She Strengthens

The Universal Struggle of Work Stress

As entrepreneurs, we’re no strangers to feeling overwhelmed. The weight of responsibility, the lack of guidance, and the constant pressure to perform can be crushing at times. But here’s the thing: we’re not alone in this struggle. Work stress is a universal phenomenon that affects everyone, regardless of their profession or position.

The Reality Check

I’ve had my fair share of late-night sob sessions, feeling like I’m in way over my head. But then I remind myself that even in my previous corporate jobs, I experienced stress and anxiety. It’s easy to romanticize the past, but the truth is that work stress is an inherent part of having a job.

Mini-Mantras for Sanity

To cope with the overwhelm, I’ve developed some mini-mantras that help me put things into perspective. These reminders slow me down, appreciate what I have, and keep me grounded. Here are 21 of them, along with some wisdom from other professional women I respect:

Stay Kind and Patient

1. Everyone is busy; be kind.
2. Be as patient with others’ work as you would want them to be with yours.

Perspective is Everything

3. Nothing is forever if you don’t want it to be.
4. Whatever your problems at work are, be grateful they can often be solved via typing on a computer from a comfortable desk chair.

Mental Health Matters

5. Take your mental health as seriously as your physical health.
6. Find your mental equivalent of Emergen-C and stock up.

Set Boundaries and Prioritize

7. Set your boundaries and keep them; learn that sometimes leaving is the kindest thing you can do to yourself.
8. Fill your calendar with things you’re looking forward to as much as your deadlines.

Self-Care and Compassion

9. Treat your work tasks like a workout; pump yourself up with a great playlist and muscle through those last little bits.
10. Say kind things, give compliments, and be compassionate in your criticism.

Stay Focused and Grateful

11. Always know what you’re working for and keep it in the front of your mind.
12. Force yourself to say what you’re proud of and grateful for.

Remember, You’re Not Alone

13. It’s okay to change your mind about what your ‘dream’ is; in fact, it’s healthy.
14. Have at least one friend outside of work who truly gets it.

Take a Step Back and Breathe

15. Stretch.
16. Whenever you feel a complaint coming on, force yourself to take it through to its logical end: What can I do about it? How can I make it tangibly better?

Empower Yourself

17. Get over your fear of saying ‘no’; the person who can’t say ‘no’ is the person who will end up doing everything.
18. Playing hooky for a mental health day doesn’t make you a bad person.

Keep Things in Perspective

19. No job would be the perfect job that doesn’t ever feel like work – yes, even that magical dream job you have in your head.
20. Let he who has not opened an email with ‘Sorry for the delay!’ cast the first stone.

By remembering these mini-mantras, we can shift our focus from stress and anxiety to perspective, self-care, and empowerment. We’re not alone in this struggle, and with the right mindset, we can overcome even the toughest challenges.