Why chronic stress is risky business—and what you can do about it

Is your Brain stuck in survival mode?

As an entrepreneur, stress might feel like just another part of the job. But when stress becomes chronic, it can work against you. Here’s why: Your prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain responsible for strategic thinking, creativity and decision-making—becomes less active. At the same time, your amygdala, the part responsible for your fight-or-flight response, takes over. When this happens, you might find yourself feeling reactive, overwhelmed, or unable to focus—none of which are ideal for leadership and business growth.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A recent study shows that 81% of entrepreneurs experience stress, and nearly a third report extreme levels of it. Mental Health Research Canada also found that 69% of Canadians have dealt with burnout, with 25% experiencing it regularly. Burnout doesn’t just impact your mental well-being—it can show up in every aspect of your life, including your physical health and daily habits. If you’re experiencing burnout, you might experience some of these physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms:

Common signs of Burnout

Physical Symptoms

● Constant fatigue or low energy

● Frequent headaches or muscle tension

● Weakened immune system (getting sick often)

● Disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping)

● Changes in appetite (overeating or undereating)

Emotional Symptoms

● Feeling detached, unmotivated, or emotionally numb

● Increased irritability or frustration

● A sense of being overwhelmed or helpless

● Lack of joy or satisfaction in work

● Growing self-doubt or fear of failure

Behavioral Symptoms

● Withdrawing from work or social commitments

● Procrastination and lower productivity

● Increased reliance on food, alcohol, or other coping mechanisms

● Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

● Missing deadlines or making more frequent mistakes

In your day-to-day, when you're working in survival mode, it might look like assuming a conversation with a client will go poorly before you’ve had it and avoiding work to prepare for it as a result. Or, in that same meeting, you might find that you are jumping to conclusions or reacting poorly.

How to reset your brain and regain control

Here’s the good news: Once you understand your stress response, you can reset your brain and regain control. As an entrepreneur, your ability to think clearly and make decisions is one of your most important assets. It’s time we start viewing therapy as the tool for growth that it truly is.

If you’re wondering whether therapy is necessary when you already have a strong support system of mentors and peers, the answer isn’t either/or—it’s both. Therapy provides a different kind of support, helping you develop strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout and stay focused on long-term goals. Learn more about the "Differences between mentorship vs therapy".

Making specialized mental health support accessible

As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, you can book a free virtual consultation with a therapist who understands the pressures of entrepreneurship. This session provides a space to discuss your unique challenges, explore potential solutions and determine if therapy is the right fit for you.

Don’t let chronic stress take control of your business and well-being. Learn how to reset and move forward with clarity and confidence.

To learn more about Collectively Tangled, visit: www.collectivelytangled.com.