Reflection of the Week

How are you feeling?

I’m hesitant to start with my standard “Happy Friday” since I’ve already heard from many of you who aren’t so…happy. What. A. Week!

The recent announcement of sweeping tariffs sent shockwaves through the market. Since the news broke, the S&P 500 has dropped 6%, wiping out billions in value and dragging investor confidence with it. The Dow and Nasdaq aren’t faring much better, both posting their worst performances since the pandemic crash of 2020.

Meanwhile, the federal government is slashing budgets across key agencies. Most notably for us, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is experiencing dramatic cuts, with the Department of Government Efficiency initiating layoffs of 6,000 to 7,000 employees—including roughly 5,000 compliance staff. These cuts come on the heels of Congress clawing back more than half of the $79.4 billion meant to modernize the IRS through the Inflation Reduction Act. The result? A weakened enforcement system, fewer audits for the ultra-wealthy, and an uncertain path forward for equitable taxation.

And did I mention it’s tax season?

Yes, this moment is uniquely stressful. And that makes it all the more important to stay calm, centered, and emotionally supported. Here are some strategies to help you take care of yourself mentally and emotionally while you steer your business and finances through the storm.

1. Prioritize Self-Care with the Basics

First things first: you need rest, nourishment, and movement. Sleep deprivation, skipped meals, and a sedentary lifestyle erode your ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Build a simple self-care routine that includes:

• A consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule
• Nutritious meals at regular intervals
• Some form of physical activity—whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing in your living room

This is your foundation. Everything else builds on top of it.

2. Create Emotional Checkpoints

It’s easy to push through stress without realizing how much it’s weighing on you. Set aside a few minutes each day to ask yourself:

• How am I feeling right now?
• What’s been the most emotionally draining part of my day?
• What do I need more or less of emotionally?

These quick check-ins can help you recognize when you’re approaching burnout and take action before you hit a wall.

3. Establish a Circle of Support

You don’t have to carry this all alone. Reach out to fellow entrepreneurs, a therapist, a coach, or a trusted friend. Even a 15-minute chat can help release stress and offer a new perspective.

If you’re part of a professional network or business community, lean into it. Vulnerability doesn’t make you weak—it makes you resilient.

4. Limit Exposure to the Noise

The 24/7 news cycle and doom-scrolling on social media can heighten anxiety. Yes, stay informed—but don’t drown in it. Designate one or two trusted sources for news and set a daily limit on how much time you spend consuming headlines.

Protect your mental bandwidth. Your business needs your focus, not your fear.

5. Reconnect with Your “Why”

In the middle of chaos, losing sight of your mission is easy. Revisit why you started your business in the first place. Journal about it. Talk to clients who’ve benefited from your work. Reflect on the impact you’re making.

This clarity will ground you when the external world feels shaky. Your mission is your anchor.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

You’re doing your best in a challenging environment. Give yourself credit for showing up, for trying, for caring. Not everything will go according to plan—and that’s okay. Beating yourself up won’t get you further, but treating yourself with kindness will help you stay in the game longer.

Questions of the Week

• How have recent political and financial events impacted your emotional well-being, and what signs of stress or burnout are you noticing in yourself? Pay attention to how stress is showing up—physically, mentally, or emotionally—and consider what your body and mind might be telling you.
• What practices—big or small—can you commit to this week to support your emotional health and reconnect with the purpose behind your business? Whether journaling, setting boundaries, or seeking support, choose something that helps you feel more grounded and intentional.
• When was the last time you felt genuinely grounded and clear-headed in your business? What contributed to that feeling, and how can you recreate it now? Reflect on the habits, people, or spaces that support your clarity—and find ways to bring more of them into your day-to-day.

Tool of the Week

You can’t control the stock market. You can’t control government cuts or political rhetoric. But you can control how you show up for yourself—mentally, emotionally, and physically. That inner stability will allow you to make sound decisions, adapt with integrity, and lead your mission-driven business through any storm.

Now take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, and remember: you’ve got this.