Is Your Business Killing You?

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Are you working too hard in your business? Stress is a real killer that we all face. This year small businesses have had to deal with rising fuel prices, increased competition, wage inflation and a global credit crunch. No wonder we are stressed out!

Many small business owners are now working longer hours than ever before... not only spending more time in the office but also taking their work home with them. Often they even dream about business related issues!

So how do deal with all the stress caused by running a business? Well you could try starting a new hobby or alternatively bring an old hobby back to life. If you used to collect stamps before but have been recently too busy to worry about your collection, it might be a good idea to bring it out of the cupboard again.

Physical activity is very good at revealing stress. Supposedly it produces feel good chemicals in the brain akin to taking drugs like cocaine but with none of the damaging side effects. If you have not trained for a while, start very slowly and gradually build up your activity so that you give your heart & lungs a chance to get fit before starting a heavy routine.

If physical activity is not your thing then you could try meditation. You do not have to meditate for long to start reaping the benefits. Maybe a ten minute session first thing in the morning and last thing at night might be all you need. Pay particular attention to your breathing whilst you meditate taking slow but deep breaths in and out.

Is there anything that you are passionate about but have never had the time to devote to it? Maybe now is the time to devote a few hours a week to your passions. Taking your mind of business, even if it is only for a few hours a week will help to relieve stress.

If you have a family why not give them some valuable quality time? Get a baby sitter in and relight the passion in your relationship. Take your children for a walk in the park, take them swimming or just go away for a day trip.

There are ways you can make your workplace less stressful. Delegate all the simple tasks instead of trying to do everything yourself. If you follow this simple strategy you might even find that soon you will be able to take a day off and your business will still run smoothly without you! If a day off sounds too much then finish early at least one afternoon during mid week. It is great to go shopping or get a haircut during working hours when the shops are not so busy.

Change your office lighting, buy a comfortable chair, drink plenty of water and buy some nice plants. Every so often make sure you leave the office for lunch and go somewhere nice where you can eat quality food, slowly and reflect on the day.

Is you business killing you? How do you cope with and reduce the stresses and strains of daily business life?