Please enjoy this great piece from a guest writer on our blog. Coach Manny Nowak.
Julie Morris
Life and Career Coach
julie_morris@juliemorris.org | juliemorris.org
Photo via Pixabay by Rawpixel
Small business owners often suffer from high stress levels or anxiety even when things are going well, simply because they have put so much work into their career and have people counting on them. Financial worriesare almost always at the forefront, especially since small businesses typically have to be up and running for several months or even years before they see a profit. That’s why it’s so important to have a good business plan, and to look for ways you can reduce stress from day to day. Making small changes — such as staying active, getting enough sleep, and asking for help when you need it — can go a long way toward helping you feel better, which can in turn help you run your business the way you want to.
You can also look for creative ways to reduce your overhead. Creating a home office is a great way to start if you have the room, and you can easily work out a budget for supplies and transportation that will help you keep costs down. Bear in mind that it will also help to get organized, and to make use of all the free resourcesat your disposal. There are many sites and apps these days that can be hugely beneficial to small business owners and busy professionals.
Here are a few tips on how you can reduce stress and find success.
Create a home office
One of the biggest costs a small business owner faces is for an office space; rent, utilities, and maintenance all add up over the course of a year, so if you can cut that expense out of your budget you’ll be saving quite a bit. By creating a home office, you can get work done on your own time, save money on gas and car upkeep, and perhaps even get a tax write-off. To streamline your space and make it fit your business needs, hire a handyman to add custom shelving and cabinets to keep you organized and to make the space really fit your business. This is definitely an upfront expense to consider, but remember it’s an investment in your business and shouldn’t cost a ton. Right now the average cost to hire a handyman in the Vineland arearuns between $262 – $900 per project.
Take a break
Many small business owners feel like they’re always “on,” especially if there aren’t many employees who can help to shoulder the responsibilities. It’s important for you to learn how to take a breakevery day, even if it’s only for half an hour, otherwise you risk facing burnout. Look for a way to incorporate something you enjoy into your timeout, such as exercising, reading a book or catching up with a friend at lunch. Remember that these breaks are essential for your mental health and can help you be a better professional.
Take up a hobby
It’s extremely hard to feel fulfilled if you only focus on one goal all the time. Your business is important, but so is your ability to relax and enjoy yourself. Taking up a hobbywill help you find a way to escape the stress of your busy day and focus on something that helps you feel better; if you can incorporate an activity into the hobby, even better. You might try out yoga (classes usually range from $12 to $16) or join a running group that meets once a week. Become a bike rider, or work in a garden to grow your own food. In mixing activity with something fun, you’ll be able to stay healthywhile also enjoying yourself.
Get organized
There’s nothing worse for stress than disorganization, especially for small business owners. You have enough on your plate without worrying about being able to find the things you need; it’s important to have your paperwork and affairs in order so you’ll have peace of mind and so you can successfully address goals and plans. Create an organizational systemthat will keep everything neat, and be sure to keep your personal and professional accounts separate. Clear off your desk and keep it free of clutterto give your mental health an extra boost. This is where you can also utilize the space you prepare in your home office so that everything has a place and that everything is in its place.
Reducing stress will not only give you peace of mind when it comes to your business affairs, it will also help to boost your confidence as you reach for new goals. Finding success isn’t always easy, but with some changes to your lifestyle, you can make it much more attainable.