ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN
The life of an entrepreneur is filled with spectacular days and challenging ones, multiple successes and opportunities, and at times failures and disappointments. As entrepreneurs transition through various stages in the Business Life Cycle, we are bombarded daily by the need to make choices and decisions, which can be challenging, taxing on our health, and account for fluctuating stress levels.
Matt Haig highlights this impeccably by saying, “I sometimes feel like my head is like a computer with too many windows open.”
Are you aware that STRESS can be healthy and unhealthy? Well, this is very possible as we explore what we know as ‘good stress’ and ‘bad stress’. So you’re wondering what’s the difference right?
Eustress (good stress) identifies with short bursts of stress that provide motivation to keep you working. This can occur when computerized software replaces manual input, processes become automated, and the business receives media coverage and publicity, recognition in the industry, or has a greater demand for goods or services.
Whereas, distress (bad stress), refers to when the ‘good stress’ becomes overwhelming, causing tension and fatigue, which makes the challenge no longer enjoyable.
Stress can stem from triggers in the macro and micro environments, from cheaper prices offered by Competitors, the shortage of raw materials from Suppliers, extensive periods to clear goods from our Ports, failure to obtain funding from Financial Institutions, to struggling to achieve that work-life balance. Simply put, STRESS can stem from anything, anywhere, anytime.
William James suggest “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” Once you nourish your mind with positive thoughts, the next step is to get that healthy balance between family, education, business and life. For this, I invite you to participate in the Challenge for the Week.
I challenge you daily for an entire week: To create a list of positive affirmations (at least 5)
You are more than welcome to build on these:
My strength is greater than any struggle I face
No matter my challenge, I will not give up
I use my failures as stepping stones
I am capable of great and amazing things
No one has the ability to make me feel inferior
My business is lucrative and thriving in every way
In my life, I’m attracting influential, optimistic and healthy people
My business is brimming with opportunities
Now is my time to harvest all the financial rewards my business will bring.
Now say those affirmations with confidence and faith aloud each day, one week at a time, then move onto a month. You will start noticing changes in the life of your business and yourself.
EVERYDAY PRODUCTIVE TIPS TO HANDLE & COMBAT STRESS:
1. Manage your time (with the aid of a diary, planner or mobile app schedule time for work, education, family/friends, physical activity/yoga, prayer/spirituality, and meditation).
2. Rest (by taking power naps for 15 -20 minute intervals with the aid of mobile apps such as Sleep Cycle, Digipill or Pzizz), and schedule at least 6 hours restorative sleep at night.
3. Eat nutritious meals and avoid skipping meal times. Plan it, so it becomes routine.
4. Include activities in your downtime (hobbies, leisure or recreational activities like karaoke).
5. Attend social gatherings and meet-ups with trusted and supportive friends.
6. Set aside time for self-reflection (include positive and negative stresses, then come up with creative ways to solve them).
7. Read motivational, inspirational and spiritual literature.
8. Laugh often. (Incorporate a bit of humour/fun in your day, just for 5 minutes to unwind. You can You Tube videos of a funny baby, animals or talented kids. Personally, I enjoy Kids say the Darnest Things, Little Big Shots and AFV).
9. Volunteer and just get out there for the experience. (Visit an elderly home, orphanage, animal shelter, or participate in a community initiative).
YOU are capable of combatting stress. You can control the way you react to stressors.
DO NOT let your stress define you. Remember, YOU are the Driver in your entrepreneurial journey.
You must be cognizant of the fact that we are what you put into our bodies, be it food, ideas, knowledge and thoughts. So make it productive, nourishing, empowering and most importantly positive.
Source for images:
https://www.beamlocal.com/how-stress-affects-your-work-plus-ways-to-manage-stress/
https://twitter.com/michaelkosmas/status/776783474342715392
About Niala
I am a Freelance MSE & Social Media Advisor, the Owner/Founder of Gia’s Creative Studio and YBTT Mentor/Advisor providing ‘Insights from a Creative Entrepreneur’ on transformational leadership, strategy, forging a legacy, motivation and success.
Niala Ramkallawan, MBA, BSc.
You can find me on:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niala-r-71b12742/
YBTT - https://ybcaribbean.skysthelimit.org/volunteer-profile/15317
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/giascreativestudio/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giascreativestudio.868/
