The excitement of starting a business coupled with the demands of being an entrepreneur, family responsibilities and financial pressures can leave you too busy to even consider thinking about yourself. Before you know it, stress steps in and poor sleep leads to fatigue, fuzzy thinking, indecision and a whole host of other problems. Stress doesn’t only wear away at your health but it’s contagious and travels to employees and family members. Before things spiral, give yourself and your business a break.

A moment to pause and recentre can take as little as a minute of your time. Simply close your eyes and take a deep breath, counting slowly to four before releasing. Do this four times. If you want a little help with your focus, consider downloading the Headspace App for free. Headspace will walk you through short meditation exercises to help you stay in the moment and understand how the way we think impacts the way we experience the world around us

If you have more time, take a walk.  You will actually be more productive if you take the time for a proper lunch break, especially if you move away from your desk to do it. Lunch time is also a good time to bond with coworkers and build rapport, but make sure not to turn lunch into a business meeting.

Socializing is another great way to relax and get your grounding back. Spend some time with grandchildren or go out for dinner with friends. Socializing doesn’t only relax you but helps mental health by increasing a feeling of well-being which in turn reduces the the risk of dementia and improves physical health by strengthening your immune system.

Quick Tips for Managing Stress

• Do more exercise.
• Take care of your body.
• Get more sleep.
• Encourage positive self-talk.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
• Maintain connections with people who will love you no matter what.
• Try relaxation techniques such as prayer, meditation or journaling.
• Don’t underestimate the power of your mind. Nothing is fixed. You can increase your adaptive capacity.

This Valentine’s day give yourself and your business the gift of loving yourself.