10 Small-Business Stress Busters
 By Lee S. Shaffer

While running your own business can be rewarding, it doesn’t come without stress, anxiety and worry.

You are your own boss. You make all the decisions. You take all the risks. Not to mention that the ebb and flow of business itself can be unpredictable.

You either have so much on your plate you don’t know when you could possibly get it all done. Or it’s slow as molasses and money is tight.

No matter what your situation, the worst thing you can do is let the pressure get to you. Not only can stress cause a decrease in productivity, but it can also lead to health and relationship problems.

When you feel like things are spinning out of control, try these 10 techniques for reducing stress.

1. Make an action plan
   Before you even finish you first cup of coffee each morning, map out your day. Make a list of your must-do, top priorities as well as lower priority items. Having a clear set of goals for the day gives you a sense of control and helps minimize distractions.
   
2. Organize your space
   Nothing causes a panic attack more than having to search for a file, pen or piece of paper while you have a client holding on the phone. Get your office organized—and keep it that way—so you know where all the essentials are.
   
3. Keep regular office hours
   Set regular work hours—and stick to them. Whether you prefer 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or noon to 8 p.m., choose when you want to be open for business. Having a consistent schedule will help you balance work and home life more effectively.
   
4. Stretch your legs
   A proven way to reduce stress is to exercise. Even a simple walk around the block will help. And it gets you out of the office for a breath of fresh air. Feel too crunched for time to leave the office? For a quick burst of energy try some simple stretching exercises you can do right at your desk.
   
5. Get plenty of rest
   You can’t do a good job running a business if you are running on empty. Make sure you allot enough time to rest and rejuvenate. Getting a good night’s sleep is the biggest stress buster there is.
   
6. Manage your time
   Be in control of the clock; don’t let the clock be in control of you. To minimize stress you have to be a master of time management. Be aware of what tasks you have to get done and the time in which you have to do them. And don’t set unrealistic goals. Remember it’s not a bad thing to say “no” or to ask for help.
   
7. Don’t sweat the small stuff
   Obsessing over minor issues can be a big source of stress. There are some things that just aren’t worth worrying about. And there are some things you just can’t change. Let them go so you can focus on the big picture.
   
8. Take a break
   Even the most hard-hitting entrepreneurial warrior needs some downtime. Turn off your brain for awhile and recharge your batteries. Make sure you schedule a lunch hour into your day. Set aside a few minutes to read the paper. And don’t be afraid to take a vacation away from the office—even if it’s just a long weekend. You’ll return to work refreshed and more focused.
   
9. Talk to someone
   Enlist mentors or business associates as sounding boards. Bounce ideas off them, ask for advice or simply vent about business problems and issues. As an AFS Member you have unlimited access to advice from the small-business consultants at ProTalk. This benefit is provided at no additional charge to you. Call them via AFS Member Services at 800-492-1016 or reach them online at www.afswebsite.org.
   
10. Delegate work
    Just because you’re in business for yourself doesn’t mean you have to be a lone ranger. Even if you don’t have employees to assign work to, consider hiring independent contractors like bookkeepers or virtual assistants to help out when the work load gets heavy.

(Posted June 2007)

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