How do you manage stress and uncertainty as an entrepreneur, and what self-care practices do you find helpful? We asked 21 entrepreneurs to share their top strategies for staying balanced and focused and here’s what they shared.
- Embrace The Power Of Pause
- Control What You Can
- Take Breaks Before You Need Them
- Respect Your Time For Self-Care
- Find Support In Community
- Practice Mindfulness Meditation
- Focus On Present-Moment Awareness
- Break Down Goals And Connect
- Physically Remove Yourself From Work
- Shift Your Mindset About Uncertainty
- Nurture Relationships With Self And Others
- Know Your Numbers And Have Funding
- Block Time For Unrelated Activities
- Develop High Levels Of Self-Awareness
- Schedule Time To Dial Out
- Focus On What You Can Control
- Treat Yourself How You Want Others To
- Practice Conscious Breathing
- Change Your Mindset About Uncertainty
- Use The 3R Strategy For Resilience
- Embrace Uncertainty For Growth
Tips to Manage Stress as An Entrepreneur
Embrace The Power Of Pause
As an entrepreneur, stress and uncertainty are not strangers to me—they’re relentless companions on the road less travelled. But here’s the secret—they’re also the greatest teachers. My one tip for managing stress and uncertainty is to embrace the power of pause.
When life feels like a constant sprint, pausing can feel counter-intuitive, but it’s transformational. Take a moment—breathe, step back, and reassess the situation and the choices at hand. A pause isn’t procrastination; it’s perspective. In those still moments, clarity often emerges. I’ve discovered that when I stop trying to control the chaos and instead lean into it, solutions I couldn’t see before become clear. Sometimes, the pause doesn’t just help generate better solutions—it triggers a realization that I’m focusing on the wrong strategy altogether. For example, if you’re stressed about missing a flight because you’re stuck in traffic, a short breathing break might help you realize that the next flight is only an hour away, and the cost of rebooking isn’t a major expense. Why not focus on what you can control rather than what you cannot? You might still make the flight, but by letting go of the stress, you’ll find yourself calmer on the journey and armed with a workable backup plan.
For me, self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation. I start each morning with a ritual that grounds me: five minutes of gratitude journaling, reminding myself of the wins (big and small) from the previous day. It shifts my mindset from scarcity to abundance. Then, I take a walk followed by a short stretching session—no phone, just my thoughts and the rhythm of my footsteps—to reconnect with the world outside my bubble of deadlines. My focus isn’t on the challenges ahead but the opportunities waiting to be unlocked. Sometimes, I’m even thinking about the jokes I’ll crack in an important team meeting, smiling silly at the thought.
Additionally, I give myself permission to feel. Entrepreneurship often demands stoicism, but bottling up emotions only deepens the strain. On tough days, I sit quietly and let the tears flow or speak to a mentor who’s walked this path. Allowing myself to be human has been the greatest act of self-care. When uncertainty strikes, I remind myself of the entrepreneurial credo: every setback is a set-up for a comeback. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow, pivot, and redefine success. After all, the greatest ventures weren’t born from ease but resilience.
Iqbal Ahmad
CEO, Britannia School of Academics
Control What You Can
If I had to pick one tip for managing stress and uncertainty as an entrepreneur, it’s this: control what you can, and let the rest go. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. Running a business like Safety Nest—where we help families prepare for the unexpected—can get overwhelming. There’s always something to fix, something to improve. But stressing about everything all at once? That’s a quick way to burn out.
Here’s what works for me. I lift weights almost every day. Not because I want to bulk up, but because it clears my head. There’s something grounding about putting everything else aside and focusing on one rep, one movement. After that, I hit the sauna or, if I’m feeling really ambitious, an ice bath. Ice baths aren’t just a trendy hack—they genuinely work. They force you to be present, to breathe through discomfort, which is a pretty useful skill when running a business feels like a storm.
On top of that, I’ve got a little secret weapon: a genetic methylation test. Turns out, like a lot of people, I was running low on vitamin D. Low vitamin D doesn’t just mess with your bones—it can tank your energy, your mood, even your sleep. Now I supplement every day, and I make sure to get outside for a dose of real sunlight, too. Specific fixes like that have a massive impact over time.
Of course, there are still days when nothing seems to go right. It’s frustrating. You do everything “right,” and the unexpected still shows up to test you. That’s where preparation comes in. Whether it’s having systems in place at work or knowing I’ve done everything I can for my health, preparation lets me say, “Okay, I’ve got this.”
