Stress Kills Businesses (and People): The Urgent Case for Entrepreneurial Self-Care

Entrepreneurship is often associated with long hours, high pressure, and relentless ambition. But at what cost? For many business owners—especially high-achieving women—chronic stress is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to their health, relationships, and business success.

In a recent episode of Entrepreneurship Uncovered, the  Mod Ventures podcast, our guest Ericka Eller, a certified life and health coach specializing in stress and burnout recovery unpacked the reality of entrepreneurial stress and the actionable steps to prevent burnout. 

The Overlooked Signs of Burnout

Burnout isn’t always obvious until it reaches a crisis point. Many entrepreneurs assume they’re simply tired or overworked, but their bodies may be sending warning signs long before they hit a wall.

“I often ask my clients, ‘If I looked at your calendar right now, would it be clear what’s most important in your life?’” Ericka shared. “Nine times out of ten, their schedules are packed with work, but the things they say they value—family, health, faith—are nowhere to be found.”

Some of the most common but overlooked signs of burnout include:

• Chronic fatigue – Feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep you get.
• Frequent illness – A weakened immune system leading to constant colds or infections.
• Emotional numbness – Losing interest in things that once brought joy.
• Digestive issues – Stress-related gut dysfunction that disrupts normal digestion.
• Sleep disturbances – Insomnia, restlessness, or waking up feeling unrested.

Recognizing these symptoms early is critical to reversing burnout before it becomes a serious health crisis.

Stress is More Dangerous Than You Think

Many entrepreneurs wear stress like a badge of honor, assuming that pushing through exhaustion is just part of the job. But research suggests otherwise.

“There has been extensive research that shows over 90% of disease across the board is linked to stress and inflammation,” Ericka revealed. “Everything from heart disease to autoimmune disorders can be traced back to chronic stress.”

Ericka’s perspective is deeply personal. Her husband, Jeff, passed away from a massive heart attack just five months before the interview. “Stress was absolutely the culprit,” she said. “He believed there was nothing he could do to change his situation, and that feeling of helplessness only made things worse.”

The hard truth? No business is worth sacrificing your life. Entrepreneurs must take control of their stress before it controls them.

Practical Strategies to Reduce Stress and Prevent Burnout

Entrepreneurs often struggle with delegation, feeling like they must carry every burden alone. However, learning to let go and prioritize well-being can be a game-changer for both business success and personal health.

Here are some of Ericka’s top recommendations:

1. Delegate and Outsource

“You are not the only person who can do what you do,” Ericka emphasized. “If something happens to you, your company will replace you. But your family can’t.”

From bookkeeping to customer service, outsourcing tasks can free up mental space and reduce daily overwhelm. Hiring experts, such as fractional CFOs or financial controllers, ensures that critical aspects of the business are handled efficiently without adding to the founder’s stress load.

2. Redefine Self-Care

Many entrepreneurs view self-care as an indulgence, but in reality, it’s essential for longevity.

“It’s not just about bubble baths and wine,” Ericka explained. “Self-care is about aligning your lifestyle with your values—making sure your calendar reflects what actually matters to you.”

Simple habits like daily walks, setting work boundaries, and taking intentional breaks can make a profound difference in long-term well-being.

3. Shift Your Mindset

One of the biggest stress triggers is the belief that we have no control over our circumstances. This mindset can keep entrepreneurs trapped in a cycle of burnout.

“The thought ‘I can’t change this’ is incredibly dangerous,” Ericka warned. “It sends your body into a stress response, the same as if you were being chased by a lion.”

Replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones—such as “I have choices” or “I can set boundaries”—helps retrain the brain and reduce chronic stress.

Build a Life You Don’t Want to Escape From

Entrepreneurs often get so caught up in building their businesses that they forget to build a life they actually enjoy. One of the most powerful reflection questions Ericka shares with her clients is: What would it look like to create a life you don’t want to run away from?

“This question opens up so many conversations,” she said. “We need to stop and evaluate whether the way we’re living is actually sustainable and fulfilling.”

The Bottom Line

Entrepreneurship is demanding, but it shouldn’t cost you your health or happiness. The reality is that stress isn’t just a personal issue—it impacts your business, your team, and your long-term success.

By recognizing the warning signs of burnout, embracing healthier habits, and learning to delegate, you can build a thriving business and a fulfilling life. Because in the end, no amount of success is worth sacrificing yourself.

This interview was originally broadcast on the MOD Ventures podcast. Watch the full episode here and subscribe to be alerted when a new episode of the podcast is released.

If you’re ready to start making smarter, more confident financial decisions for your business, reach out to the Mod Ventures team today for a consultation. The right financial team support and resources can turn data into your business’s most valuable asset.