Handling Stress as an Entrepreneur: How I Learned to Put My Health First

Entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve ever been on, but let me be real—it can also be stressful. For years, I tried to juggle everything: a full-time job, growing my business, and all the little tasks that come with building a dream. The pressure to always be “on” left me exhausted and, at times, completely overwhelmed.

Eventually, I realized something had to change. If I wanted to succeed, I needed to put my health first. Here’s how I’ve learned to manage stress while staying true to my vision—and how you can too.

Realizing I Could Work Anytime, Anywhere

One of the most freeing lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that I don’t have to stick to anyone else’s schedule. I used to feel guilty if I wasn’t working nonstop, even when I was completely drained. But then I reminded myself: I built this business for freedom, not for burnout.

Now, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I pause and ask myself:

• What would feel good right now?

• Am I in the right mindset to do my best work?

Sometimes, that means stepping away from my desk, even if it’s in the middle of the day. I might go for a walk, spend time with my husband, or take a break to clear my head. The beauty of being an entrepreneur is that the work will wait—and I’ll tackle it more effectively when I’ve recharged.

Learning to Take Breaks (Without Guilt)

For a long time, I believed taking breaks meant I wasn’t working hard enough. I’d push through exhaustion, telling myself that rest could wait. But guess what? That approach didn’t serve me—or my business.

I had a moment not too long ago when I was staring at my to-do list, feeling completely stuck. Instead of forcing myself to keep going, I decided to take the afternoon off. I went for a run, made a good meal, and let myself just be. The next morning, I woke up with so much clarity and energy, I knocked out my tasks faster than I ever could have if I’d stayed glued to my desk.

Taking breaks doesn’t mean you’re slacking. It means you’re smart enough to recognize that your best work happens when you’re rested.

Listening to My Body

Stress has a sneaky way of showing up in physical ways—tight shoulders, headaches, even exhaustion that sleep can’t fix. For a while, I ignored those signs. I thought I could push through. But over time, I realized my body wasn’t just complaining—it was sending me a clear message to slow down.

These days, when I notice stress creeping in, I take action:

• I move my body: A walk, a run, or even just stretching can shift my mood instantly.

• I prioritize real fuel: Instead of skipping meals or relying on coffee, I make time for breakfast and drink more water (a work in progress, but I’m getting there!).

• I embrace mindfulness: Even five minutes of deep breathing can help me reset.

These small habits have made a huge difference in how I handle stress.

Putting My Health First

The truth is, I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. When I was working full-time while growing my business, I thought I had to be everything for everyone. But all it left me with was burnout. Now, I prioritize my health—and my business has been better for it.

Here’s how I make it work:

• I schedule my health like a meeting: Every morning, I block out time for myself. Whether it’s a run, a quiet coffee, or journaling, it’s my time to recharge.

• I set boundaries: I’ve learned to say “no” when something doesn’t align with my goals or well-being.

• I celebrate progress: Even small wins matter. Acknowledging them reminds me of how far I’ve come.

Building a Business That Aligns With My Life

As entrepreneurs, we have the incredible privilege of creating our own paths. For me, that means designing a business that aligns with my vision, my goals, and my health. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take breaks, listen to my body, and let go of the guilt when I’m not working 24/7.

Your business will thrive when you thrive. So, if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, give yourself permission to step back. Take care of yourself first—because you are your business’s most valuable resource.

Here’s to building something amazing while staying healthy, balanced, and happy along the way.