20 Tips For Business Leaders To Manage Stress Effectively

2. Talk To Others And Get Their Perspective

To manage stress, I talk to people and share my concerns. Often, our employees see the situation in a different way. Since my stress is usually caused by the overload of everyday tasks, I take one hour to make it clear to myself what few points are really important and then focus on them. As soon as at least one is done, I feel better. - Yulia Fedorishina, Ribambelle

3. Learn To Say No

It is very important to learn to say no to most requests for your time. Some of the most successful executives are known to spend most of their time working on themselves, reading books, taking time off and doing other activities that help them grow and generate new ideas. Also, take time for self-care, whatever this means for you. A couple of rituals that you personally enjoy can go a long way! - Vasja Petkovska, Amplius Field Service Group AB

4. Make Decisions That Alleviate Stress Buildup

Take action. For me, stress comes when bigger decisions start piling up. Should we make that hire? Should we invest in that new tech tool? Taking time to "think about it" can sometimes be a way of procrastinating. It also causes similar decisions to pile up, creating undue stress. If it's not an irreversible decision, go with your gut and then iterate as needed down the road. - Alex Pron, Crossover Capital

5. Focus On Solutions Rather Than Problems

I wouldn't ordinarily say I get stressed. Stress comes from things you don't control, and I focus on things I do control. With that being said, when unwelcome surprises happen, I focus on solutions for the problems and don't dwell on the issue. Outside of this, I think stepping away and putting yourself into a different environment where you can think freely is helpful. For me, that's walking. - Andrew Dunn, Rampd

6. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle And Diet

Keeping a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet is very important. Exercise regularly, or at least make time for walks. Avoid overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol. For your business, having a mentor can be valuable when you come across challenges. Finally, hire the right team members and delegate tasks. Resist the temptation to be involved in everything. - Al Sefati, Clarity Digital, LLC

7. Take A Three-Step Approach

There are three ways I manage stress. The first is self-reflection and self-awareness. Take the time to realize the cause of the stress, the degree of stress and the feelings that arise. Second, act on resolution, whether that means having a conversation, taking a walk or asking for others' advice. Finally, let go and realize that regardless of the situation, you have control of the outcome. - Annie Phan, Lavendr

8. Use A '3-2-1' Technique To Put Things In Perspective

Focus on the positive by developing a gratitude practice and an optimistic mindset. Each morning when I wake up, I do my "3-2-1" practice where I list three things I'm grateful for, two things I'm excited about and one way I plan to be of service. This puts everything in perspective! Daily walks and stretches are another indispensable stress-buster—particularly for those of us who sit behind a computer! - Kate Buckley, Defining.com

9. Learn To Delegate

It's important to delegate responsibilities to your team. Learning to trust your team by assigning tasks based on their strengths reduces the workload while empowering your employees. By delegating, you create a healthier balance and allow yourself the bandwidth to focus on bigger priorities while also fostering team growth and engagement. - Quanique Johnson, LQ Logistics LLC

10. Focus On The Bigger Picture

Leadership is stressful—no doubt. By focusing on the big vision or strategic goals, leaders can stop being reactive and putting out fires all of the time and make progress instead. Carve out time each day or week to focus on the larger ideas. The day-to-day issues will still be there when you go back to them but don't take your gaze off of the bigger purpose, mission and vision. - Catherine Wehlburg, Athens State University

11. Prioritize Family Time To Recharge

With team members who have young children and aging family members, I encourage everyone to prioritize family time. Taking time to recharge with our families boosts our well-being and strengthens our team culture. A shared understanding that personal well-being is valued enhances collaboration and morale, allowing us to tackle business challenges with clearer minds and stronger spirits. - David Brooks Holstein, LifeCare Properties, LLC/ Comvest Properties, LLC

12. Stay Connected To Yourself With Meditation

Stress is not about situations; it's about how we handle them. I manage stress by staying connected to my inner balance through daily meditation. When your mind is calm, clarity follows, and decisions become effortless. I recommend leaders cultivate this inner stillness—if you remain balanced within, external pressures won't disrupt your well-being or your business decisions. - Vivek Rana, Gnothi Seauton Advisors

13. Try Different Strategies To Set Boundaries

Running a business or leading by example is stressful, but there are absolutely ways to manage stress and boost health despite work demands. It can be helpful to create time blocks for larger projects, remove distractions and clutter from one's desk and prioritize the top three goals for the day ahead. Outside of work, engage in exercise, eat healthy and spend time in nature to fill your own cup! - Christine S. Ghilain, Brain Health Neuropsychology & Brain Health Consulting

14. Bring In The Right People At The Right Time

One of the reasons running a business is stressful is because we usually get training in only one thing, but to run a business, you need to drive many things at the same time that are outside of your comfort zone. In the early stages, an entrepreneur has to do it by himself. As the company grows, however, we should bring in the right people for these different tracks instead of trying to do it all alone. - Avik Pal, CliniOps

15. Take Regular Vacations To Reset

Vacations are a must. Everyone is different, so this can vary according to personality. I take at least one weekend every few months to get away. It helps my mind to reset and rest. When I return to work, I have a new outlook and feel refreshed, ready to tackle all the tasks at hand. Do not be afraid to leave for a few days. I promise your work will be there when you get back. - Jackie Nance-Sons, Native Wildflowers Nursery

16. Recognize That Things Will Not Fall Apart Without You

I believe the key to managing stress lies in the ability to detach, effectively delegate tasks and clearly separate work time from personal time. It’s essential to realize that if you’re taking a day off, nothing critical will fall apart without you. In turn, this allows you to fully recharge and return with renewed energy, ultimately benefiting both you and your business. - Jekaterina Beljankova, WALLACE s.r.o

17. Be Aware Of Your Stress Triggers And How To Manage Them

Others are tangibly impacted when calming, direct and compassionate leaders are self-aware of their stress triggers and how to manage them. Taking residence in solitude, doing meditation, exercising or adopting other avenues to relieve stress tends to place one in a better mindset to endure the pruning process that running a business presents. - Paul L. Gunn, Jr., KUOG Corporation

18. Prioritize Self-Care

As an entrepreneur myself, I prioritize self-care. Taking time for activities like exercise, meditation or hobbies can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. By managing stress in a healthy way, you'll be better equipped to make sound decisions, lead your team effectively and maintain a positive work-life balance. Remember that a healthy leader is a more effective leader. - Reco McCambry, Novae

19. Practice Mindfulness Techniques Regularly

One effective way I manage stress is through regular mindfulness practices, such as meditation, journaling and breathing exercises. These help me stay grounded, reduce anxiety and improve focus. I recommend other leaders adopt mindfulness because it promotes clarity, better decision making and resilience, allowing them to navigate challenges more calmly and effectively. - Stephen Sokoler, Journey

20. Take Time Each Day To Sit Quietly

Exercise and health are key, but I also take 10 minutes each day to sit quietly. This simple practice helps me stay grounded and sharp. I recommend it to leaders as a way to recharge and maintain clarity in decision making. - Dan Galorath, Galorath Incorporated