Stress management for business leaders

Stress is a thief. It steals from you some of your most valuable possessions. When allowed to linger, it robs victims of joy, confidence, hope and creativity. It in turn replaces these with negatives such as depression, anger, low motivation, headache and fatigue.

It is especially important for business leaders to devise means of managing stress. The reason is not farfetched. Enterprise, by its very nature, involves constant moments of mental and emotional strain. Being exposed to that psychological state continuously could definitely be stress inducing.

Different people handle stress differently, so you are in a better position to know what works for you personally. However, there are simple remedies that have been tested and proven over time. They include the following:

Mind control: There are evidence based interventions to stress management that could provide instantaneous reliefs to decision makers. These include deep breathing, counting 1 to 50/100, stretching and taking a break. Others are listening to cool music, taking a nap or just closing your eyes for a moment; and massages among others.

Mankind has long been admonished to guard their mind diligently because out of it are the issues of life. Most things in our world - good and bad are products of thinking. Transform your life by the renewal of your mind. Change the way you see situations. Think positively; think possibilities.

You would also see your stress level drop on the long run  by deliberately developing some useful attitudes. These include gratitude, patience, self control, love and meekness.   

Eat well, drink well: Nutrition experts have revealed that healthy balanced diet with emphasis on organic foods; greens and fruits rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals go a long way in achieving overall well-being. The benefits are further enhanced when we do away with junk foods, and unhealthy options. You should also take it as a habit to drink more water and less soda or alcohol.

Exercise: Entrepreneurship takes time; and often, business owners put in extra hours to achieve success. Don’t let this stop you from exercising regularly because of the well known benefits. You may acquire some gym equipment for home use or buy a gym membership; and set a schedule that fit into your programs. There are also simple exercises you can do at home before shower.

Relax and socialize: Another simple antidote to stress is finding time to relax and socialize. Take breaks from work; take a vacation; go to exotic places; unwind by spending time with family and friends.  Join a country club, golf club or whatever interest you wish to pursue. Listen to music, play games, watch or do some sport. 

Doing all of those would afford you the opportunity to meet like minds that give provide the emotional or social support that we all sometimes need.    

Other simple but effective solutions include practicing charity or focusing on assisting other people and organizing your environment and space to be clean and delightful. 

In conclusion, if you have applied all of all these interventions discussed above and your stress level is still too high, then maybe it is time for you to see a therapist. According to experts, using the services of a mental health professional to help manage could be beneficial.