I am totally feeling the same way at the moment, and so I figured that since no human experience is unique, there must be someone out there feeling the same way I am. Over the past couple of weeks I have been so swamped with school work, I almost forgot about the blog (ALMOST being the operative word... LOL) And so I decided to try and get some help not only for myself, but for all those out there feeling pressured and in desperate need of assistance. Today's entrepreneurship lesson is therefore a little unorthodox, its all about helping us to stress less!
How Stress Works
In How Stress Effects Neurotransmitters, Bev Storer explains
The brain uses feel-good transmitters called endorphins when managing daily stress. When the brain requires larger amounts of endorphins to handle increased stress, the ratio of many of the other transmitters, one to another, becomes upset creating a chemical imbalance. We begin to feel stress more acutely -- a sense of urgency and anxiety creates even more stress. As a result, harmful chemicals are released in our bodies that may do damage, causing more stress. This vicious cycle is called the "stress cycle."So the frequency of our head aches have increased, we're agitated more easily, our emotions are constantly on a roller-coaster ride, its difficult to even drag yourself out of bed...yes we are feeling stressed. So how do we fight the feeling to become stress-less?
The Causes of Stress
Whether it is starting a business, running one, or developing the idea for one, stress remains a common factor. But what is the most common cause of stress? FEAR.
- Fear of failure
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of other's disapproval
- Fear of loss of love
- Fear of people saying NO
- Fear of confrontation
- Fear of loss of security
- Fear of the unknown
According to Joe Robinson in his article Managing the Stress of Starting your Own Business, "Building and sustaining a business is a day-in, day-out battle between uncertainty and willpower. Your ability to persevere through prolonged periods of risk and manage the stress that comes with it is as important to your company's survival, as well as your own, as any business decision you'll have to make along the way."
Becoming Stress-Less
While trying to find us the help we need to become stress-less I found this really funny article that outlined 10 Ways to Become Stressed Starting a Business. Below is a synopsis:
1. Do it all yourself
2. Set unrealistic expectations
3. Make sleep a luxury- not a necessity
4. Adopt this mindset: Effort = Results
5. Discuss critical points with key person when you are exhausted
6. Stop exercising
7. Steadily raise your daily caffeine intake
8. Work all the time
9. Friends, family and significant others are distractions
10. Under no circumstance, never ever meditate
It took me a while to understand number 4. But what he was saying is that hard work does not always equal success, if the work is being focused on the wrong things. What is important is focusing on the 20% that brings you the 80% of the outcomes of your business needs. So it is not work harder, but work smarter. So if you want to become or remain stressed you now know what to do, if not, you now know what NOT to do!
Even if we avoid doing all those things, we at times will still become a bit overwhelmed. Stress, unfortunately is inevitable. The aim is to not let it take over our lives. Below are eight ways of dealing with the feeling of being stressed.
Stress Busters:
1. Laughter: Watch a funny movie - have a good laugh. Laughter, like crying, releases chemicals in your brain that will make you feel good and give you the ability to cope with whatever may come.
2. Tears: Have a good cry - take a pillow and a box of tissue, close the door and let yourself howl. I had to do this the other day when my group members were arguing, my assignments were all due in the same week and I just needed a pressure release. It may not solve the problem, but it helps to clear the mind and ease a burdened heart.
3. Physical Activity: Take a brisk walk or do some vigorous exercise - physical activity helps release the energy that's tied up in your body, and gets those endorphins flowing. Pound on something, kick a ball, run around the block, dig a hole!
4. Deep Relaxation: You do not have to twist yourself into a pretzel to become relaxed. Take some time to yourself, turn off the lights, listen to some soothing music, pray, meditate, listen to the sounds of the ocean or the rain (what do you think YouTube is for?). Before you know it, you are ready to take on the next challenge.
5. Imagine Worst Case Scenarios: What is the worst that could happen? Your business fails, you become bankrupt, you are left out on the streets begging, you starve... you die? Most fears culminate in a fear of death. So if dying is the worst that could happen, why stress? Even if you were successful it will still end in you dying. Sometimes if you take your fear all the way to the natural conclusion you'll find that it's really not so overwhelming.
6. Change your Routine: A change in routine is a great way of relieving the feelings of stress. So you come home, you normally prepare dinner (maybe), then settle in to do work. Why not change it up? Read a book (not one work related), call up an old friend, go see a movie, then settle in to do some work.
7. Plan your Time: This is my biggest problem. I always find myself just sitting and wondering where did the time go? But sitting and wondering where the time went is in itself wasting time! So instead of sitting wasting time wondering how you are going to get everything done, plan a schedule and get started!
8. Feed your Heart: One of the best stress-busters is simply doing something you love. If you find the business of crafting is getting too stressful, leave the business side for a while and just do a project you enjoy for the love of it. Do something to please your own heart then get back to the business.
While we learn how to become great entrepreneurs, as human beings we have to remember that balance is key. So stress less because Schools Out, Learning's In!
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