Running a small business and stress go hand in hand. Often, small business owners and their employees take on numerous tasks, put in long hours and experience sleepless nights. In their drive to meet the next deadline, small business owners and employees often forget to take time to deal with stress.
Dealing with stress is extremely important because it can lead to serious health complications and undermine performance on the job. According to the American Institute of Stress, 75 percent to 90 percent of visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems.
For some, simply taking a break and shutting out the worries of your world can greatly help to reduce stress. Once a day, everyone should take a few minutes to relax. Find a place where you won’t be interrupted (it can even be your office if you know you won’t have interruptions). Sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and shake your arms in front of you for a few moments. Then, abruptly drop them into your lap. Clear your mind and concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths. Do this for several minutes. If you choose to do this in the morning it can help you face the day; if you do it at night it can help you get a good night’s sleep.
If possible, you should cut back your hours at work if you a suffering from stress. A good trick is to make a “to do” list in the morning. List everything you want to accomplish during the day in order of importance, and then rip off the bottom half.
If you work indoors, make sure you set aside some time to get out outdoors. Take a walk or, if the weather permits, have your lunch outside at a park or similar outdoor spot. Fresh air and exposure to daylight can help ease stress during the workday, especially if you don’t have a window near your desk or cubicle.
Another stress-busting solution that is gaining popularity in the business world is to schedule a weekly visit with a masseuse. Having a masseuse periodically visit the office is a great way to reduce muscle tension and pain that is associated with stress. A good massage calms the nervous system and increases circulation, which boosts your energy and alertness. Weekly massage therapy can help identify and release tension before it becomes a problem, leaving you – and in turn your employees — feeling relaxed.
