This article has been done in collaboration with Alyssa Strickland.
Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! Millennial-Parents is that village. Today’s parents can be more connected than ever and she hopes her site will enrich those connections. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas -- Education, Relationships, and Community.
Entrepreneurship is fulfilling but can also induce stress. Whether you're starting a new business or expanding an existing venture, you should develop habits that help you relieve anxiety and have the energy you need to achieve your goals. UX/UI designer Antonio Dell’Omo shares a few below.
Simplify With Automation, From Time Management to Invoicing Software
Evolve Consultants notes that streamlining business tasks with software can increase efficiency and give you more time to focus on what matters. Scheduling programs help you organize appointments and manage your time. You can automate communications with clients and improve customer relations.
Accounting software can save you time and money on a range of tasks, from payroll to inventory management. There are also invoicing options, including software that can help you keep accurate books and get paid faster. It’s best to find software that allows customers to pay online through an invoice, and which alerts you as soon as customers view and pay invoices.
Digitizing records helps you sort and store your paperwork. For example, if you're moving while launching your business, you can avoid the hassle of transporting physical files. The right online tool allows you to merge PDF files online and store your documents as one file instead of many so that you can avoid wasting time searching for the right file. Make sure you put the pages in appropriate order after combining files.
Outsource for Assistance
A growing business needs flexibility, and outsourcing allows you to expand as needed. In addition, you can gain access to expertise and get help for specialized tasks. For example, if you need legal advice, you should work with a business lawyer rather than trying to handle the issue on your own. Many small companies also outsource IT services when they need to create a beautiful and well-designed consumer experience (call on UX/UI designer Antonio Dell’Omo to get that job done). Additionally, you can simplify your workday by hiring a virtual assistant to carry out administrative tasks.
Image via Pexels
Enforce Your Boundaries
It can be especially challenging for entrepreneurs to separate work and life responsibilities. Setting clear boundaries can help you avoid burnout and communicate expectations with colleagues and clients. For instance, if you only have a certain amount of time for a business call or meeting, inform all parties involved from the start. You should take time to unplug from work and allow yourself to step away from work communications. Practicing self-compassion can help if you struggle with perfectionism or overcommitting your time.
Make Time for Self-Care
BetterUp cites research suggesting that entrepreneurs may be more vulnerable to mental health issues. Cultivating psychological wellness includes making time for self-care. It helps to acknowledge that entrepreneurship is challenging and can exhaust your resources. As with other aspects of operating your business, you can develop strategies to prioritize self-care. For instance, try learning mindfulness meditation, which can help you handle stress and improve your focus. Mindfulness can also increase your self-awareness and help you navigate difficult decisions.
Redesign Your Workspace
To reduce work-related stress, you should design your office to promote both productivity and relaxation. Spending time in nature can alleviate anxiety, and you can bring the outdoors inside with a few houseplants. Look for low-maintenance plants that grow indoors, such as snake plants or bamboo palms. You should also try to declutter your office and eliminate unnecessary items which might distract you from your work. Finally, keep your windows unobstructed and clean to allow more natural light. You can boost illumination with light, reflective wall colors in calming hues like blue, purple, and green.
If you want to avoid anxiety while running a business, you must make time to care for yourself and relieve stress. Managing your obligations, automating functions like invoicing, and developing self-care habits can help you stay productive and pursue business growth.
Photo by Miguel A. Amutio on Unsplash