TL;DR: Sometimes, feeling angry or frustrated can mean you just need a break. Business owners and leaders can easily get caught up in work, forgetting to take time for themselves. Taking even a few minutes each day to relax, reflect, or do something you enjoy can make you feel better and lead to better decisions.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In our busy lives as leaders or business owners, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many of us push through long days, juggling team responsibilities, business goals, and personal lives. But sometimes, we feel irritated or angry for reasons that seem unclear. This anger might not just be because of work or people around us – it might be because we aren’t taking time for ourselves.
Why Anger Happens When You Don’t Take Breaks
Imagine a rubber band that’s stretched over and over. Eventually, it snaps. Our minds are a bit like that rubber band. When we keep going without breaks, handling stress and decisions all the time, we build up tension. Small annoyances feel much bigger. Anger is our body’s way of saying, “I need a break!”
When we ignore these signals, frustration builds. Anger and stress start to impact our relationships and decisions. For leaders, this is even more challenging because the people around us look up to us and rely on us for guidance. If we are feeling angry, we’re likely not at our best. And when we’re not at our best, it’s hard to make good decisions or stay positive.
Signs You Might Need More Time to Yourself
If you’re unsure whether your anger or frustration is from a lack of personal time, here are some signs to look for:
- Feeling Drained or Tired All the Time Constant tiredness is a big sign. When your energy is low, it’s easier to get annoyed by things that normally wouldn’t bother you.
- Getting Irritated Easily Are things that used to feel small now making you feel angry or stressed? This could mean you need a break.
- Trouble Making Decisions If decisions are feeling harder than usual or if you feel uncertain about everything, it may be because you’re mentally exhausted.
- Difficulty Focusing A tired mind struggles to focus. This can lead to frustration, as tasks that used to be simple now feel overwhelming.
- Wanting to Avoid People When we’re overwhelmed, even people we enjoy being around can feel like “too much.” If you’re pulling away from people, it could be a sign you need some time alone.
Recognising these signs is a good first step. Once we know that a lack of personal time might be the cause, we can start finding ways to recharge and prevent anger from building up.
Why Leaders and Business Owners Need Personal Time
As a leader or business owner, you’re used to being “on” all the time. But remember, leadership isn’t about working non-stop. Good leadership comes from balance and knowing when to step back.
Taking personal time is not a luxury. It’s a necessity for making smart decisions, staying calm, and keeping things in perspective. When you’re tired or frustrated, it’s hard to be the leader your team needs. But when you’re rested and clear-minded, you can handle challenges with a fresh perspective.
Easy Ways to Find Time for Yourself
Finding time for yourself doesn’t mean taking a long vacation (though that’s great too!). Small breaks throughout the day can make a big difference. Here are some easy ways to start:
- Take Short Breaks Even 5-10 minutes every hour can make a huge difference. Stretch, walk around, or get some fresh air. These small breaks help your mind reset.
- Set Boundaries with Work Hours Decide when you’ll start and end work. Let your team know when you’re “off the clock.” This helps create a balance and shows them that personal time is important.
- Create a Morning Routine for Yourself Take a few minutes each morning to start the day on a positive note. Drink a coffee, do a quick meditation, or take a moment to plan your day without distractions.
- Do Something You Enjoy Daily Whether it’s reading, playing a sport, or just relaxing with music, doing something you love each day can help you feel happier and more grounded.
- Reflect on the Day At the end of the day, take a few minutes to think about what went well and what you’re grateful for. This helps you end the day on a positive note and start fresh tomorrow.
How Personal Time Makes You a Better Leader
When you take time for yourself, it’s not just you who benefits – it’s your team and business, too. Here’s how personal time can actually make you a better leader:
- Better Decision-Making A clear mind makes better choices. When you’re not weighed down by stress, you can see things more clearly and make smarter decisions.
- Increased Patience Taking time for yourself can help you feel calmer and more patient. When challenges come up, you’ll be able to handle them without getting frustrated.
- Improved Relationships People can feel it when someone is stressed or angry. By taking time to relax, you’ll be in a better mood, which helps you connect with your team and clients in a positive way.
- More Creativity When your mind is rested, it’s more open to new ideas. This creativity can help you find unique solutions to problems in your business.
Overcoming the Guilt of Taking Time Off
Many business owners and leaders feel guilty about taking breaks. They worry that they’ll fall behind or that things won’t run smoothly. But the truth is, breaks actually help you do your job better. Taking time for yourself shows that you value balance, which sets a good example for others.
Instead of seeing personal time as “wasted” time, think of it as an investment in your well-being and success. When you’re at your best, you can handle tasks more efficiently, making up for the time you took off.
A Simple Reminder: Balance is Key
Remember, balance doesn’t mean everything is equal. It just means you’re giving yourself what you need to feel your best. Some days will be busy, and that’s okay. But by making time for yourself – even a few minutes – you’ll prevent anger and stress from building up.
The next time you feel yourself getting frustrated, ask yourself if you’ve taken time for yourself recently. Sometimes, the best way to deal with anger is to give yourself a little care and attention.
Final Thoughts
Leadership and business ownership come with pressures, but they also give us the freedom to shape our schedules. Use that freedom to take care of yourself. Remember, you’re the driving force behind your business. Taking even small moments to recharge can help you stay focused, calm, and happy – qualities that make a great leader.
If you’re feeling angry or frustrated, it might just mean it’s time for a break. By listening to what your mind and body need, you’ll be better prepared to lead and inspire others. So, take that time. You deserve it.
What’s one small way you can take time for yourself this week?
