Self-employed entrepreneurs need stress management too!

It seems that everywhere I turn there are articles and news stories about how companies are rewarding their employees during these trying times in order to reduce stress and increase morale. But who provides these perks to the self-employed? Often we entrepreneurs are putting our every waking moment into our work in order to build our business and ensure our success. That can mean endless hours at the computer, non-stop phone calls, end countless worries, and financial stress. So here are some ways to take care of your #1 employee without taking out a small business loan:

1. Get a massage! Many massage schools offer student massages for a very low rate, and the students who are giving the massages are usually near the end of their education and have quite a bit of experience. You’ll find that a monthly, or even weekly student massage can help relax your mind and unwind your nerves, along with many other health benefits.
2. Move that body! If your work involves sitting in front of the computer all day long, then it’s more important than every to sneak a little exercise in! Make it a point to walk your dogs. Watch a tutorial or the news or your favorite webcast from the treadmill. Ladies, don’t forget your kegals too!
3. Fuel yourself for success! Talkers, have a cup of hot tea in the morning. Snackers, supply yourself with a small variety of healthy snacks. Avoid high sugar and caffeinated drinks as they can cause you to crash and burn.
4. What’s gonna work? Teamwork! Keep in contact with at least one other person in your field that understands the challenges you face. This can be either in person through friends and colleagues, or online through the many social networking tools. Just understand that this works both ways. Listen, share ideas, and ask for help when you are stuck. Just because you work alone, doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself.
5. Call the shots! Set your own hours and change where to hold meetings and lunches. Pick your own favorite restaurants or coffee shops instead of always getting together in an office. A change of scenery or pace can make work more fun.

I’m sure there are dozens of other ways you can de-stress your day and I’d love to hear them so please leave ideas in the comments below!

It’s summer vacation and the kids are driving me nuts! HELP!

It’s the same old story. I work from home, but when the kids are on summer vacation all work stops and my home turns into a full time daycare. I can’t afford to send them to summer camp and I also can’t afford to take my own summer vacation to play all day. The solution? Imagination. Between the kids imagination and my resourcefulness, we’ve found a long list of activities that keep them busy without breaking the bank. Here are my top 5 favorites:

1. Salt Dough – Possibly the coolest stuff since sliced bread, salt dough is easy for the kids to make and they love it! The ingredients are super-cheap, and you can add color and fun scents by mixing in dry kool-aid powder to the dough.
2. Wading Pool - Those cheap hard plastic wading pools are good for so much more than wetting your feet. They’re an emergency shelter in a waterfight. They’re an easily washable wrestling rink when filled with jello. And right after you wash it you can have your kids bob for mini marshmallows. Plus, fun in the sun is almost always followed by strangely subdued and exhausted children so naptime makes this one a double bonus!
3. Sock Puppets - Using a marker and whatever crafty supplies you have around the house, you and your kids can create the coolest to creepiest little sock creatures ever seen! Any box or window can be converted to a “stage” while they let their inner-thespians shine!
4. Dry Erase Markers – Whether you have a white-board or not, dry erase markers can keep kids busy for hours and they’re really easy to clean up. You can find a spare whiteboard at most thrift shops, but any glass surface will do the trick. Whether they’re playing teacher and student, drawing up plans for their latest invention, or just coloring for the pure fun of it, the re-usability of this office supply makes it a winner.
5. Box City – This requires a certain tolerance for a temporary mess, but large appliance boxes have always been entertaining for kids. Get a couple from your local hardware retailer and build a town!