Chi'Va's Founders Get Anxious Too—Here’s What Actually Helps

By Ricardo

As founders, we’re expected to be resilient, sharp, and always one step ahead. But let’s be real—building something from the ground up comes with a level of stress and uncertainty that can feel overwhelming. Anxiety isn’t just a passing worry; it’s that tightness in your chest before a big decision, the racing thoughts at 2 AM, the constant pressure to perform.

We get it. We’ve been there. And while there’s no magic fix, there are things that actually help—even the cliché advice we tend to roll our eyes at.

The Cliché That Actually Works: Breathing

Yeah, we know. “Just breathe” sounds like the most oversimplified advice ever. But when practiced correctly, breathing techniques can physiologically rewire your nervous system.

• Deep, slow breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling to your brain that it’s safe to calm down.

• A study in Nature Scientific Reports found that exhaling for 6 seconds or longer can rapidly reduce anxiety.

• Breathwork is instant, free, and always available—and yet, most of us don’t use it when we need it most.

What’s the Root of This Anxiety?

For many founders, the anxiety isn’t just about work. It’s about:
✔ The fear of failing—even when no one’s judging but yourself.
✔ The weight of responsibility—knowing others depend on you.
✔ The relentless self-criticism—because “good enough” never feels enough.

Understanding why anxiety hits is just as important as how to manage it. And the more we dig into those root causes, the easier it is to disarm them before they spiral.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Anxiety is part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to run the show. That’s why we built Chi’Va—to provide real-time, research-backed support when you need it most.

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You're building something incredible. Let’s make sure you don’t get lost in the process. Choose Yourself—Choose Chi’Va.