This approach shapes how I work with clients, too. At Safety Nest, it’s not about throwing products at people. It’s about understanding their needs—every single one is different—and building something that protects them and their families for the long haul. We hire advisors with high EQ, not just high IQ, because we’re in the business of trust. And trust takes more than a slick sales pitch.
The bottom line? Stress is always going to show up. That’s life. But if you’ve got your body, your mind, and your systems in check, you’ll be ready. So hit the gym, get in that ice bath, take your supplements-whatever it is that helps you show up as your best. The rest? Let it go. You’ll figure it out.
Moshe Chaiton
Founder & Principal, Safety Nest
Take Breaks Before You Need Them
After a severe burnout two years ago, I learned that taking breaks is crucial. More so: taking breaks before you need them. Once your jaw is tense, your head starts to hurt, and your eyes feel strained from looking at your screen; it’s already too late.
Entrepreneurs can get into this focused state where they don’t want to stop working for fear of losing the flow they’re in, but doing so often comes back to bite you. You don’t need to take a bunch of 15-minute breaks throughout the day (even though doing so would be great). You can just start by making sure you get up, walk around your place for a bit, and maybe do a few squats (great for glute activating when you’re sitting for long periods of time).
The important thing is to let your mind wander as you step away from your laptop. No checking your phone or reading a business-related article. If you do want to feel like you’re doing something, choose a menial task like folding the laundry that keeps your body busy and your mind free.
Sofie Couwenbergh
Content Strategist and Writer, Let Me Write That Down for You
Respect Your Time For Self-Care
As an entrepreneur you are always on and with everyone working hybrid/remotely and social media and technology going 24/7 it can be tough at times to stay energized and focused. For me I know when I feel my creative juices drying up or I am often tired or unmotivated it is time to shake things up. The key is to find ways to stay fresh and excited without being able to get away from your job. Like most small business owners and entrepreneurs there are never enough hours in the day to fit everything in so when something has to give it is usually time I have allocated for myself to exercise or just relax.
A mentor once told me that to be successful “me time” is not a luxury or pampering, it is maintenance! I try to lead my team by example, respecting my time on the calendar and taking myself as seriously as I take my most important clients is the least I can do for self care because if I am not at my peak performance I am not going to be useful to anyone else either so I have learned to create more balance by:
Giving myself permission to say no. Whether it means sleeping in (no to an alarm clock), meditating, taking a walk, delegating more work or just turning off your phone and computer (no I will respond later on my own schedule), simple acts of letting yourself relax and enjoy the moment are the very best gifts you can give yourself. It is about touching people in meaningful ways which may mean being less busy not more.
Disconnecting from technology periodically and focusing on cultivating human, face-to-face relationships (when not social distancing). Even meeting for virtual coffee or drinks can accomplish so much more than e-mail exchanges, social media posts, etc. I have found that building relationships is what drives my business and technology supports them once they are solidified. Technology helps advance the conversation but it will never replace the human interaction that builds trust over time.
In my experience the best leaders get comfortable being uncomfortable. You rarely have all the info you want to make decisions. Leadership is scary but you can’t wait for the perfect time to act; you just have to course correct as you get more feedback along the way. Learn to get comfortable making decisions without perfect information. I am measuring productivity by what I get done, it is based on accomplishments not activity.
Paige Arnof-Fenn
Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls
Find Support In Community
One of the greatest self-care practices I’ve found is community. It’s not a typical answer, I realize, but it’s true—and often overlooked. Massages and pedicures aren’t always possible financially, especially when you’re first starting a business.
I’ve found connecting with others to be much more effective in helping me manage the inherent stress that comes with owning my own business. Whether it’s through virtual or in-person events, networking groups, or coaching circles, getting to know other entrepreneurs is key. It reminds me I’m not alone. It gives me new ideas and solutions to problems I never could’ve thought about on my own.
It’s also a great source of business. I’ve been hired directly and referred at some of the desperate times in my business.
Self-care is about making sure I have the support around me at all times. A supportive community is much more effective for me than any bubble bath (where I’m just going to get stuck in my head anyway) has ever been.
Jenn Prochaska
Message Strategist, The Write Difference LLC
Practice Mindfulness Meditation
My best tip is mindfulness meditation which is a powerful tool for staying grounded when facing business challenges. You see, even dedicating 10 minutes a day to mindfulness helps clear your mind and focus on the present moment. This practice helps to navigate uncertainty with a calmer mindset, fostering better decision-making and reducing anxiety.
