Welcome to our Founders Series, where we aim to give advice, answer questions and provide solutions for people starting their own businesses. If this sounds like you, read on! We've got plenty of content on a wide range of topics, all to help you grow and succeed as a founder.

In our last blog, we listed 5 top apps we recommend for helping to manage stress and anxiety. Several of these revolved around meditation and practicing mindfulness, but we know that doesn’t work for everyone. For some, the idea of sitting alone with your thoughts and practicing breathing exercises is the complete opposite of relaxing, actually heightening the stresses as that’s all you’re able to think about. And that’s completely fine. 

Everyone’s brain works differently, so what calms one person might aggravate another. We’ve put together just a few suggestions of ways to deal with stress that don’t involve sitting in a dark room with a candle and some Enya playing, or whatever your version of meditation is (unless that’s your thing of course!).

Journaling

Whatever your version of journaling is, whether that’s keeping a notebook by your bed, setting aside some time in the evening to write, or posting a blog post about it, writing your thoughts and stresses down is a great way to get them out of your head.

Find some time in your day (even if it’s only 5 minutes) to offload everything you’ve been thinking about onto paper or screen. And if you need it, try guided journaling. There’s loads of apps you can use, or books to get that give you prompt/questions to get those thoughts flowing. Here’s a few to start you off:

  • What is one positive from today?
  • What negative thoughts am I having?
  • What is the worst case scenario of that negative thought?
  • And what is the best?
  • What are the benefits of these thoughts to me?

Switching off

Although phones, games, videos and social media can serve as a great distraction when you’re feeling anxious, they’re only a temporary fix. And the content you consume when you’re using your device can have a more negative effect than positive. Plus, there’s the physical side effects like headaches, eye strain and disturbing your ability to fall asleep. 

Turn off your device, or at least notifications, a couple of hours before bed. You can also change your phone settings to have specific ‘do not disturb’ times, and change the colour of the screen to be warmer, so that as it gets later in the day the blue light isn’t straining your eyes.

There’s apps you can use to stop certain notifications, or set timers for when you’re allowed to go back on an app. If you think this could help, here’s a few options:

  • Forest – plant a virtual tree whenever you want to focus, or need a break. Watch the tree grow for your allotted break time. If you leave the app at all, the tree will die and you’ll have to start again.
  • RescueTime – track the time you spend on certain apps and websites, so you can see where you could be cutting down.
  • On both iOS and Android you can go into your phone settings and choose ‘do not disturb’. You can then select a time you’d like that to come on, or select what specific apps you do and don’t want notifications from.

Getting out

It sounds obvious, but taking a step outside and getting some fresh air is one of the best things you can do for your mental wellbeing. We don’t mean going for a hike or a run, unless that’s your thing. But just a leisurely stroll to break up your day, whether that’s to the shop and back, round the block or up a hill, resets your brain and gives you a fresh perspective to continue your day.

Studies show that even a short 10-minute walk can boost alertness, energy and mood. It can also help improve sleep, something that stress makes it very difficult to do. 

And if you’d rather walk with a purpose, try an app like BorrowMyDoggy for dog walking or MapMyWalk to set goals.

Arts and crafts

Art therapy is a practice that’s become more well-known in recent years. As the name suggests, it uses art and creativity to channel a person’s emotions and experiences. This kind of therapy can be used for anything, from stress relief to bereavement. It helps a person express how they’re feeling without the need for words. 

It doesn’t matter whether you can draw or paint – art therapy isn’t about that. It’s purely about getting your feelings down on paper in whatever form that might be. Or perhaps you’re a creative type, but prefer crochet or pottery instead. 

Whatever the medium, if you struggle to find the words, then maybe art is the way to go.

Find the right support

As a founder, there’s a lot to think about, plan and get done. But you’re not on your own. Whether you’re a team of 5 or 50 there’s always help out there. And if you need a hand getting set up online, we’ve got you covered. Our experts are available 24/7 to assist you with whatever you need – websites, domains, marketing and so much more. Give us a call on 0800 0612 153 or message via live chat.

Our Founders Series and Support sections also have loads of helpful guides and blogs for anything a founder like yourself might need.