Managing CEO stress: 5 strategies leaders can use to beat burnout

Even in the best of circumstances, CEO stress is high as leaders shoulder accountability for their strategy and business performance with all key stakeholders, employees and customers. Recent uncertainty has exacerbated these feelings.

According to our analysis of the May WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO survey, 94% of leaders have felt symptoms of burnout at least once over the past year. But more telling is that nearly one-third (32%) of small business leaders feel exhausted or burned out on a regular basis; 25% report they feel these symptoms frequently, and 7% reported that they feel burnout daily.

While every situation is unique, analysis of responses from nearly 500 small business leaders uncovered five common stressors:

• Financial pressures: Prolonged financial losses are a primary source of CEO stress. One respondent said, “16 months in a row of financial losses weighs heavily on my confidence and decision-making.”
• Overload and responsibility: Rapid changes call for rapid responses. Many leaders report being overwhelmed by too many initiatives, with one respondent stating, “Absorbing too many objectives without the ability to prioritize has created a constant feeling of being behind.”
• Staffing challenges: A perennial issue for leaders is getting the right people in the right seats performing at peak productivity. Understaffing and turnover continue to plague small businesses, and an increasing number of small businesses report plans to scale back their staff in the coming months. One comment encapsulates the challenge: “Additional workload with lower staffing levels.”
• Uncertainty: Shifting government policies and market instability have increased CEO stress levels. Forecasting has become difficult, if not impossible, due to rising costs, supply chain challenges and slowing demand. As one respondent said, “Administrative policies [are] creating business uncertainty, and increased compliance demands are adding to the stress.”
• Personal and emotional challenges: CEO stress is not limited to the office. They feel accountable for their families and their employees’ families. “Additional family stress from all members feeling the weight of financial and emotional uncertainty,” says one respondent, reflecting how deeply business pressures ripple through personal lives.

5 strategies for coping with CEO stress and uncertainty

Fortunately, the same tenacity that it takes to become a leader is evidenced in how CEOs of small businesses manage their stress. Top strategies CEOs use to mitigate the effects include these 5 strategies that range from structured practices to simple survival tactics:

1. Mindfulness and self-care

Several leaders emphasized the value of meditation, sleep, and healthy routines. Consistent routines are key, as one respondent shared: “Breathing meditation. Good diet. Working out. Friends. Sleep. Nothing fancy, just consistent self-care.”

2. Delegation and structural changes

Bringing in help was another theme. CEOs often try to shoulder all responsibilities, and a strong leadership team helps share those responsibilities to optimize performance. “I hired a General Manager about 2 years ago, my best decision ever. I can now step back and not be the pressure valve for every issue.”

3. Mindset and perspective

Recalibrating expectations proved important to leaders in the responses. One respondent shared that “accepting that a smaller business with a lower revenue target is OK for now. Focusing on profitability and lifestyle.”

4. Transparency

It’s OK not to know the answers. Employees, stakeholders and family will appreciate the candor, which builds trust and respect. One leader confessed, “I’m not finding successful strategies. I’m just trying to make it through the day.” Leaders don’t always have the answers.

5. Physical activity

Exercise emerged as a popular outlet. Getting outdoors also alleviates stress. Research shows that movement and time in nature help reset the mind and body. One respondent shared simply “staying active, taking time to play hockey, walk or do Pilates,” while another recommended “working out, meditation and surfing.”

As Chairs of Vistage peer groups often say, CEOs join a group, and humans show up. CEOs and small business owners aren’t just decision-makers — they’re people grappling with the mental, physical and emotional toll of leadership. While some have found effective coping strategies, many are still searching for answers, and the data underscores the need for more open conversations around executive mental health and sustainable leadership practices.

Leadership doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being. The path to resilience often begins with honesty, slight shifts and the courage to ask for help.

Related Resources

Small business confidence rises; costs, tariffs bite margins [WSJ/Vistage May 2025]

Dealing with stress as an executive

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