Stress Awareness Month: Managing stress as an SME owner or self-employed professional

Stress is a natural part of life, but when left unchecked, it can become overwhelming, particularly for those running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or working as self-employed professionals. The pressure of managing multiple roles, meeting client expectations, and ensuring the business thrives can lead to significant stress. For SME owners and self-employed individuals alike, the demands of running a business without the support of a larger organisation can be exhausting, and if not managed properly, it can lead to burnout, poor mental health, and reduced productivity.

April marks Stress Awareness Month – an opportunity to reflect on how stress affects our everyday lives, especially for those navigating the unique challenges of self-employment or running an SME. It’s a timely reminder for business owners to prioritise their mental wellbeing, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and take proactive steps to manage stress before it impacts their health or business performance.  

The impact of stress on SMEs and self-employed professionals

Whether you're a self-employed freelancer or managing a small team as an SME owner, stress is inevitable. However, the challenges faced by SME owners and the self-employed are often unique and more personal. The responsibilities of running a business can create stress from various sources:

• Financial pressure: Cash flow uncertainty, inconsistent income, and having to manage business finances single-handedly can lead to anxiety and worry.
   
• Time management: SMEs and self-employed individuals often juggle multiple roles—handling client meetings, admin, marketing, and other operational tasks. This lack of time can lead to feelings of overwhelm.
   
• Lack of support: Without a larger team to share the workload, SME owners and self-employed individuals may experience feelings of isolation, stress, and emotional exhaustion.
   
• Work-life balance: SMEs and self-employed individuals often have difficulty setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. This can result in long hours and little time for rest, leading to burnout.

The importance of stress awareness

Stress Awareness Month serves as an important reminder for SME owners and self-employed professionals to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. Chronic stress can negatively impact both your business and your health, leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and physical health problems such as headaches, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances. Recognising the signs of stress early can help you take proactive steps to manage it before it takes a toll on your personal and professional life.

Tips for managing stress as an SME Owner or self-employed professional

Managing stress effectively is crucial not only for your wellbeing but also for the success of your business. Below are practical strategies for SME owners and self-employed professionals to reduce stress and safeguard their mental health:

1. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life

A major challenge for both SMEs and self-employed individuals is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The pressure of running your own business can make it difficult to "switch off" from work. However, working around the clock without breaks or personal time can lead to burnout.

• Create a routine: Set specific work hours and commit to stopping at a set time each day. This helps ensure that you dedicate time to yourself and your personal life.
   
• Designate a workspace: If you're working from home or managing an SME with a small team, having a designated workspace can help you mentally separate work from personal time, especially after hours.
   
• Schedule time off: Take regular breaks throughout your day and make time for hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. Recharging is vital for both your physical and mental health.

2. Delegate tasks and outsource

Many SME owners and self-employed professionals fall into the trap of trying to do everything themselves, but this is a recipe for stress and burnout. Delegating tasks or outsourcing certain functions can help lighten your load and reduce stress.

• Outsource non-core tasks: Consider outsourcing tasks such as bookkeeping, marketing, customer service, or admin work. This frees up your time to focus on the core aspects of your business.
   
• Delegate within your team: If you're managing an SME with employees or freelancers, delegate responsibilities clearly and trust your team to handle tasks.

3. Practice mindfulness and stress-relief techniques

Mindfulness techniques and relaxation practices can help reduce stress and improve your focus. Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine can help you stay calm and collected, even during hectic times.

• Meditation: Even a few minutes of meditation can help reduce anxiety and increase mindfulness.
   
• Deep breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help lower stress levels and bring mental clarity, particularly in stressful situations.
   
• Physical activity: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress. A daily walk, yoga, or other forms of physical activity can help clear your mind and improve your mental health.

4. Stay organised and prioritise tasks

Stress often arises from feeling overwhelmed by a long list of tasks. Staying organised and prioritising your work can help you stay on top of responsibilities and reduce stress.

• Use task management tools: Consider using tools like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to break down your tasks and set clear priorities.
   
• Break tasks into smaller steps: Large projects can seem overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks makes them easier to tackle.
   
• Learn to say no: Avoid overloading yourself by recognising when you have too much on your plate. Saying no to additional tasks can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

5. Seek professional support

Running a business, whether as a self-employed individual or as the owner of an SME, can be stressful and isolating. It's important to acknowledge when stress is becoming unmanageable and seek help.

At Able Futures, we offer no-cost, confidential mental health coaching to both self-employed individuals and SME owners. Our expert coaches are available to help you manage stress, develop resilience, and improve your mental wellbeing so that you can focus on the success of your business. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support.

6. Build a support network

SME owners and self-employed individuals often work in isolation, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and added stress. Building a support network can help provide encouragement and perspective when you need it most.

• Join business groups or networks: Look for professional groups, both online and in-person, where you can connect with others in similar positions.
   
• Find a mentor: A mentor can provide guidance and emotional support as you navigate the challenges of running your own business.
   
• Attend industry events: Networking events and workshops provide opportunities to meet other business owners, share ideas, and feel more connected to your community.

Moving forward: Prioritising your wellbeing for long-term success

Stress is an inevitable part of running a business or working independently, but it doesn’t have to take a toll on your health or productivity. By recognising the signs early and putting supportive strategies in place, you can maintain a healthier work-life balance and build long-term resilience.

Able Futures offers no-cost, confidential mental health coaching to self-employed professionals, SME business owners, and employees. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply want to build stronger coping tools, our support can help you manage stress and stay focused on your goals.

Take the first step toward protecting your wellbeing—for yourself and your business.