The most exciting thing about being an entrepreneur is getting to participate in every aspect of your new business. The most exhausting thing about being an entrepreneur is getting to participate in every aspect of your new business. Because there are so many things to do and so little time to do them, entrepreneurs need to be very intentional about taking time out to decompress. Here are 10 quick and easy ways to reduce stress.
1. Breathe. It goes without saying that breathing is important, but this kind of breathing is slow and intentional. It originates in your diaphragm rather than your chest. To make sure you're doing it right, put your hand on your belly, right below your belly button. As you take a deep breath, see how your hand moves out while your belly expands. Hold it for a few seconds and then slowly breathe out. Do this for several minutes and notice how your heart rate slows and you feel more relaxed.
2. Visualization. There's no right way to do visualization, so pick images or sensations that are most calming to you and take the time to see those images in your mind. If you can't think of anything, try imagining yourself in a shower in which the hot water washes away your stress. When you're visualizing your relaxing scene, take the time to notice the details. What does it smell like? What does it sound like? Take a few minutes every day to do this while breathing slowly and deeply.
3. Self-Massage. You don't have to spend a day at the spa to benefit from massage. Just rub the palm of one hand with the thumb of the other in a circular motion.
4. Drink Something Good. Homeopathic remedies are more readily available than they have ever been. Peruse the aisles of your local health food store to find teas and other tonics that have stress-reducing abilities. If there's a licensed homeopath in your area, you could also consult with him or her.
5. Smile. Even if there's no one around. The act of simply smiling can make us feel happy and relaxed. It actually triggers the limbic system and makes you more calm and peaceful. You make look silly, but you'll feel better.
6. Rate It. Rate your stress on a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being a minor irritation and 10 being a total disaster. You might find that most of the issues you're encountering are actually less than five. This means that, while they may be annoying and bothersome, they're actually quite manageable.
7. Release the Stress. Stress manifests itself more in certain parts of our bodies than in others. The jaw is one. Try this exercise to release the tension. Place the tips of your index fingers on the joints of your jaw, right in front of your ears. Clench your teeth and take a deep breath in. Hold your breath for a moment and then say "Ahhhh" as you exhale. Repeat.
8. Make a Mantra. Write your own positive affirmation. It should be short and memorable, and should play up your ability to cope with stressful situations. The next time you feel stressed, repeat your mantra ten times and notice that you feel calmer and more composed.
9. Don't be a Victim. Nothing compounds stress like sitting around and asking yourself what on earth you did to deserve such a mess. But the problem is that, while self-pity may feel good for a little while, it also makes you feel helpless and victimized by the circumstances of your life.
10. Write it Down. The next time you feel overwhelmed with stress, write down all the things that are causing it. The first advantage is that you will have externalized your stress, meaning that you no longer have to carry it around inside your head and let it manifest itself physically. The second advantage is that you can objectively look at the things that are stressing you out and start problem-solving ways to address them.
Don't let stress get the best of you. Take a few minutes each day to care for yourself and relieve your stress. You and your business will definitely feel better!
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