In looking for something to write about while my brain recovers from an AWFUL bout of Flu A (seriously, I can’t think straight and it is day 12) I figured “let’s dive in.” I made myself a salad full of veggies and added an egg for protein, opened my computer and typed into Google “stress management for small business owners.” It seemed like something I could use some help on.
The AI generated answer was as follows:
Business owners can reduce stress by:
Setting priorities: Reassess goals and learn to say "no" to avoid overcommitting
Before this, I was looking at the schedule to fit in more networking opportunities with the hope of building new sales funnels. While I know that I need to be more specific in my time, I also NEED to be OUT THERE as well as working in and on the business. How much time is there in a day??
Building a support network: Connect with friends and family, and don't sacrifice relationships for the business
Too late. One of my goals for 2025 is to prioritize friendships and non-work relationships. Adding to my stress is navigating how to build friendships at 47…
Taking care of physical health: Eat well, drink water, and exercise regularly
Ok, I will admit that I am a food nut and eat pretty healthy for the most part. One win for me!! And thanks to my kids, have not left the house without a water bottle in 15 years. Exercise tho… another time commitment that I struggle with! Where to find the time…
Managing work-life balance: Make time for activities you enjoy
I am seeing a pattern. Everything I need to do involves TIME and ENERGY which I am lacking in both- because of the stress of owning a small business. A doctor asked me if I had enjoyed things recently, and I felt like I was lying when I said yes. I try! But I am also SOOOO tired.
Improving business management: Find employees to share responsibilities and set them up for success
I am actually REALLY good at this, but unfortunately, while it allows me to add TIME to my day it COSTS MONEY. Which is the number one thing I am stressing about right now. So how do I rationalize paying someone to do something I can do for “free”?
Recognizing stress: Acknowledge when you're stressed and fight negative feelings
BAHAHAHAHAHA. Ok, here is what I can recognize: My phone ringing or a text elevates my heart rate. Talking about money, or even thinking about it, elevates my heart rate. Opening the bank account REALLY elevates my heart rate. Talking about work or going to work elevates my heart rate.
Working on mindset: Develop strategies that work best for you
Finally, the LEAST helpful bullet point from Google AI. I am pretty sure that is why I am here to begin with. I need strategies! That don’t take time or money! And will help make my business more successful!
Why is stress a problem for business owners?
Do I need to include this? Yes. So that we can collectively sigh.
Stress can negatively impact your professional and personal life
It can lead to burnout, which can cause a lack of motivation and passion for your business
Symptoms of stress include depression, anxiety, and sleeping difficulties
Insert snide remark- with the tone of Wednesday Addams or Lydia from Beetlejuice (first movie).
Next, I scrolled down to see what kind of articles or research I could find. The top “sponsored” posts are:
Headspace for Employees: Reduce Workplace Stress
Stress Management for Leaders: get Our Leaders Wellness Package
Prevent Workplace Burnout
How to Deal With Stress At Work: 12 Tips For Managers
And then, thankfully, some links to relevant articles and websites about stress management for small business owners.
But what stood out to me
Google has an amazing algorithm that can pick and choose what it shows each of us based on our previous searches, our buying habits and clicking habits, and the general behavior of most people using these search terms. And THIS algorithm decided that it is more likely that the person searching for “stress management for small business owners” will click and purchase programs for OUR TEAMS before looking at what we need. That is powerful information, leading me to type over 900 words on the experience.
We know the importance of work-life balance for our teams. We know the importance of mental health for our teams. For flexibility, understanding, and having a purpose for our teams. For fair pay and benefits.
But are you giving yourself the same insight? Is it possible to afford all of these things for our teams if we are personally crashing and burning, navigating the same personal and professional issues, but without the ability to take a break, to leave work at work, or even to change jobs?
Just something to think about while we reset for 2025.
Is it doable?
Yes, we small business owners CAN manage our stress with the same passion that we give our teams, and the same expectation that we would walk into a job with. But it will take persistence, openness, dedication, and changing the narrative. Your narrative. Of what success looks like this year, and what it means to own a business. The grind does not create an amazing product- YOU do. So take care of YOU.
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