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How much time do you spend thinking about your business? If you’re like most business owners, the answer is ‘all the time.’ Yup, we all say it. But what if that’s not the badge of honour you think it is? 

Today, we’re talking about why you need to stop being ‘on’ all the time, what down-regulating is, and why it’s a non-negotiable if you want to grow your business without burning yourself or your team out.

Anyone who’s been in business for a minute understands the grind and how all consuming it is. You’re not just putting in the hours, you’re carrying the mental load 24/7. You’re constantly thinking about what needs to get done, dealing with the highs and lows, and firefighting the next problem. 

Operating without rest is a recipe for burnout

Imagine running a machine 24/7 without ever turning it off to do maintenance and make sure all the parts are still operating the way they should, it is going to break down at some point. Even if it’s not running at full capacity, it’s still on, still consuming energy. Over time, parts wear out, it becomes less efficient, and eventually, it malfunctions. The same thing happens to us as business owners when we’re “switched on to business” all the time.

For most business owners It’s like that internal stress dial is jammed at a 7—not all-out panic mode, but never fully at peace. Never allowing yourself to go down to a 1 or a 2.

I used to think this “always on mentality” was reserved just for the early stages of business. You know, the ‘hustle to survive’ era. And that as you grew into a more seasoned business and entrepreneur things would balance out more. But after nearly two decades in business and working with business owners who’ve been at it for 10, 15, even 20 years, I’ve learned something: the go go go nature of the entrepreneur never goes away. The switch stays on no matter how long we’ve been in business. And the switch being on is not the problem…it’s keeping the machine behind the switch healthy so that the switch doesn’t go off without notice.

We want to keep you healthy and happy so that you have sustained clarity, energy, and creativity as you build and grow. So that you don’t burn out and hit the bottom.

What is down-regulating?

It’s basically learning how to release a muscle that has been tensed up for weeks. It’s about giving yourself permission to slow down so you can show up at your best. Because here’s the thing—you are the most valuable asset in your business. Yes, your team matters. Your clients matter. But if you’re not there then the business also won’t be. If you’re running on fumes, your business is going to suffer. End of story.

Down-regulating isn’t just crashing on the couch for a good Netflix binge. It’s about intentionally calming your nervous system. Reducing the stress that keeps you in survival mode and resetting so you can actually operate at your best. It’s what allows you to not just survive in business, but to thrive.

Here are 5 ways down regulating will help you be a better business owner…and human:

1. Improved Decision-Making: When you’re not in panic mode, you make better decisions. Logic over fear. Creative problem-solving over knee-jerk reactions.

2. Sustainable Energy: Burnout is real, and constant stress is the fastest way to get there. Down-regulating is like plugging into a charger—it keeps you going for the long haul.

3. Better Problem Solving: Calm brains think better. Period. You’ll see solutions you couldn’t before when you’re in the constant hustle and grind state.

4. Health Benefits: Chronic stress isn’t just a buzzword. It messes with your body, your mind, your relationships. Lower your cortisol, save your health. Simple.

5. Enhanced Creativity and Focus: When you give yourself the space to actually breathe, new ideas flood in. That’s when you start seeing the opportunities you’ve been missing.

Here’s the key takeaway—when we down-regulate, we’re not just helping ourselves feel better, we’re actively growing our business. How? Because in that calmer state, we’re sharper, more strategic, and more creative. And that’s when we can make the leaps forward we’re striving for.

Down-regulating isn’t only a self-care routine to make you ‘feel good.’ It’s a business strategy. When you calm your mind and body, you open the door to real growth. You stop fighting fires and start building something sustainable.

Here’s your challenge: Set aside some time to intentionally down-regulate. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, meditate. Do something, anything, that lets you switch off your business brain. Even if it feels weird at first. Your business will thank you, and so will you.

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax."

- Mark Black

Do you have a question on designing a business that can run smoothly with or without you?

Send me an email at ilonka@ilonkaras.com and I will answer it in the next episode.

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