Managing Stress for Better Health and a Stronger Business
“Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to run the show.”
We know that exercise, sleep, and healthy eating are the three biggest predictors of good health. But let’s not discredit the impact of stress.
In 2022, 21.8% of Canadians aged 12 and older reported that most days were "quite a bit" or "extremely stressful," with women experiencing more stress than men (24.0% vs. 19.6%). More concerning, a 2023 survey found that 40% of Canadians felt their stress levels had increased compared to the previous year.
Honestly, I get it. Stress is everywhere. Stress happens through all our life roles: mom, partner, child, sibling, entrepreneur, regulated professional, business partner, boss, pet owner, employee, caregiver, neighbor, friend—oh, and just a human being (insert stress over USA/Canada politics). Some days, it feels like stress is woven into every part of life, from meeting deadlines to making sure the dog gets walked. Managing it to the point where it’s not tipping the health equation in the wrong direction is a constant priority.
But here’s the thing—not all stress is bad. Some stress—“eustress”—actually helps us step up, stay sharp, and push ourselves to grow. It’s what makes us rise to the challenge of a big work project, prepare for a major life event, or perform at our best when it matters most. This kind of stress motivates us. But when stress becomes too much—“distress”—it stops being helpful and starts being harmful. That’s when it wreaks havoc on our bodies and minds, leading to headaches, digestive issues, high blood pressure, sleep problems, and even heart disease. And let’s be honest—many of us resort to poor coping strategies like stress eating, drinking, or zoning out on Netflix when it all feels like too much.
The Unique Stress of Business Ownership
As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand how work-related stress adds another layer to the mix. In 2023, 21.2% of employed Canadians reported high or very high work-related stress, with top causes being heavy workloads and difficulty balancing work and personal life. But for small business owners, the stress can be even more intense. We’re not just employees—we’re responsible for everything. The pressure of running a business, making decisions, managing people (or doing it all solo), and keeping things afloat can be relentless. It’s no surprise that burnout is a real issue among entrepreneurs.
I’ve felt it myself—those nights when you lie awake worrying about cash flow, client demands, or whether you made the right business move. The sense of responsibility never really shuts off, and it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of your business (and sometimes, your employees’ livelihoods) on your shoulders. It’s fulfilling, but it’s exhausting.
So, How Do We Manage Stress?
Because stress is a predictor of health, it has to be something we actively manage. The best approach? A mix of active and passive strategies.
Actively, we can:
Identify and reduce sources of stress where possible
Prioritize sleep, exercise, and relaxation
Take intentional breaks and set boundaries at work
Delegate tasks and ask for help
Passively, we can:
Avoid stress triggers when possible
Plan ahead to minimize overwhelm
Say “no” more often
Build daily routines that create stability
Ironically, the very things that keep us healthy—exercise, sleep, and good nutrition—also help reduce stress. So, if we can focus on those first, we’re already stacking the deck in our favor.
And let’s not forget about our kids. Stress isn’t just an adult problem—school, sports, and social pressures take their toll. Kids may not have the skills to identify or manage stress yet, so as parents, we need to help them by encouraging play, free time, creative outlets, and yes, not taking school too seriously (I said what I said!).
At the end of the day, stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to run the show. The more we actively work to manage it, the better off we’ll be—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
