Reflecting on the trials of stress and the pursuit of well-being, we’ve gathered wisdom from fourteen seasoned entrepreneurs and CEOs. From the tranquility of observing nature to the proactive measure of viewing challenges as growth opportunities, these leaders offer a spectrum of advice to their younger selves on managing stress and preventing burnout.

  • Observe Nature to Reduce Stress
  • Incorporate Meditation into Routine
  • Balance Work with Enjoyable Hobbies
  • Maintain a Consistent Schedule
  • Embrace Early Self-Care Practices
  • Schedule Downtime as a Priority
  • Adopt a Growth Mindset
  • Work Smart with Effective Tools
  • Set Boundaries and Say No
  • Speak Up About Work Issues
  • Prioritize Balance for Sustained Success
  • Manage Expectations and Stay Active
  • Take Breaks and Delegate Tasks
  • View Challenges as Growth Opportunities

Observe Nature to Reduce Stress

My best advice is to slow down and watch nature. This could be something as simple as watching ants working in your front yard or watching birds. Nature is free to watch, is balanced, and watching the world around us always helps me reduce stress.

Ken UnderhillKen Underhill
Co-Founder, Cyber Life

Incorporate Meditation into Routine

I would tell my younger self to meditate. It’s something I never made time for back then, but learning it later in life has changed me for the better in every way. My stress levels have decreased, and my thinking is clearer and calmer. Meditation wasn’t very popular when I was younger, which is a shame because it would have helped me a lot with stress and burnout.

AL TranAL Tran
Blogger, Author, AI Trainer, DS Inspire

Balance Work with Enjoyable Hobbies

I would tell my younger self to make time for hobbies and things you enjoy outside of work. Finding something like Muay Thai or a Peloton workout is a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind. It’s not just about staying active but also giving yourself a mental break.

I’d also say to organize life so it’s not all work. Set boundaries and make room for well-being. Spend time with loved ones, unwind, and do things that make you happy.

Juan Carlos MunozJuan Carlos Munoz
Co-Founder, CC Creative Design

Maintain a Consistent Schedule

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice about managing stress, it would be to keep a consistent schedule. The mental strain of trying to juggle everything in my head only made things harder. Once I started organizing my time, the weight of constantly remembering tasks lifted, and my productivity improved.

I’d also remind myself to eliminate tasks that were draining my energy. There were days when even opening an app or software felt overwhelming. By identifying and removing these stressors, I was able to break free from burnout and stay clear of it moving forward. Prioritizing well-being meant creating space for tasks that mattered, without being mentally exhausted.

Alexander WeberAlexander Weber
Founder, Axlek

Embrace Early Self-Care Practices

I’d advise my younger self to embrace the importance of self-care early on. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to take a break. Make time for activities that recharge you and seek support when needed. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for long-term success and happiness.

María Eugenia SørensenMaría Eugenia Sørensen
Founder, Clínica Dental Sørensen Mataró

Schedule Downtime as a Priority

Back when I started in digital marketing, I believed burning the midnight oil was the only path to success. This led to inevitable burnout. If I could advise my younger self, I’d say, “Schedule downtime like you schedule meetings.” It sounds simple, but integrating structured breaks and honoring them as non-negotiable commitments was a game-changer. This shift didn’t just improve my health; it enhanced my creativity and productivity. I’d encourage my younger self to view self-care not as a luxury but as an essential part of a successful career strategy.

Vaibhav KakkarVaibhav Kakkar
CEO, Digital Web Solutions

Adopt a Growth Mindset

Adopt a mindset that views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than obstacles that cause stress. This perspective shift can dramatically reduce the pressure you feel and help maintain a clear focus on solutions rather than problems. Embracing a growth mindset fosters resilience, enabling you to handle stressful situations with greater poise and less anxiety.

Invest time in developing relationships both inside and outside of work, as strong social support is crucial for mental well-being. These connections provide emotional support, valuable perspectives, and a sense of community that can buffer against the isolating effects of stress. Remember, fostering strong relationships can provide both personal fulfillment and professional collaboration opportunities.

