everything becomes manageable and you stay motivated!
Keep time blocking.....I know it takes time to apply it efficiently.....but it really does work and help with stress management.
FOURTH, remember you are human AND you are not alone! If you make a mistake or lose a client it is a bummer, but it is not the end of the world, share your down days with others who are going through exactly the same thing as you and soon you will feel OK again!
If you need help with anything let me know. I am here to help!