Life’s full of those little moments. You know, the ones where your coffee spills right before a big meeting, or when the wifi decides to take a break just as you hit “send” on an important email. Then, there’s the bigger stuff: juggling family, work, and, in Natalie Suppes’ case, battling Crohn’s disease while running a successful business, S&S Creative. Against the odds, Natalie didn’t let stress win. With a clever playbook full of tips and tricks, she tackles stress head-on, and she’s ready to pass on that winning strategy to us.
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Tip 1: Say NO to drama
Natalie’s first big rule? If you know someone or something is going to cause stress, just skip it. It’s like turning down an invite to a party you know you won’t enjoy. Say no to the political debates over dinner, that one endlessly complaining friend, or to a task you just don’t have the time or effort to do.
This avoidance strategy isn’t about running away from problems. It’s about choosing battles wisely. Think of it as strategic dodging. For instance, if you know that looking at your phone first thing in the morning spikes your anxiety, why not delay that habit? Or, if certain meetings always leave you feeling drained, it might be worth finding out if there’s a different way you can contribute or get the information you need.
It’s all about setting boundaries for your peace of mind.
Tip 2: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Natalie knows the immense value of a strong support network, which can make managing stress much easier. Creating and maintaining connections with those who understand, support, and uplift you can be a necessary counterbalance to daily stressors.
In Natalie’s own life, her squad consists of her husband and mother. These relationships constitute her most trusted inner circle, the people she can rely upon no matter the circumstance. When she feels overwhelmed, she turns to them to share her worries, and concerns, or simply to decompress. They provide emotional support, practical advice, and reassurance that can help shift perspective and reduce stress.
Having such a support system does not necessarily mean that these individuals share or shoulder your pressures. Instead, they provide a safe and understanding environment where you can express yourself and gain strength.
Tip 3: Learn, Reflect, and Grow
Forget the old saying “live, laugh, love”. Natalie’s new motto is “reflect, learn, grow”. Every win and loss, every up and down, everything that happens to us can teach us something about ourselves.
This motto is a reminder that stress and challenges are natural and unavoidable aspects of life. However, our reaction to them — choosing to learn and grow from these experiences — is within our control. This approach not only aids in personal development but also equips us with the resilience needed to face future stressors more effectively.
Tip 4: Don’t Rush
Natalie understands the importance of measured response when it comes to stress management. Often, our immediate reactions to stressful situations can exacerbate the problem rather than defuse it. Rushing into decisions can seem efficient at the moment, but a lack of deliberation can lead to overlooked details and future stress.
It’s about balancing the need for quick decisions against the potential stress of wrong ones. By taking an extra moment to pause and reflect, you’re likely to make better choices for your short-term and long-term peace of mind.
Tip 5: Find Your Happy Place
Natalie firmly believes that identifying and making time for activities that offer a sense of tranquillity is integral to managing stress. Finding inner peace can be a powerful weapon against life’s challenges. Each person’s peace is unique, and for Natalie, it’s the quiet moments of reflection that provide solace.
For instance, she starts each day with a peaceful coffee ritual where she takes the time to sit quietly, immersing herself in her thoughts. This mindful practice serves as a buffer between her personal space and her professional commitments, helping her transition smoothly from one to the other. It also enables her to set the tone for her day, empowering her to face whatever arises with a calm, collected mindset.
Moreover, Natalie takes mindful breaks during the day for short walks or meditation, which allows her to recalibrate and manage her stress levels effectively. These little islands of peace, even amidst her busy schedule, provide an invaluable space for introspection and relaxation.
Tip 6: A Little Fuzzy Love Never Hurts
When all else fails? Natalie searches up pictures of puppies, kittens, penguins, red pandas…any cute animal will do. It might seem silly, but a cute puppy face can give an instant boost and keep stress at bay.
Natalie champions the idea that amidst life’s hustle and stresses, a dose of furry love—be it through direct companionship, virtual interaction, or community involvement—can provide a refreshing pause, a moment of joy, and a reminder of the gentle and straightforward pleasures life offers.
These stress-busting tips have served Natalie well, both in her personal life and as an entrepreneur.
Want to Know More?
Ready to take a step towards less stress and more success? Check out S&S Creative for ways to boost your business and keep your cool, even when life gets hectic. And if you need a dose of inspiration, the Sick and Successful Podcast shares stories and tips for managing life’s ups and downs. Let’s navigate this rollercoaster together.
It’s not just about success in business, but also about turning life’s hardest moments into a winning game plan.
