Hi lovelies,

As an entrepreneur, you can identify with the long hours of brainstorming, mapping out marketing strategies, outsmarting your competition, etc., to achieve your business goals. Although hard work is good, too much of it can lead to anxiety and other mental conditions. Research reveals that entrepreneurs are more likely to experience depression and other issues associated with stress. To keep away from the statistics, you should address this situation with the following practical tips. 

Identify the stressors
Certain factors make you anxious and stressed, and it’s best to identify them as early as possible. One way to do this is to write down these things and break them down into smaller fragments to help you map out strategies to address them successfully. For instance, if your morning routine makes it difficult for you to get to work on time, leading to a rushed and disorganized day, you can identify what you can take out to help make things less cluttered. It will help reduce your stress level and make you feel more relaxed.

Exercise regularly
Exercise is a good stress reliever that you should incorporate into your lifestyle. Apart from giving you a toned figure, workouts increase your endorphin levels, making you feel refreshed and improving your mood. You can incorporate Tai Chi and yoga into your workout routine, as they lower your heart rate and blood pressure through controlled breathing and movements. You can also include Pilates, dancing, walking, swimming, gardening, etc. You should let your doctor determine the suitable workout for you and have fun while exercising. 

Take a break
It will help to take a break from your usual work routine. While it might seem like a contradiction, various studies have proven that regular intervals from work can refresh your body and increase your productivity. Why not plan a vacation or a staycation to take your mind off work for a while? During this chill out period, try as much as possible to avoid work-related activities, calls, or emails. Focus on any other activity that you enjoy. For example, you can spice things up by getting yourself some smart copper mugs for Moscow mules and experiment with different ingredients to create a refreshing beverage. Or you may prefer to go for a long walk to appreciate nature or simply get cozy at home with a movie. Whatever you choose, just make sure that you are resting your body and mind. 

Retire to bed early
As an entrepreneur, you shouldn't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. Research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that entrepreneurs who had 4 hours of sleep each night had increased stress, sadness, and anger levels and felt a lot better when they acquired 8 hours of sleep. For this reason, you should retire to bed early to get your needed rest. It’s advisable to avoid taking food or caffeine late in the day. You should also develop a sleep routine and reduce irregular naps. Besides all these, a soothing bath will prepare you for a lovely night's sleep. 

Spend time with loved ones
Being around people you love (family and friends) can increase your laughter rate, which helps to relax your body. It also reduces your stress rate, improves your cardiovascular health, and prolongs your lifespan.  You can meet with your loved ones weekly or organize an outdoor party once a while to have fun with them. It will also help to have virtual meetings or phone calls, especially when you can’t meet up with them physically. 

It will be best to give yourself time to unwind, to perform your tasks effectively. Hopefully, these tips will help you relax your mind and body for maximum business productivity.