What can you do for yourself when running your business? by Joe Cignetti

Running a business can be one of the most rewarding things a person ever does, but it can also be one of the most mentally and emotionally demanding roles to carry. As a business owner, the responsibility rarely switches off. Decisions sit with you. Problems come back to you. The success or struggle of the business can start to feel deeply personal. Because of this, taking care of yourself is not a luxury it is a necessity.

One of the most important things a business owner can learn is to separate their identity from their business performance. It is easy to tie self-worth to revenue, growth, or client feedback. A slow month can feel like personal failure. A staffing issue can feel like a reflection of leadership ability. Over time, this mindset becomes exhausting. Creating a mental boundary between “who I am” and “how the business is performing” allows for resilience. The business will have seasons. That does not define the person running it.

Equally important is protecting time to think. Many business owners spend their days reacting answering messages, solving problems, responding to staff and clients. When every moment is reactive, stress builds quickly. Setting aside uninterrupted time each week to review numbers, plan, and think strategically creates clarity. Even one focused hour can shift the feeling from chaos to control. Strategy reduces anxiety because it replaces uncertainty with intention.

Physical wellbeing also plays a significant role in managing stress. The pressures of business are not only mental they are carried in the body. Long days, constant problem-solving, and emotional conversations take a toll. Regular movement whether it is walking, stretching, or structured exercise helps regulate stress hormones and clear mental fog. When the body feels stronger and calmer, decision-making becomes steadier and more rational. I personally swim every morning on the way to work, I know it places me in a good mental state to start my day.

Another essential practice is learning to pause before reacting emotionally. Business can trigger frustration, disappointment, and sometimes anger. Acting in the middle of heightened emotion often leads to decisions that create more problems than they solve. Allowing space before responding whether that means waiting a few hours or even a full day protects relationships and preserves energy. Calm leadership is sustainable leadership. Remo and I have a pack that we wait 24hours before responding to major decisions to allow that emotion to be more logical.

Running a business can also feel isolating. Staff often see only a portion of what is happening behind the scenes, and clients see even less. Having at least one trusted person to speak openly with can significantly reduce stress. This might be another business owner, a mentor, or a long-term friend. Being able to share concerns without judgement provides emotional relief and perspective.

Financial clarity is another powerful stress reducer. Uncertainty around numbers often creates more anxiety than the numbers themselves. Avoiding financial reports, projections, or expenses tends to increase fear. Facing the reality of costs, profit margins, and break-even points creates stability. When you understand your financial position clearly, you make decisions from knowledge rather than worry.

Finally, building small, non-negotiable moments of rest into the week is vital. Many business owners wait for a “quiet period” to prioritise themselves, yet that period rarely arrives. Scheduling regular time away from work even small windows prevents burnout. Whether it is a morning without emails, a weekly dinner with family, or a personal ritual of self-care, these moments replenish emotional reserves.

Ultimately, caring for yourself as a business owner is not selfish. It is strategic. The health of the business is deeply connected to the health of the person leading it. Protecting your wellbeing protects your clarity, your leadership, and your longevity. Success is not only measured by growth or profit, but by sustainability both for the business and for the person behind it.