03/ 26/ 2007
by Jeffrey Moses
Entrepreneurs as a group have a high potential for stress- and anxiety-related physical and mental difficulties. Starting a business and making the kinds of breakthrough required for growing it to profitability usually involves a number of interrelated stressful situations, any one of which has the potential to lead to stress-induced health or mental concerns.
Stress buildup can lead to a variety of physical and mental ailments, including fatigue, difficulty sleeping, need for excess sleep, lack of concentration, shortened attention span, tendency to accept superficial rather than profound solutions to problems, reduction in self-esteem, moodiness and/or depression, etc. Clearly, these can cause a decline in many of the specific factors that help an entrepreneur become successful.
The Holmes-Rahe Social Adjustment Scale, which lists stressful situations in relative terms (with death of spouse rating 100, divorce 75, jail term 63, etc.), includes a variety of important life-altering situations, all of which entrepreneurs may expect to encounter on a daily basis:
- Business readjustment: 39 on the scale
- Change in financial state: 38
- Change to different line of work: 36
- Change in responsibilities at work: 29
- Outstanding personal achievement: 27 (even positive events have their measure of stress)
- Change in work hours or conditions: 20
- Small mortgage or loan: 17 (the large, vitally important debt taken on by many entrepreneurs would probably rate even higher on the scale)
Specifically, entrepreneurs routinely undergo situations that are commonly expected to be stressful. These include: anxiety associated with the risk of starting and financing a new company; long work hours often required; absence from family and friends during this time; mental fatigue caused by the requirements of constantly planning; anxiety of constant uncertainty and numerous others.
It is important for entrepreneurs not to simply ignore the potential for stress. It may be macho to forge ahead, working long hours month after month--but inevitably fatigue and stress will take its toll.
Managing stress and anxiety
So what are the best ways to manage anxiety and stress? The following tips are proven, reliable ways to relive stress while increasing energy and the ability to focus.
1. Maintain a healthful exercise regime. The proper blend of aerobic exercise and weight training are important, especially for desk-bound entrepreneurs who spend most of their time thinking and planning. Also, be sure to get outside. Breathe deeply and enjoy nature, which can be a natural relaxant.
2. Maintain proper diet. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet will give you the energy and ability to focus mentally. If you are overweight, consult a physician to begin a diet plan that can trim off pounds and produce energy gain.
3. Take time to be with friends, family and loved ones. Don't forget what you're working for. Cherish your quality time with those close to you.
4. Meditate. Meditating for a short time morning and evening is now an accepted way to manage stress and improve energy. Transcendental meditation, for example, is a proven technique that has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies at major universities. It has been shown to allow faster recovery from stress, reduce anxiety, decrease job worry and tension and even increase creativity.
5. Learn how to manage your time. Cut out business projects that will take time, use up your energy and not lead to your important goals. Plan your day in advance so you won't suddenly realize something important has been left undone.
6. Be honest and ethical. Having to cover up dishonest activities requires far more energy than simply being honest in the first place.
7. Do the important things first. Don't put off doing things that really need to be done, even if they're unpleasant. They'll linger in the back of your mind and drain your energy.
8. Understand that success is a process. Enjoy as you go. Many successful entrepreneurs say that the most enjoyable time of their lives is not when they reach their goals, but while they're building their businesses.
Starting a new company is not a one- or two-month affair. It often takes several years or even longer for a company to become profitable and achieve a level of stability. Realizing this, entrepreneurs should do everything they can to maintain their health. They need it for the long run not just for a short spurt during the start-up phase.
