Managing Stress In A Small Business

Title:
Managing Stress In A Small Business

Word Count:
325

Summary:
Stress is considered an occupational hazard for entrepreneurs. Having positive mantras as we navigate our business lives is one way of dealing with stress. But there are times when positive phrases are not enough to manage stress or anxiety. Emotional self-management techniques are helpful in these instances.


Keywords:
stress management, business management, business strategy, small business


Article Body:
I spotted a van on the interstate with “Too Blessed to Be Stressed” emblazoned across its back windshield. How appropriate that the driver divined that this mantra might be relevant for others to meditate upon while they navigate the freeways.

Stress is considered an occupational hazard for entrepreneurs. Having positive mantras as we navigate our business lives is one way of dealing with stress. But there are times when positive phrases are not enough to manage stress or anxiety. Emotional self-management techniques are helpful in these instances.

After the birth of my first son, I was diagnosed with post-partum depression and suffered from severe anxiety. My husband and I not only held full-time jobs, but were managing our business which included processing orders for our new online sites.

It took every fibre in my being to fight and work through the malaise of depression with all the means available to me. This included visits to medical doctors and cognitive therapists. One of the most successful treatments I found was an emotional self-management (EMS) technique recommended to me by a psychologist. The theory and techniques are explained in Instant Emotional Healing : Acupressure for the Emotions. It combines the principles of cognitive behavioral techniques along with those of Oriental medicine and the body’s energy system. My inelegant explanation is that there are physical and emotional blocks in ourselves that can be relieved by tapping certain parts of the body that correspond to meridian points in the bodies energy sytem, as in accupunture, while simultaneously repeating positive phrases that penetrate the sub-conscious mind.

The information in the book was easily accessible to me at a time when I the most stressed and unable to concentrate. I was relieved to find a technique that I could self-administer and utilize to take control of overwhelming and unproductive stress. All independent business people would benefit from techniques such as EMS to not only relieve unproductive emotions, but to optimize performance.

BONUS : Title:
Managing Stress While Creating A Home Business

Word Count:
740

Summary:
Starting, developing and expanding an internet home business can be one of the most exciting adventures that we embrace. This journey could change our lives. Unfortunately, there is a disadvantage when we are creating a work from home enterprise.

There will be new concepts learned and applied. There will be attempts and failures. There will be disappointments and frustrations. A work at home business can bring success to our lives but it will also bring stress. We can cont...


Keywords:



Article Body:
Starting, developing and expanding an internet home business can be one of the most exciting adventures that we embrace. This journey could change our lives. Unfortunately, there is a disadvantage when we are creating a work from home enterprise.

There will be new concepts learned and applied. There will be attempts and failures. There will be disappointments and frustrations. A work at home business can bring success to our lives but it will also bring stress. We can control the pressure that will come. These tips can help us to manage the strain of creating an internet venture. The road to making money online is littered with obstacles but preparing for these challenges can make the journey easier.

1) Get Adequate Rest

The temptation to work long hours when we are developing a home business will be very strong. The concept of finding success through a diligent effort is true but we must balance the work with adequate rest. Most doctors say that 6-8 hours sleep per night is the norm. Purpose to get this much slumber. A revitalized body and a refreshed mind will help us face the challenges of the following day.

2) Develop An Exercise Regimen

Exercise can be the best activity for reducing stress while we are creating a home business. Walking, running, bike riding, swimming, etc. are great ways to ease the tension that develops during the day. Not only will the body benefit from this activity but it will offer our mind the break that it needs. When creating an online venture, we will be tempted to focus more on work and less on exercise. Create a specific time each day that is devoted to physical activity. Make it a habit and our productivity will increase.

3) Improve Our Diet

When developing a home based business, the temptation to grab a handful of chips and slam a diet Pepsi for lunch are enormous. We convince ourselves there is not enough time to eat a good breakfast or a nutritious lunch. Food and drink have a profound effect on how we feel. Making sure that we eat balanced meals throughout the day will improve concentration. The success of our internet venture relies on the ability to learn and apply new concepts. Improving diet enhances our focus. And don’t overdose on caffeine.

4) Find Time To Relax

Stress brings fatigue but relaxation delivers renewal. We must find the time to unwind from the pressures of creating a home based business. A day with the family, a day with friends, reading, listening to music, watching a movie are good outlets. We can combine exercise with relaxation if our time is limited. The goal is to find a place away from the strain of developing an internet venture where we can discover rejuvenation. Purpose to relax. It will improve our perspective.

5) Manage Our Workload

One of the main instigators of stress is the feeling that the success of our work from home venture is being hampered by effort. We push harder to learn and apply new ideas but the pressure becomes overwhelming. The best solution is to manage our workload. Develop a daily routine that addresses the responsibilities we need to fulfill each day. Be realistic with our schedule. It requires time to make money on the internet because it is a step by step, day by day process. Set attainable goals for each day, week and month.

6) Create A Positive Perspective

Do not dwell on the factors that are producing stress. The opportunity to create, develop and expand a home business is new and different. In most cases, it is very difficult. Develop a perspective that gives us the freedom to enjoy the learning process. On bad days, focus on what brings enjoyment and relaxation to our lives. Realize that success is closer today than yesterday. Apply what we have learned from other stressful situations. Know that the time is coming when stress will be gone and success will arrive.

The first steps toward the creation of a home based business bring more stress than success. When we find ourselves in this position, consider reevaluating the journey to making money online. The strain of starting an online enterprise can be managed if we have the proper tools. These ideas can help us deal with the pressure of developing our internet success.

“The difficulties and struggles of today are but the price we must pay for the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow.”