7 Practical Ways Small Business Owners Can Reduce Coronavirus Stress

As coronavirus continues to expand nationally and globally, we’re all dealing with more stress and less certainty over what the future holds for our businesses, employees, and loved ones. And while coronavirus is stressful, that stress doesn’t have to control your headspace.

In fact, the less it controls, the better. Why? Because reducing your stress can help you take on the crisis more effectively and emerge a stronger business owner. 

We know it’s not easy, but we're here to tell you: It is possible. 

To help you get there, we talked to a mental health expert about stress—how it affects us, what we can do about it, and where to turn when we need more help.

How to Deal With Coronavirus Stress As a Small Business Owner 

We chatted with Michael Smith, a licensed mental health counselor in Boston with nearly 15 years of experience helping people manage stress and anxiety during life transitions, crises, and more. 

We asked him how small business owners can handle the situational stress of coronavirus and how those who struggle with pre-existing mental health conditions can prioritize their health too.

Here are his top tips.

Focus on Your Actions Over Your Feelings

Has anyone ever told you not to panic when you’re very clearly panicking? Then you know how helpful it is—i.e., not at all. Rather than focusing on how you feel, focus on what you’re doing. “It’s hard to shut a feeling down,” says Smith. “It’s easier to focus on interactions.” 

In other words, spending every spare second reading about coronavirus isn’t going to help those feelings of stress; it might make them worse. So focus on what you can control—your behaviors. 

“Compartmentalize. Limit how much you’re reading about coronavirus. Set one or two times a day to read up on it, and hold yourself to it,” he says. 

And be mindful of where you’re getting your information. Check to see that the sources are reputable so you can stick to the facts.

Not sure where to start? The New York Times, Washington Post, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization are good options.

Stick With (or Start) Habits and Hobbies That Help You De-stress

Now is not the time to abandon your exercise routine or give up on guitar. Whatever helped you manage stressful situations before the coronavirus outbreak will help you manage stress during the coronavirus outbreak. 

That being said, you might have to adapt your routine a little bit. Here are some ideas on adjusting or even starting healthy habits.

Exercise

Since most gyms are closed, break a sweat at home. So many apps, studios, and gyms are offering free online classes, memberships, and programs that don’t require equipment. 

Keep it local by checking out your favorite studios’ social accounts to see if they’re offering live workouts. 

Here are some options:

• Daily Burn: 60-day free memberships to a wide range of cardio, strength training, flexibility routines and more
• CorePower Yoga: Free live workouts every day on their Youtube channel
• Nike Training Club app: Free premium membership, with access to 15-, 30-, and 45-minute workouts
  
  

Meditation and mindfulness

“It’s never a bad time to begin a meditation or deep-breathing routine,” says Smith. And he’s right, of course. With so many mental health benefits, the act of slowing your breathing and your brain is something we could all use right now. 

Thankfully, getting started is easy. Try an app, podcast, or video for just five minutes and see how you feel. Here are a few options available free of charge right now:

• Headspace: Free anxiety-reducing meditations and free premium services for healthcare workers
• Ten Percent Happier: Free meditations for reducing stress, live guided meditations with experts, and more
• Simple Habit: Free premium services for duration of outbreak and special meditations for addressing stress associated with it

Stay Social During Social Distancing

“Social support can be protective so stay connected,” says Smith. Of course, we can all text, send memes, and email. But in an age of very limited social interaction, that might not be enough.

Instead, consider more active forms of connecting socially that focus you and others only on the conversations at hand. “Schedule time with your friends and family for phone calls, Facetime, and video sessions.”

Here are some ways to get together without actually being together:

• Grab a meal: Used to big Friday meals with the family or evenings out at restaurants? Get everyone on a Google hangout over dinner instead. While you’re at it, order takeout from a local spot to feed back into the small business economy.
• Watch a movie: Netflix is offering a Chrome extension (Netflix Party) that allows you to watch movies and shows with people online. 
• Host a happy hour: After-work drinks can still be a thing if you make them virtual. Some networking groups and clubs are hosting these too, so you can keep building relationships while you stay home.
  
  

Do a Little Something for Your Mental Health Every Day

In the middle of trying to keep your business running, solve cash flow issues, and support your employees, you probably don’t have a lot of time for yourself. The good news is that even a few minutes can make a big difference in your stress levels. 

“Don’t be afraid to start small,” Smith says. “Even a few minutes of exercise, meditation, engaging with hobbies, or self-care is better than none. So don’t get locked into all-or-nothing thinking.”

To keep your mental health a priority, schedule some stress-busting into your days. But if you find a “schedule” is a thing of the past, just do your best. Be flexible and kind to yourself.

Related discussions: What are your best tips for handling stress due to Coronavirus?

Seek Outside Support When You Need It

It’s normal to feel anxious, stressed, or sad during tough and unpredictable times. But how do you know when you need some extra help? 

“If you notice it begins to negatively affect your work performance or your ability to manage the responsibilities of your business, or you’re experiencing physical symptoms, it might be time to seek support,” Smith says.

Because many insurance companies are lifting restrictions on virtual sessions, connecting with a therapist or mental health counselor is easier than ever.

If you don’t have a therapist already, Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist tool is a good place to start.

Continue Your Care if You Live With Ongoing Mental Health Issues

For those of us who live with ongoing, long term mental health issues, the Coronavirus outbreak might feel extra daunting. “We don’t get to experience stress discretely, so if you’re already struggling, this can add to it or be a new focal point for it,” Smith says. 

To stay on top of your mental health, be proactive. “Talk to already existing providers about your fears and issues. Begin discussions of continuity of care now. Have plans in place to limit gaps in service that may come from travel restrictions or financial changes.”

In addition to loosening restrictions on virtual therapy sessions, some states and insurance companies are waiving copays for mental health services.

Prioritize Your Employees’ Mental Health Too

If you have employees, now is a good time to check-in on them—they’re probably feeling increased stress too. How can you help?

Aside from offering work-from-home options if you can and increasing your cleaning practices in physical spaces, talk openly with your employees about their concerns. Remind them of their mental health coverage through your company’s insurance policy if you have one, or offer paid sick time to part-time employees if you can swing it. 

If you’re working from home, encourage your employees to reduce their stress and model that behavior. For example, you might post a picture of your daily walk to encourage people to get outside (Alignable’s CEO did this last week—thanks, Eric!). Or maybe you enforce stricter working hours to reduce burnout. 

Whatever it is and whatever you do, show your employees that you care about their stress through the outbreak. After all, happier employees are better employees.

Related content: How to help your employees adjust to a new work environment

Take Care of Yourself for a More Resilient Business

Regardless of your business and industry, prioritizing your mental health during this outbreak and beyond can go a long way in helping you build a resilient business that lasts. 

By following these simple tips, we can all move forward with a clearer head and take on uncertain times together. 

For more information:

• Visit the National Institute of Mental Health for more resources.
  
• If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 911 immediately.

What’s your favorite way to reduce your stress? Tell us how you’re prioritizing your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak in the comments below.

For more resources, support, and inspiration about getting through the crisis, check out our Coronavirus Resource and Recovery Center.