How Some of Duluth’s Business Leaders Manage Stress
Too Busy to Break Down –
In the world of business, the list of potential stressors is never-ending. Long hours, financial worries, a fear of failure, and the responsibility of leading a team are a few top-cited sources.
While some level of stress is virtually unavoidable for most entrepreneurs, there are ways it can be managed. Duluthian recently visited with three busy professionals – with three unique businesses and backgrounds – who generously shared some personal tips for managing stress … and ultimately avoiding burnout.
Rebecca James Alsum – Svalja Whole-Being
Svalja Whole-Being is an organization focused on healing and wholeness for all in our community. The business has two studio spaces: at 16½ North 1st Avenue W., and 18 North 1st Avenue W.
Owner Rebecca James Alsum, along with her team of 30 contractors and one part-time administrative employee, offer classes in all things wellness: yoga, Qigong, meditation, breath work and more. They also teach workshops and train yoga teachers.
With all of these Zen offerings, one might assume that James Alsum has it all figured out. But, to the contrary, she is just like everyone else: always consciously trying to manage her work load and stress level.
“My top stressors are overwhelm, feeling out of balance and a strong sense of responsibility for others and the business to be financially secure,” she said. “And, as a business owner, there’s always more to do.”
What does James Alsum recommend for stress relief? Other than the obvious tip for taking a relaxing class at her studio, she noted, “The best way to complete the stress cycle is to move your body somehow. It can be a quick walk around the block, or dancing to your favorite song.”
Other tips she shared include prioritizing your sleep, seeing a therapist, leaning on social connections, laughing, crying and connecting to nature.
“Stress is part of being human,” she noted. “It keeps us alert, but stress that becomes chronic can affect us in ways that can cause disease or other challenges. We need to find ways to tell our bodies that we’re OK, and to regulate our nervous system.”
Sara Cole – Lake Superior YMCA
Sara Cole is the President and CEO of the Lake Superior YMCA, which includes sites in Duluth, Hermantown, Superior and Cook County. Camp Tall Pines in Lake Nebagamon, Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake and other local and regional programming fall under this umbrella, too.
“The Y” is the nation’s largest provider of child care, from infants to after-school programs. The organization also offers programming for seniors, does food access work and of course offers plenty of exercise and wellness opportunities. The Lake Superior YMCA employs more than 1,000 staff members.
As President and CEO, Cole wears many hats. “I’m responsible for the vision, strategy and direction of the organization,” she explained. “But I also jump in wherever necessary. There is nothing that is ‘not my job’.”
When asked about the most stressful parts of her job, Cole said, “I have a sign on my office door that says, ‘The buck stops here.’ It’s both a gift, and a tremendous responsibility, to be the person with whom the buck stops. I feel a great responsibility to the community, and our staff. I very deeply want to be of service and make sure the folks in our community feel safe and supported.”
What does Cole do to manage her stress? She summarized it this way: “I’m a big fan of a quote by Brother David Steindl Rast: ‘The antidote to exhaustion isn’t necessarily rest. The antidote is wholeheartedness.’ I try to notice nice things to be grateful for, and people to thank. I love to write emails to members and staff, and I love meeting with folks and dreaming about new possibilities.”
Cole believes that moving your body is important, too. “I love to walk on the Lakewalk – usually in the early morning, and usually with others,” she said. “I love sharing ideas as I move my body.”
Eve Fellersen – Two Rivers Counseling
Eve Fellersen is the founder and clinical supervisor of Two Rivers Counseling, which opened in 2021. Her business offers two downtown Duluth locations, one in Two Harbors, and virtual/telehealth sessions, too.
Two Rivers has 30 therapists, four administrative staff, and two psychiatric nurse practitioners. Together, the team supports roughly 240 clients of all ages, with many mental health issues to navigate. Trauma work, relationship work, grief and loss, and post-partum care top the list.
As both the owner, and a clinician herself, Fellersen handles many tasks for her business. “I do a lot of supervision of the clinicians, and spend a lot of time reviewing cases and teaching. I also coordinate with other agencies and providers in our area. For instance, we offer free therapy at Safe Haven once a week.”
On top of all that, Fellersen still sees clients herself. However, that list has dropped to just 10-15 “maintenance clients” she sees once per month.
As a mental health practitioner and business owner, what are her top stressors? “Overall, I would say the emotional labor, and being the one responsible for keeping the lights on,” she said.
“Maintaining work-life balance, and making sure I have solid boundaries is also on the list. I have to structure my time really intentionally, to prioritize movement, creative time, idea time and connection time.”
While Fellersen will be the first to advocate for “talking to someone,” she has plenty of other tips to offer for stress relief, too. “Learn how to listen to your body,” she said. “Live your life in a way that aligns with your values. Ask for support, or delegate tasks when you need to. Walk outside in nature. Talk with a friend.”
Loneliness
Another stressor that some don’t think about, for those at the top? Loneliness. “It’s lonely being the one at the top; the one who has to make all the decisions,” Fellersen said.
“Leadership at any level can get really lonely,” Cole added. “Connecting with other people is important. Reach out if you need help. Just having a phone call or meeting for coffee can be a balm for everything that’s wrong in the world.”
Parting thoughts
While everyone is unique, and different stress reduction techniques will work for different people, the three professionals we consulted concurred on a few key nuggets of advice: Move your body, talk to someone you trust, and get outside.
And, there is absolutely no shame if you find it necessary to seek out a professional to talk to. “Ultimately, my hope is that we can continue progressing as a society, where it’s ok to go to a therapist for support,” Fellersen said. “It’s really no different than going to a doctor if you have a cough.”
Andrea Busche is a Twin Ports-based freelance writer and small business owner.
