Stress is a fact of life for the craft brewery professional.

Brewery professionals wrestle with concerns about equipment, concerns about recipes, concerns about marketing, even concerns about difficult customers.

But job-related stress is not unique to the craft beer industry. Work is by far the leading cause of stress for American adults, according to the American Institute of Stress.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. In fact, we’ve got good news: you can take stress management into your own hands. And April, which is Stress Awareness Month, is a great time to get started.

Stress Management Tips for Brewery Pros

• Do you often skip your breaks, or eat lunch on the go? Don’t use break time as work time. Use yours to get away from your work station. A change of scenery can have a powerful impact!
• To get the most out of your break, try going for a walk—and to double down on the positive effects, take that walk outdoors. Research has shown that a brisk 20-minute walk can have the same impact as a mild tranquilizer. Being outdoors can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.
• Make a list of stress-busters you can turn to when you’re experiencing a stressful situation. Each person’s list will be unique, but here are some ideas to consider: go for a short walk, take a break from the situation by going to a new location, do some breathing exercises, or listen to relaxing music.
• Consider organizing a weekly or daily stress reduction workout for employees, such as yoga or tai chi. (Added benefit: could be a great team-builder!)
• Incorporate stress management activities into your schedule outside the workplace. Establish a regular workout routine, develop a spiritual practice, attend a regular yoga or tai chi class, and ensure you are getting sufficient sleep.

Multiple Layers of Impact

Stress isn’t just an inconvenience. It can cause symptoms such as headache or stomachache. It can impact your temper and your ability to concentrate, which could have devastating results in the brewery. Chronic stress can have an even bigger impact, ranging from high blood pressure to a weakened immune system, and contribute to issues such as obesity and chemical dependency as individuals try various unhealthy ways of managing their stress.

Stress is bad for you—but the cure is within reach! Why not give it a try this Stress Awareness Month?

For more than 25 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With offices in California and Indiana, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.