I often prefer to start my day with a short meditation, setting my intentions for the day ahead. This helps me prioritize tasks and stay focused on what truly matters, rather than getting caught up in the chaos of entrepreneurship. For instance, I take a few minutes to step away from the chaos and find a quiet space to meditate when facing a big decision or dealing with a difficult situation. This allows me to clear my mind, gain perspective, and approach the situation with a level head.
I have found exercise and proper nutrition very effective in managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Regular physical activity keeps my body strong and releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress. Fueling my body with nutritious meals gives me the energy I need to tackle each day’s challenges. This includes things like meal prepping and setting aside time for workouts, even on busy days.
Max Avery
Chief Business Development Officer, Syndicately
Focus On Present-Moment Awareness
Practicing present-moment awareness is one of the best ways to handle stress and uncertainty as an entrepreneur. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the “what-ifs” or obsessing over outcomes, just focus on the task at hand for that moment. Remind yourself that uncertainty is a natural part of entrepreneurship and doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s an opportunity to grow your resilience and success mindset. Mindful deep breathing or a quick grounding affirmation are great ways to bring yourself into the present during a stressful moment, and daily commitment to relaxing self-care practices like meditation, sound baths, or time for personal enjoyment are also extremely helpful.
Lia Munson
Co-Founder, Resilient Stories
Break Down Goals And Connect
Many young women entrepreneurs are not only creative and innovative, they’re also ambitious. And with ambition comes the cost of setting unrealistic expectations and putting oneself under immense pressure. The result: frustration, stress and uncertainty.
As a coach who mentors women entrepreneurs under 30 I’d like to share a couple of tips to help you on your journey:
- Have your overarching dream goal in mind, as well your plan, yet remember it’ll keep changing as you change. And that’s ok.
- Break down your business goals into sizeable chunks—3 months, 1 month, even 1 week. That way, it’ll be less overwhelming.
- Reach out to fellow entrepreneurs. The journey of entrepreneurship can be lonely at times, so it’s important to share your struggles and successes with others who understand you.
- Do whatever it takes to remain rested and happy in the process. Hit the “Pause” button often (even if you have to set a timer!) and recharge through walks, music, yoga, meditation, etc.
As an entrepreneur myself I’ve learned to remain connected with my purpose and aligned with my values. And the only way to do that is to take exquisite care of myself.
Sylvia Larrass
Executive Coach, Sylvia Larrass Voice and Leadership Excellence
Physically Remove Yourself From Work
Entrepreneurs are notorious for getting inside their own heads. We have a vision for what we want to accomplish and are “heads down” to achieve our goals. This often results in long hours and eventual burn-out.
My best (personal) tip is to remove yourself from your work area physically. I take my dog for a walk daily around my neighborhood. I also utilize this time to listen to Audible business books. The change of scenery is great for my mental health and my body thanks me for getting off my computer chair during the day!
Nick LeRoy
Founder, SEOJobs.com
Shift Your Mindset About Uncertainty
To manage stress and uncertainty as an entrepreneur, I focus on mindset—a practice I also recommend to my coaching clients, many of whom are entrepreneurs themselves. How we think about uncertainty shapes our experience of it. If we view uncertainty as something to avoid or control, we’re more likely to feel stressed when it inevitably arises. However, if we embrace uncertainty as part of the adventure and thrill of entrepreneurship, we can approach challenges with greater calm and resilience.
This mindset shift also supports self-care. When stress arises, I pause, take a deep breath, and remind myself: uncertainty is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of resisting it, I choose to enjoy the ride. This practice helps me stay grounded and maintain perspective during the ups and downs of business life.
Analiza Quiroz Wolf
Executive Coach, CEO, Women of Color Rise
Nurture Relationships With Self And Others
Stress and uncertainty are inevitable, especially as an entrepreneur and increasingly so in the globally disruptive times we’re living in, but I’ve found that the quality of your relationships—both with yourself and others—defines how well you navigate them. For me, managing stress starts with nurturing my relationship with myself. This means practicing self-awareness, recognizing when I need rest or support, and committing to self-compassion instead of self-criticism.
Equally important is investing in relationships with others. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely understand and support you is invaluable. This might be mentors, a trusted peer group, or even loved ones who remind you of your worth beyond your work. Entrepreneurship is rarely a solo journey; leaning into authentic, mutual connections can transform stress into opportunities for growth and perspective. Building and maintaining healthy relationships is one of the greatest acts of self-care I’ve found.
