How Do Home Service Business Owners Deal With the Stress of Running a Business?

Stress usually shows me where a system is missing. I've found that systems reduce stress more than motivation. The more repeatable processes I create, the less mental energy I spend making the same decisions over and over.

Boundaries- the more I prioritize myself, the better I can show up for my team. This means no work after 5pm, no weekends, and taking real vacation time. 

Businesses will have more and less stressful seasons. Good systems in place help relieve stress and delegate work. But knowing why you are running the business and what you want out of the business should help quell the stress. Having measurable and timebound targets and goals that you can assess against should give you confidence in your business. It should just alleviate any concerns so even if something is going awry... the boat is not sinking you can be thankful, assured and clear headed to keep navigating.  

Also ensuring you have the right tools for the job you are trying to do. Like are you effectively managing or because of a lack of software are you spending more time and energy than needing on tasks. 

I have long time ago let go of my perfectionism and control.  I let my team do the work and empower them with training and support to do their job to the best of their ability.  There always be stressors coming at me, but I learned long time ago to learn from what I need to learn from and let go of the stuff that does not serve me. I try to get over negative things quickly like a 1 star review I just respond politely now and move on.  For some of the bigger stressors like am I going to make payroll LOL I have a good relationship with my bank and have good line of credit built in.  Hope this makes sense. :) 

The biggest thing for me is treating family time like a scheduled job. It's on the calendar, it's non-negotiable, and clients don't move it.

I run a solo operation so the phone never really stops, but when I'm with my family I put it away completely. I'd rather grind through a string of 12–14 hour days to clear the schedule so I can actually be present for a weekend camping trip than be physically there but mentally still working.

I also make a point of telling my wife regularly that I appreciate her support. Running a business puts a lot on a partner and it's easy to forget to acknowledge that when you're heads down in the season.

You have to book the time or it never happens.