Weak economy driving up stress Just under half said they were feeling more stressed than this time last year, with fear of losing their business, losing clients, the pressures of bringing in new business and being constantly on call all key drivers. Owners admitted their personal health was suffering as a result of working longer and harder to maintain the status quo, with typical ailments including a lack of energy, anxious thoughts, headaches and back pain. But two-thirds insisted they were mentally prepared to bear the burden and even more felt they still maintained an acceptable work and life balance, the survey of 500 business owners by insurer Hiscox found. Psychologist Donna Dawson, who specialises in personality and behaviour, said: "I find the UK business leaders are almost bulldog determined. They are really hanging in there, willing to take any opportunity that comes their way and will to change tack if they have to. Yes, there's a feeling of treading water to stay alive, but they know they are in there for the long haul. Business owners reported that an increasing amount of their time was being diverted to their business as a result of the weak state of the economy. The price for being tenacious, resilient and hanging in there is their stress levels going up and their physical health suffering. And they know that," Ms Dawson said. They have accepted that compromise for the time being. What they have to watch out for is that each individual has their own tipping point. Stress impairs your ability to make decisions. If you make the wrong decision it costs you. You need to be mentally strong and alert. Stress cuts into that. It is a slow, debilitating process that overtakes your good intentions. An increasing number of owners reported becoming more irritable at work, Ms Dawson said, snapping at employees when things did not go well.