Jenn Toro
Founder & CEO, Spark & Sage
Know Your Numbers And Have Funding
Stress is usually caused by fear of the unknown. Most entrepreneurs worry about cash flow, and how to pay wages and suppliers going forward.
My tip for managing this is to know your numbers and have the right funding in place.
This provides clarity, certainty, and visibility and removes the fear of the unknown.
Knowing your numbers is about understanding from a financial perspective where you are (real time information including management accounts and key performance indicators), where you have been (statutory accounts and compliance up-to-date) and most importantly where you are going—forecasts, funding, and thinking about future sale/exit.
This removes a lot of uncertainty and also provides the information funders require to provide investment and working capital facilities.
As a result, a well funded business with great information means a lot less stress.
Add to this a self care routine involving regular exercise and personal time and life becomes much more fun again as running a business should be.
Craig Alexander Rattray
Growth Strategist, Know Your Numbers
Block Time For Unrelated Activities
Managing stress and uncertainty as an entrepreneur can feel like a consistent challenge, especially at the beginning. One tip is to block out time during the day or week to strictly do something unrelated to the business. This can be anything like exercise, a hobby, socialising, or meditation. This gives us more space to find balance and can be a game changer for our mood and productivity. Self care practices like exercise, meditation, or switching off from technology can be incredibly helpful.
Emma Gray
Founder, Empathrive
Develop High Levels Of Self-Awareness
The number one thing you can do to manage stress and uncertainty as an entrepreneur is develop high levels of self-awareness. This is one key domain of emotional intelligence and is absolutely essential for personal and professional successes. While many will often do self-assessments, understanding emotional processes is often overlooked and undervalued. We use mindfulness based practices that are rooted in science to support expanding self-awareness. Some of these may include mindful breathing, a body scan, mindfulness of thoughts or emotions, and loving kindness. All of the practices support “practicing the pause” so that you can tune into what’s really going on within you and make an empowered choice. This reduces stress, supports wellbeing on all levels, and can even improve communication skills that are much needed in business.
Amy McCae
CEO/Founder, Creative Wellness
Schedule Time To Dial Out
My biggest tip is to schedule time in the day that you will dial out. This means the following: If a person is calling you on your cell that you know only has personal issues, ask yourself if you can handle what the call will do to your mood. You can let the call go to voicemail. Watch television programs that make you laugh and not cry. Put your feet up and enjoy your favorite beverage. Don’t be afraid to say, “No.” You can’t take care of anyone else if you are not taking care of yourself.
Beth Smith
Life Coach and Owner, Thriving With Resilience
Focus On What You Can Control
Stress and worries are unavoidable as an entrepreneur. But they can be managed. Whenever I feel stress building up, I ask myself where my focus should be. Can I do something about the cause of the stress right now? If so, then do it. If not, then focus on where your attention is needed. If this happens at night, then tell yourself that now is the time for sleep. Good rest will increase your productivity during the day.
Benny Voncken
Stoic Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Podcast Host, Via Stoica
Treat Yourself How You Want Others To
The tip I want to share is something I call The New Golden Rule. It’s the foundation of my first book and the core principle behind how I’ve built a seven-figure business. The New Golden Rule is simple: treat yourself the way you want others to treat you.
While the traditional Golden Rule has guided many of us since childhood and served us well, it’s incomplete on its own. Treating others as you want to be treated is a solid foundation, but in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing, and high-pressure world, it’s not enough. In fact, relying solely on the Golden Rule can lead to pain and frustration. The truth is, the Golden Rule desperately needs an upgrade-and we need it fast. After all, we’re here to thrive as leaders, not drive ourselves into the ground, right?
If we go through life focusing solely on treating others well without considering how we treat ourselves, we set ourselves up for stress, burnout, and overwhelm. None of these are good for an entrepreneur or their business.
The New Golden Rule, or simply The Rule, works because our relationship with ourselves shapes our relationships with others and the world around us. When we take care of ourselves and meet our own needs, we naturally step into our power, show up as better leaders, and give our businesses a greater chance to thrive.
So, how do you apply The Rule? It starts with truly getting to know yourself. Learn what drives you, identify your core values, recognize what frustrates you, and understand what drains your energy. From there, clarify your unique needs so you can structure your life to meet them. One effective tool is a personalized “well-being checklist.”
