The Stress Series: Switching Off
Summary
In this episode of the Tilt Podcast, Joel and Jed discuss the critical importance of managing stress for business owners. They emphasise the need for personal time and the significance of structuring one's week to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The conversation covers practical tips for scheduling, allowing flexibility, and prioritising personal goals to prevent burnout and enhance productivity.
Takeaways
Switching off from work is vital for personal well-being.
Business owners often neglect personal time, leading to burnout.
Structuring your week can help maintain balance.
Exercise and personal hobbies are essential for mental health.
Scheduling time for unexpected events can improve productivity.
Prioritize personal goals alongside business objectives.
Discipline in scheduling can lead to better outcomes.
Flexibility in your schedule is crucial for managing stress.
Don't let business dictate your personal life.
Regular reflection on your schedule can prevent burnout.
Keywords
stress management, business owners, personal time, work-life balance, scheduling, burnout, productivity, self-care, coaching, time management
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Stress Management in Business
01:01 The Importance of Personal Time
02:57 Structuring Your Week for Balance
08:10 Allowing Flexibility in Your Schedule
12:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Managing Business Stress: Finding Balance and Reclaiming Your Personal Time
For many business owners, stress is an all-too-familiar companion. It’s there during late nights, big decisions, and those moments when everything feels like it's piling up. At Tilt Business Coaching, we've tackled these common stressors in a recent series, including cash flow, client relationships, and managing staff. Now, we’re wrapping up with one of the biggest challenges: how to mentally and emotionally step away from the business and actually enjoy your personal life.
In business, it’s easy to let work consume you. Whether things are going well or not, the demands of the job can start to dictate your time and bleed into your personal life. This overlap can create a persistent strain on business owners, who often end up sacrificing personal well-being in the name of business goals. But by reclaiming time and establishing boundaries, you can maintain a sustainable, enjoyable life outside of work.
Why Prioritise Personal Time?
Being "on" all the time is not just exhausting; it’s counterproductive. When you're constantly in business mode, it becomes harder to make clear, thoughtful decisions. Resentment and frustration can build over time, leading you to question why you even started down this path. If you’re not setting aside time to nurture yourself, you risk losing the motivation that initially inspired you to start your business.
Rediscovering balance often begins with identifying what activities help you recharge. Maybe it's a hobby, social time, or simply having moments free from the demands of the business. Having regular, dedicated personal time not only helps you be a more effective leader but also keeps the original passion for your business alive.
Structuring Your Week to Include Personal Time
The first step in reclaiming your schedule is planning it with intention. This means dedicating blocks of time not just for work, but for yourself. Creating a weekly structure doesn’t mean filling every minute with tasks but carving out space that’s as committed to personal activities as it is to work.
Example Weekly Structure for Business Owners:
Exercise First Thing: For many, starting the day with some form of physical activity is key to feeling energised and focused. An early morning walk, a quick gym session, or even some meditation can be the difference between a balanced day and a chaotic one.
Dedicated Hobbies: Hobbies are more than a distraction—they’re a meaningful part of life that provide joy and fulfilment. Whether it’s a weekly golf game or another passion, these activities give you something to look forward to outside work, reinforcing the balance you’re building.
Flexible Blocks for Personal Goals: Scheduling time for personal goals before fitting in work commitments ensures they’re prioritised, not just sidelined. This also makes it easier to adjust the work schedule around personal time if needed.
Scheduling “Shit Happens” Time
One of the most overlooked aspects of scheduling is allowing time for the unexpected. We all know “shit happens”—emergencies, last-minute client calls, unforeseen issues—and these often demand immediate attention. If you haven’t reserved time for such incidents, the first thing you’ll sacrifice is usually your personal time.
Consider setting aside a specific window each day for handling the unexpected. If nothing comes up, this time can be used for catching up on other tasks, so you stay ahead of your schedule. Knowing you have a set time to handle emergencies helps reduce reactive work patterns and lets you focus on the task at hand.
Protecting Your Time and Setting Boundaries
Being a business owner means there will always be more to do. But when work consistently infringes on personal time, that’s a boundary worth examining. One strategy is to schedule dedicated time to “work on the business,” separate from day-to-day tasks, for strategic thinking and long-term planning. This time could be used for big-picture thinking without immediate client pressures, which then frees up other blocks in your week.
The discipline to prioritise personal time might feel robotic at first, but over time, it becomes second nature. Planning with this level of intentionality is what allows you to meet your business goals without personal sacrifices. When you plan effectively, you ensure your time is spent according to your priorities, not dictated by the demands of the moment.
The Payoff of Consistent Effort
This structure, discipline, and commitment to protecting personal time not only reduces stress but builds a healthier, more balanced life. It’s a process, but with consistency, the effort pays off. You’re able to enjoy the very things you went into business to achieve: freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment.
