Change is stressful. Taking the leap and starting up a home-based business can be anxiety-riddled, precarious and downright stressful. So, what do you do when the anxiety is overwhelming and you’re having trouble sleeping, barking at your family, and generally feeling like every last nerve is about to explode? Take it Easy!
We all have various levels and capacity for stress and, as you know, stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing–it helps our bodies rev up and face the challenges of life and survival. Entrepreneurs are called upon to take risks and make choices–even though it may seem as though we are jumping blind-folded off a cliff. Try to remember that you are in charge, you are choosing to start this business and it is not something that is happening “to” you. Knowing that this is something you want to accomplish can help give you an extra boost when you’re feeling particularly nervous.
Build in some de-stressors into your day–a brisk walk, a hot bath, a half-hour of yoga, a chat with an old colleague or friend on the telephone, a trip to the park with your kids–whatever it is that gives you pleasure and helps you to release some of the anxiety that starting a business can generate. Don’t let too much time pass between pleasurable, stress-releasing moments either!
Getting organized–your space, your schedule, your life, can go a long way in helping to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. If you have your affairs in order, your cupboards stocked and plenty of toilet paper in the house, you can concentrate more on your home business start-up and your family. In the planning stages of starting your business, put some thought into planning a schedule to manage time and activities. This can really help you feel more in control and less like everything is flying fast and lose.
Just because you are working at home doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time (or alone with your kids)–build in a support-system of mentors, old colleagues, other home-business folk, etc. and have the decompressing business lunches or get together to go over what’s going on. It is a tremendous help to be able to talk about what is concerning you with someone who understands. Mentors can help you get through the bumpy places and provide valuable encouragement and information as you navigate your new business.
Finally, it may seem pretty elementary, but eating right and getting regular exercise and sleep are major pieces in being able to handle and cope with stress well. Make sure that just because you are busy, you are not skipping meals, neglecting movement and letting yourself get overly exhausted. Take care of yourself, release that stress, let the anxiety go, so you’ll be able to focus on building your new business!