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Ep 29: 3 Ways To Fight Overstimulation As A Business Owner

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As business owners, we often find ourselves juggling countless tasks, responsibilities, and relationships. It's no wonder that many of us frequently feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. This constant state of sensory overload can lead to burnout, increased blood pressure, and a deterioration of our physical and mental health. Today, we're diving into practical strategies on how to avoid overstimulation and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

How To Avoid Overstimulation

Before we jump into solutions, let's identify the top three culprits of overstimulation for business owners:

1. Being too connected
2. Too many meetings
3. Overconsuming content

These factors can quickly lead to burnout if left unchecked. As a small business owner, it's crucial to recognize when you start feeling overwhelmed and take proactive steps to manage your time and energy effectively.

3 Ways to Fight Overstimulation with Connection, Calls, and Content

1. Be Less Available

To combat being too connected, it's essential to create boundaries. This doesn't mean disappearing completely, but rather being strategic about your availability. Try these tactics:

• Delete social media apps from your phone during certain hours
• Turn off notifications outside of working hours
• Designate specific times for checking and responding to messages

New Tip: Implement a “digital sunset” – a time each evening when you completely disconnect from all digital devices. This can help lower your stress levels and improve sleep quality.

2. Stack Meetings and Evaluate Their Necessity

To address the issue of too many meetings:

• Group your meetings into specific days or time blocks
• Create a decision tree to determine if a meeting is truly necessary
• Consider alternative communication methods like email or asynchronous video messages

New Tip: Implement a “meeting-free day” each week. This dedicated time for deep work can significantly boost your productivity and reduce stress.

3. Curate Your Content Consumption

To avoid content overload:

• Identify a few key influencers who align with your values and business stage
• Unsubscribe from newsletters and unfollow accounts that no longer serve you
• Set specific times for learning and stick to them

New Tip: Practice “information fasting” – designate certain days or weeks where you consciously avoid consuming any business-related content. Instead, use this time for reflection, planning, or simply reading a book for pleasure.

Additional Strategies to Avoid Overstimulation

4. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Even a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises can help center your mind and reduce stress.

5. Prioritize Physical Health

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are crucial for managing stress and avoiding overstimulation. Remember, a healthy body supports a healthy mind.

6. Create a Calming Workspace

Design your work environment to promote focus and reduce sensory overload. This might include using noise-canceling headphones, incorporating plants, or using calming colors in your decor.

7. Set Realistic Expectations

Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish in a day. Overcommitting is a fast track to overstimulation and burnout. It's okay to say no or to extend deadlines when necessary.

8. Delegate and Outsource

As a business owner, it's tempting to try to do everything yourself. However, delegating tasks or outsourcing certain responsibilities can significantly reduce your cognitive load and prevent overstimulation.

9. Schedule Regular Breaks

Don't fall into the trap of thinking you need to work longer hours to be successful. Regular breaks throughout the day can actually increase your productivity and help you avoid burnout.

10. Develop a Wind-Down Routine

Create a consistent end-of-day routine that signals to your brain that it's time to switch off from work mode. This could include activities like tidying your workspace, reviewing your accomplishments for the day, or going for a short walk.

Remember, avoiding overstimulation is not about working less – it's about working smarter. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more sustainable and enjoyable business journey. You don't have to make all these changes at once. Start with one or two that resonate most with you and gradually incorporate others over time.

As business owners, it's crucial to recognize that our well-being directly impacts our business's success. By taking steps to avoid overstimulation, we're not just taking care of ourselves – we're also ensuring that we can show up as our best selves for our clients, team, and loved ones.

I'd love to hear which of these strategies you find most helpful or if you have any additional tips to share. Connect with me on Instagram @JillianDolberry and let's continue this conversation. Remember, you've got this, and I believe in you!