This checklist should include non-negotiable daily, weekly, and monthly practices that support your well-being. For example, many of my clients discover through self-awareness that their energy is drained when they engage in self-critical thinking. This habit often worsens when they aren’t sleeping enough, eating well, or staying active. A personalized well-being checklist provides clear guidelines for living and running their business in a way that supports their energy and mindset.
And it works!
Emily Golden
CEO & Strategic Talent Advisor, Golden Resources, LLC
Practice Conscious Breathing
Here’s a tip that’s always worked great for me in managing the stress of business. Stress raises our breathing rate as well as our heart rate. An at-ease, stress free breathing rate is about 10 to 12 breaths per minute. Nowadays of course with all the stress in the world, everyone’s breathing rate is typically significantly higher than that. The good news is that bringing our breathing rate down also brings down our stress levels and calms our bodies and our minds.
Several times a day, maybe before work, at mid day and in the afternoon, consciously practice taking six-second breaths: three seconds in, three seconds out, breathing from the diaphragm but normal breaths not deep breaths. Depending upon your stress level, at first it may take as long as five minutes of six second breathing to bring your breathing rate down so it remains at 10 to 12 breaths per minute after you’ve stopped. But with practice you’ll soon be able to do it in as little as a minute. And calmer breathing, means a calmer body and a calmer mind.
Barry Maher
Principal, Barry Maher & Associates
Change Your Mindset About Uncertainty
Stress and uncertainty aren’t just part of the entrepreneurial journey—they’re the price of admission. But learning to dance with them? That’s where the real fun begins.
Let’s face it: being an entrepreneur is a bit like riding a roller coaster blindfolded. There’s always a new challenge, an eventuality, or a moment of doubt waiting for me. At first I lost sleep wondering what I was thinking. But over time, I realized something: insecurity is not the enemy. This is where the magic really happens.
One piece of advice I highly recommend is to change your mind. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, I wonder what opportunities this uncertainty can bring me. This small change helped me stay calm and think more clearly.
Now, let’s talk about self-care. For me, morning walks are sacred. They clear my head and give me new ideas. I also have a rule for disconnecting after hours. No email, no “just for a second” Slack check. It’s my way of drawing a line between work and personal life.
And here’s an important point: you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s talking to a mentor or sharing ideas with my team, trusting others has been a game changer.
In short? Stress will always be part of the journey. But with a few simple habits, you can prevent it from taking over.
Mark Whitley
Founder and CEO, Whits Corporation
Use The 3R Strategy For Resilience
My favorite tip for managing stress and uncertainty as an entrepreneur is called the Resilience Mindset or the 3R strategy! Recognize, ReCharge, Reframe.
Recognize the stressor or emotion. Name how you are feeling or what is the specific stressor. An example can be, I am frustrated that a particular customer no longer wants to use my services or products.
Then step 2 is ReCharge. Before you respond to the email—pause and take some time. Take a mini break, do some slow breathing, if you can, get out into nature for a mini walk. Listen to what you need to recharge before responding. Timing is everything.
Then Step 3: Reframe the situation to what is in your control. You can offer a different solution, or you need to put your energy into another customer or innovation. Be curious and open to reaching out to others for feedback or suggestions.
I use my 3R resiliency mindset strategies every day and find it provides a straightforward way to manage daily challenges personally and professionally.
Beth Kennedy
Leadership Coach, Tedx Speaker & Trainer, Benatti Leadership Development
Embrace Uncertainty For Growth
Stress and uncertainty are inevitable parts of entrepreneurship. One tip I’ve found invaluable is to shift my perspective: instead of resisting uncertainty, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Start by asking yourself, “Do I have control over this?” If the answer is no, take a moment to pause and breathe before making any decisions. When we’re in fight-or-flight mode, our thinking becomes clouded, so stepping back allows clarity to return. This mindset not only reduces stress but also opens the door to creative problem-solving.
Over my 25 years as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that uncertainty can be a catalyst for innovation if you approach it with curiosity rather than fear. For instance, when I launched my Women Entrepreneurs Group membership, I had a clear vision of how it would serve members. But as the group grew, their evolving needs challenged my original plan. At first, it felt stressful—how could I abandon something I’d worked so hard to create? But by viewing their feedback as a gift rather than a setback, I was able to pivot and design a better offering.
This experience reinforced the importance of holding goals lightly and staying flexible. When unexpected changes arise, ask yourself, “How can this be an opportunity to improve?” This mindset not only reduces anxiety but also fosters creativity and resilience—key traits for navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
Kate Greenslade
Owner, Mindfulness Coaching
