Six Ways to Fight Anxiety as an Entrepreneur

The very nature of entrepreneurship can breed feelings of anxiety and stress. From not knowing if you will make enough profit to the challenge of handling everything on your own, entrepreneurship can bring intense emotional and mental strain.  

If you are experiencing feelings of anxiousness and stress, you are not alone. According to a recent study, 72 percent of entrepreneurs are affected by mental health conditions. Specifically, 49 percent of entrepreneurs are dealing with one mental illness (including anxiety), while one-third are struggling with two or more mental illnesses.

Entrepreneurs have some of the most creative, ambitious, and innovative personalities. However, these traits can also lead to a rise in feelings of anxiety and stress. So, how can you combat these emotions and enjoy peace of mind as well as a more fulfilling professional life? Here are ways to fight the anxiety associated with entrepreneurship.

1. Make Your Breaks a Priority

Many times, the effort to ease anxiety throughout your workday starts with small changes. The human brain was not designed to work non-stop. Doing so can cause a dip in productivity which can lead to greater feelings of anxiety. This situation is why it is critical to take regular breaks throughout the day. A great practice to incorporate into your day is the Pomodoro Technique which is a system of working for 25 minutes, and taking a five-minute break after each 25-minute increment. This technique allows your brain to rest while you regain your mental footing.

2. Sign Up For a Local Yoga Class

Yoga is an excellent way to diminish stress. A recent study revealed that 56 percent of Americans started yoga to reduce stress. The practice can also lead to other healthy behaviors that can also help you address anxiety. Forty percent of those who do yoga says it motivated them to eat healthy, while 59 percent say that yoga improves their sleep patterns. Yoga is also great for introducing more fitness into your daily routine.

3. Add Mindfulness and Meditation Techniques to Your Daily Routine

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming mentally present and only focusing on the current moment. It allows you to slow down and become more aware of how you are feeling in the present. The concept of entrepreneurship is in direct opposition to this idea as it promotes the practice of always living in the future. Planning for the what-ifs as an entrepreneur can be necessary, but also emotionally taxing. However, taking a few moments to practice mindfulness and meditation will allow you to breathe, pause, reflect and regain your mental bearings.

4. Enjoy a Non-Business-Related Hobby

As an entrepreneur, you have likely become adept at finding unconventional ways to make money. Your current business may even be the result of a hobby that turned into a side-hustle. While this is a great attribute to have, it is also crucial to have hobbies and activities that have nothing to do with making money. Enjoying a non-business-related hobby allows you to escape from the pressure-filled world of entrepreneurship while giving your brain a break to experience something that is not as stressful.

5. Don’t be Afraid to Seek Professional Help

It can be challenging to admit that you are having long-term issues with anxiousness, stress, and even depression. However, seeking the advice and guidance of a professional counselor or therapist can be a huge help. Counselors and therapists can bring an outside perspective that can help you better handle your day. They will also provide tools and strategies for managing your anxiety and stress levels.

6. Surround Yourself with Other Entrepreneurs

It is always helpful to surround yourself with other individuals who have a shared experience. Take time to meet and network with other entrepreneurs who may also be experiencing anxiety and the stresses that come with running a business. Whether you meet once a week or once a month, it can help to talk with others about what you are going through as a business owner. You may find that they share the same struggles and experiences with anxiety that you do.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety is a feeling that many entrepreneurs deal with daily. Again, the very nature of being your own boss can lead to stress. However, it is crucial to remember that you are not alone. Entrepreneurs around the world are experiencing many of the same feelings you are. Fortunately, there are a lot of tools and resources out there that can help you not only fight anxiety but overcome it. Practicing self-care is essential, and the entries above can help you begin to find more fulfillment as an entrepreneur.

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