When I first took the leap, and declared myself to be an entrepreneur, every moment was filled with unbridled excitement. Sleep came slowly, for my mind raced every night with plans for the next day. I spoke incessantly about my latest endeavor, and felt giddy as my friends and family expressed their interest in my business, while wishing me the best of luck.
Then, reality sunk in.
After two months out there, on my own, as a freelance writer and small-business owner, I had stumbled upon the disturbing realization that I had developed an intense fear of failing. Every night became sleepless. And not because of the nervous, excited energy that I had been swept away with at the beginning. I had a black pit of fear in my stomach, leaving me wakeful in the wee hours of the morning. I was frantically seeking new clients and high-paying freelance gigs; desperate for the security I had while on salary at my former company. All I could think about was my $1850 rent check due, the car payment and insurance that was coming out of my bank account next week, and the five mouths I had to feed (one spouse, two cats, and two snakes), if necessary, I could live on day-old bread and baked beans.
Stress kills.
Luckily, I have a mentor who has been a successful business owner himself, and is now CEO of the largest surrogacy agency in the world. He told me that there would be fluctuations every month, some months will be good, some will be terrible, and some will just be so-so. But keep at it, and use your downtime to relax and decompress.
So, I used the following ten methods to de-stress my life, which has remedied my insomnia and quelled my anxiety.
- 10) If you have a home-based business, set a schedule for yourself (with “opening” and “closing” times), so that you are not working during family time.
- 9) Give up caffeine. I got to a point where I had to have caffeine to function like a human being, it’s much cheaper and healthier to drink decaf or mild tea.
- 8 ) Have a glass of wine or beer to relax every once in a while.
- 7) Invite friends to dinner and cook for them.
- 6) Sign up for a gym membership and dedicate one hour per day to working out.
- 5) Take a weekend trip every couple of months.
- 4) Eat healthier— there’s a lot to be said for cooking at home; with a diet of vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meats, and legumes.
- 3) Take your spouse/significant other out to dinner and tell them how much you appreciate their support.
- 2) Check out a good non-business-related book from the library and go somewhere relaxing to read it (the beach, swimming pool, a park, etc.)
- 1) Turn off your computer and cell phone after “X” pm (I turn mine off at 8 pm) and don’t turn it back on until tomorrow.
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I make sure to workout for at least 45 mins per day. I found it to be very, very helpful in relieving stress and the daily drama that comes with running a business as an entrepreneur. At the very least, entrepreneurs should go for a 30 min daily walk to decompress.
I am training for a marathon, which is challenging, yet highly therapeutic. Running 12 training miles is an excellent way to let the brain wander!