Alari AhoAlari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc

Work Smart with Effective Tools

If I could send a message back in time to myself at the start of my career, it would be to embrace the mantra: “Work smart, not just hard.” I was all about output, often at the expense of my well-being. Learning to leverage tools and delegate effectively transformed my approach. I’d tell my younger self to trust in building a capable team, and to invest in tools that streamline operations, thereby reducing stress. Remember, real productivity isn’t about doing more all the time; it’s about doing more of what matters most.

Sahil KakkarSahil Kakkar
CEO & Founder, RankWatch

Set Boundaries and Say No

Learn to say no and set boundaries early. When you’re young and hungry for success, it’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, every project, and every request. But here’s the thing—overcommitting is a fast track to burnout. The key is to understand your limits and protect your mental and physical health by setting clear boundaries.

Back when I was just starting out, I thought working longer and harder was the only way to prove my worth. I remember a time when I took on three major projects simultaneously, thinking I could manage it all. The result? Sleepless nights, constant stress, and a burnout that took weeks to recover from. If I could go back, I’d tell myself that it’s okay to delegate, to take breaks, and to prioritize tasks that truly matter.

Encouraging my younger self to prioritize well-being would involve adopting small, sustainable habits. First, I’d emphasize the importance of regular exercise, even if it’s just a 15-minute walk daily. Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever and can work wonders for your mental health. Second, I’d advocate for mindfulness practices—simple techniques like deep breathing or short meditation sessions can significantly reduce stress levels.

Jose GomezJose Gomez
Founder & CTO, Evinex

Speak Up About Work Issues

If I could advise my younger self on managing stress, I would emphasize the importance of speaking up when there’s an issue. Early in my career, I often hesitated to voice concerns, thinking it might reflect poorly on my abilities. However, I learned that addressing problems head-on alleviates stress and fosters a healthier work environment.

I’d encourage my younger self to communicate openly with colleagues and leaders about challenges, whether they’re related to workload, team dynamics, or project concerns. Transparency and collaboration would create a supportive atmosphere that promotes well-being and prevents burnout, leading to more effective solutions and a stronger team.

Josh QianJosh Qian
COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

Prioritize Balance for Sustained Success

To my younger self, I would say, “Don’t underestimate the importance of balance.” In the early days of my company, I pushed myself to the edge, thinking more work meant more success. I’ve since learned that breaks and self-care are not just luxuries—they’re necessities. I would encourage my younger self to prioritize mental health by building small daily habits, like taking short walks or meditating. Success comes more sustainably when well-being is at the center.

Tornike AsatianiTornike Asatiani
CEO, Edumentors

Manage Expectations and Stay Active

Remind yourself that it’s okay to say no or to push back on deadlines that are unrealistic. Managing expectations—both yours and others’—is a crucial skill that will help maintain your sanity and ensure you’re working at your best. Overcommitting is a surefire path to burnout; be realistic about what you can achieve and communicate that clearly to manage stress effectively.

Prioritize physical activity not just as a method to stay fit, but as a strategy to clear your mind. Whether it’s a morning run, a quick walk at lunch, or a cycling session after work, make it a non-negotiable part of your day. Physical wellness is intrinsically linked to mental clarity and emotional stability, which are crucial for long-term success and personal satisfaction.

Mark McDermottMark McDermott
CEO & Co-Founder, ScreenCloud

Take Breaks and Delegate Tasks

I would tell my younger self to take breaks and not be afraid to step away when things get overwhelming. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle, but long-term success requires balance. Prioritizing well-being means learning how to delegate, trust your team, and set boundaries between work and personal time. Taking care of your mental and physical health will make you a better leader. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Amaury PonceAmaury Ponce
Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

View Challenges as Growth Opportunities

The advice I’d give my younger self about managing stress and preventing burnout is to approach every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of seeing problems as obstacles, view them as chances to develop new solutions. Also, find work that excites and fulfills you—when you’re passionate about what you do, stress becomes a motivating challenge rather than a burden. I believe that when you truly enjoy your work, burnout is less likely, because no one gets burnt out from having fun.

Luc SchmitzLuc Schmitz
Owner, Cici Ceuticals