4 Easy Ways To Fight Stress
 By B.J. Addington

The troubled economy has everyone worried, not just about sales or projections, but for their very livelihoods. Small-business owners bear the weight of this burden perhaps more than most.

With one eye on the bottom line and another on leading a team, it can be difficult to manage the myriad stressors that arise on a good day, much less the problems that persist through a bad spell.

Under these circumstances, it can be tough to project an upbeat attitude and manage the low moods of employees who have their own worries. Here are a few painless steps you can take to set the right tone for everyone’s day, including your own.

1. Treat your employees (and yourself) to simple pleasures
Little luxuries can be a good substitute for a big reward. Small, thoughtful gestures—especially when they’re unexpected—are a great way to boost morale.

Take your employees out for a casual lunch or surprise them with a token gift like movie tickets. If you’re treating yourself, indulge in an impromptu afternoon off or pick up flowers on your way into the office.

You’ll be surprised how easy it is to brighten someone’s day without expending much time, money, or effort.

AFS can help. By using your AFS benefits, you can save on great treats for yourself and your employees. Check out these and other goodies:

• 1-800-flowers.com—Fresh flower arrangements, plants and gifts
• Amusement Park Coupons—Discounts on admissions into parks nationwide
• Discount Movie Tickets—Fun for the entire family at AMC Theaters and Regal Entertainment

2. Promote good health one small choice at a time
Sometimes, healthy living is about making major life changes. Other times, feeling good is simply a matter of consistently making smart choices on a smaller scale.

Take a short walk at lunchtime or whenever you have some spare minutes during the day. Stock your workplace with simple snacks like nuts, yogurt and fruit. Lay off the coffee and start drinking more water, and encourage others to do the same.

When you take care of yourself, you’ll find it’s easier to cope with stress. And AFS can help you fight stress with Health Connection.

Health Connection gives you savings of 20 to 60 percent on fitness club memberships through GlobalFit, the nation’s largest fitness club network. Just look at the benefits:

• More than 1,500 health clubs, like participating Bally Total Fitness, Gold’s Gym and USA Fitness, offering up to 60 percent savings
• Access any network club nationally
• Enjoy month-to-month membership with no long term contract
• Other discounts available on e-diet programs, fitness equipment, personal trainers, tai chi, yoga, Reebok products and much more

3. Plan group activities that mix business with pleasure
For a change of pace, organize a potluck at work for Friday’s lunch, or move it out of the office for a picnic open to family and friends.

If you’re feeling more ambitious, ask everyone to collaborate on a fun but productive project, such as greening your business or volunteering in the community.

4. Make time to dream
Many small-business owners are spending more time than ever planning for an uncertain future. While worry is inevitable, keep in mind that an important part of the planning process should be dreaming big.

Schedule blue-sky meetings where you discuss forward-thinking ideas with employees. Build excitement through brainstorming sessions where people can informally present their ideas.

After all, a little exercise in positive thinking never hurt anyone.

(Posted June 2009)

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