Your business can be operating like a well-oiled machine, but if you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re going to be stressed out. It’s ironic that when things are going really well, we typically end up spending MORE hours on our business because we see all the fantastic benefits of hard work.

To be a healthy person, you need to be a well-rounded person. Here are a handful of tips to make sure your business isn’t taking over your life at the expense of your health and well-being.

Physical Activity

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again – regular exercise is something everyone needs. It reduces stress, combats obesity, and makes you a nicer person to be around. If you are sitting on your duff in front of the computer most of the day, you have to find some way to move your body on a regular basis. It can be as simple as a 20 minute walk first thing in the morning, or as intense as a 2 hour gym workout. Just choose one and do it.

We have a dog and she helps me get my exercise as she is very active. Every morning taking her for a walk is a must!  If I don’t I will hear it all morning – little whimpers at my feet beside my desk.

Hobby

You will probably laugh at this, thinking you don’t have time for a hobby. But the truth is, you don’t have time NOT to have a hobby! Whether it’s knitting, canoeing, genealogy or scrapbooking you need something that will provide balance to your life. There will be days when the business side of things isn’t going so well, and you will need an escape.

Rest

I’m willing to bet that at least once in the past month, you’ve found yourself up way too late, finishing one last work project, answering one more email, or putting the finishing touches on one last product. On an occasional basis, these nocturnal escapades are no big deal, but burning the midnight oil night after night after night, and you end up burning yourself out. Not only does sleep deprivation make you anxious, edgy and unable think clearly, it also makes it harder for you to work at peak efficiency. Set a bedtime, and stick to it.

People

Connecting with people around you is critical to minimizing your stress. At the end of your life, you’re going to be worried more about the people you love and less about the business you created. Show your family and friends how important they are to you NOW by giving them their rightful share of your time. The bonus? It will calm your stress when you know you’re investing time where it’s going to matter most – your family and the people you love.

As an Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner your business is you.  If you are not taking care of you, then you are not taking care of your business.  Try implementing these steps above (even if only one at a time) to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance, one that most entrepreneurs started in business to achieve.

Have you any other stress relieving tips to share? Feel free to post a comment here and share your stress relieving tips!\

Technorati Tags: busy, efficient business, stress relief, WAHM, work from home