6 Stress-Busting Tips to Bring More Balance Into Your Life, According to a Consultant

*Written by Gracie Chambers, founder and CEO of Gracie Chambers Consulting, which helps entrepreneurs scale their business, find their story, elevate their brand, build authority, and market their business in a way that breaks through the noise.*

"Just a year ago, I was sitting at my desk in my corporate job stressed, burned out, and frustrated at the sliver of life I had outside of work. I was overwhelmed by the pressure of my job and my health was at an all-time low—both mentally and physically. I was exhausted and needed a change. That’s when I decided to take my marketing side-hustle full time with a mission to bring more balance into the business world.

In our fast-paced, highly-competitive world, being “stressed out” is one of the most common feelings. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working in a corporate role, I think it’s safe to say that it’s easy to let stress become part of our daily routine. But I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s time to stop accepting the high-stress lifestyle as “just the way it is.” You do not need to work 24/7, and push, drive and grind until you break. It is possible to build a successful career with balance and wellness at the core.

Source: @graciechambers

Learning to manage stress has been an essential part of my success in business. And I can promise you this: going about life with self-care in mind is a lot more fun (and more productive!) than operating from a place of burnout. So, to the busy, stressed-out, and overworked entrepreneur or employee reading this, here are my top five tips for taking care of yourself without sacrificing your professional success.

1. Don’t Sacrifice Your Routine

When you know you have a busy day ahead, it’s easy to skip journaling, working out, or even eating breakfast, and head to the computer first thing. It’s also easy to keep working after 5 pm because you’re determined to cross things off your to-do list before calling it a day. Having both a set morning and evening routine gives you a sense of control in stressful times. Doing so can set the tone for your entire day and can help you transition into an evening mode that allows you to be present for friends and family, and for yourself! Even if you’re not a “routine person,” try starting off your day without your phone and do something just for you.

2. Time Block

Time blocking has been something that has saved me while running my business and managing my health. I reserve large blocks of time for certain tasks according to when my brain functions best. For instance, I do all of my writing and creative work in the morning while my mind is fresh, and save more of the “mindless” work for the afternoon. Time blocking also ensures that you are taking time for yourself to reset and recharge. If you put it on your calendar, you’re less likely to work through that walk you planned on taking.

Source: @graciechambers

3. Treat Yourself

Whether it’s a full spa day or diffusing your favorite essential oils, be intentional about doing things that bring you joy. It’s easy to get caught up in the work hamster wheel, so try calling a friend or family member once a day to focus your mind on something else. It’s amazing how much a good friend can lift your spirits. My favorite stress-reliever is ending my day with a warm bath with Epsom salts, baking soda, and a few drops of lavender essential oil, which releases stress and toxins and makes my home feel like a spa.

4. Get Moving

I try to get some form of exercise every day. It may seem obvious, but it’s a game-changer. Exercise works wonders for releasing stress and clearing your head on a busy day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from your desk for a quick walk around the block or a 5-minute ab workout. Every evening, I either go on a walk or spend time cooking a meal to clear my head and disconnect. This helps me to be more present in my post-work hours and improves my sleep at night. No more lying awake thinking about business.

5. Walk Away

Whether it is for a quick lunch break (I mean actual lunch break. Not a “break” at your desk), or a week long vacation, disconnecting is key to maintaining balance in your life.

Source: @graciechambers

6. Meditate

Om’s the word! Meditation, whether in the form of yoga, prayer, journaling, or traditional meditation, helps to reprogram your body from a stressful fight-or-flight mode to peaceful alignment. Meditate on what you’re grateful for, or on what you have already accomplished, and let your mind wander away from the stress. I also love doing the 5-5-5 breathing exercise (breath in for 5 seconds, hold for 5, out for 5, hold for 5, repeat) when I find myself holding my breath and working in overdrive.

When you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and run down, the best thing you can do is to take a step back and assess the whole picture. Your mental and physical health has to take priority in order for your career to have sustainability and long-term success. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; and it doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or a “chore!” But the alternative—neglecting your wellness now—can stop you in your tracks, throw off all of your productivity and forward motion, and make it so much harder to get it back. Trust me on this one. So shut your laptop, go draw yourself a bath, go on a walk, or unwind and watch a movie with your people. Your work can wait; and when you readdress it, you’ll be more focused and more efficient as a result. You not only deserve it...you need it.

Remember: Stress is inevitable, but it is not uncontrollable."

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