Business owners and managers tend to face stress throughout the year, especially during the bleakness that can permeate the workplace during wintertime. Staying focused is difficult when you wear many hats of responsibility and balance a heavy workload on your plate. If this sounds like you, the following wintertime stress management tips for small business owners may be just what you need to combat what weighs you down.

Exercise, Eat Right, and Get Your Rest

We’re all humans, which means we cannot be efficient when our minds and bodies are unhealthy. If you find yourself stressed at work during this season, you may need to take a step back and perform a quick self-evaluation. If you’re exhausted or lacking proper nutrition, you’re running on fumes. Hence, you’re likely to feel the weight of responsibility more heavily because you feel empty. The cold doesn’t help the matter, either.

An individual who lacks sleep will lack the necessary clarity and patience to complete tasks and function in high-stress environments. Do yourself a favor and take care of yourself. Make time throughout the workweek to get proper rest and consume a healthy diet—and don’t forget to bundle up and get some exercise. Humans aren’t beings meant to hibernate.

Focus on Wins, Not Losses

Wins in business come from intention, communication, openness, collaboration, and accountability. One of the top wintertime stress management tips for small business owners is to focus on all the things that you and your team are doing well. Rather than focusing on everything that has gone astray, especially throughout the craziness and difficulty of current circumstances, concentrate on the high points.

Constant worry and stress about being behind schedule or off-kilter will not aid your business when circumstances feel bleak during this time. When you can be mindful and change perspectives, you can become aware of everything that isn’t wrong. You then have the confidence and motivation to tackle those tricky challenges and problematic areas.

Outsource When You Need To

A wise and efficient small business owner knows their limits. Ask for help when you need it, even if you don’t particularly want it. Take a break to recollect your thoughts and collaborate with your team. If you feel that the business load is too heavy, you may need to consider outsourcing or delegating tasks that may be taking up too much time. There’s only so much that an individual can do, and time is too precious to waste.

Throughout the wintertime, some responsibilities may line up that are more appropriate for those who have expertise in the field—who have the diligence and knowledge necessary for the task. Consider the benefits of hiring snow removal professionals for your property as one way to reduce stress this season. While running and owning a business can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be burdensome. Small actions and everyday decisions can help you conquer the difficulties of small business ownership and embrace all the opportunities it offers.