The Unending Cycle of Stress in Home-Based Businesses

The Stress of Working from Home

In my previous employment, I had the luxury of pacing myself. I could delegate tasks, take scheduled lunch breaks, and enjoy the security of a weekly paycheck. However, after my daughter was born, the job became a constant race against time, especially with the L.A. traffic. I yearned to be at home, watching my little girl grow. The idea of working from home seemed like a stress relief.

Two years later, I run a growing home business. But, surprise! I'm still racing against time, now against my daughter's preschool schedule, and the stress levels are just as high.

The Different Kind of Stress

My husband often wonders how I could be stressed working from home. The answer is simple: it's a different kind of stress. Financial instability and uncertainty are major stress triggers, and running a home business brings both. The absence of a steady paycheck is a significant deterrent for many potential entrepreneurs. Every month, I stare at my revenue spreadsheet, wondering if this will be the month when nothing comes in.

However, despite the financial stress, I feel empowered doing something I love. I write, publish, design, network, learn new things every day, and get paid for it! The success or failure of my business rests entirely on my shoulders, which is both stressful and exhilarating.

Tips to Break the Cycle of Work-Binge and Rest-Purge

To avoid falling into the trap of overworking and subsequent burnout, here are some tips:

• Set regular work hours and stick to them.
• Turn off the computer when work-time is over. Don't check email!
• Exercise regularly to relieve stress and increase efficiency.
• Get out of the house! Take a walk, go to the mall, or indulge in a designer latte.
• Pamper yourself with a haircut, a massage, a manicure, or a little something special at least once a week.
• Spend quality time with your kids.
• Schedule a date with your partner.
• Read a book for fun or watch a movie unrelated to your business.
• Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
• Use your time wisely. Say no to activities that don't contribute to your family's well-being or your business.

I plan to follow these tips, but not all at once. Implementing two or three of these a week can make a significant difference. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Starbucks for that latte.