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Issue 1 > Resilient business owners.

Resilient business owners.

Michael Licenblat shows how to manage yourself when working under pressure.

As a self-employed business owner, you are your business. Quite often, you are also the marketer, client relations manager, office administrator, help desk, occupational health and safety officer… and the office support team!

So, it is you who has to manage the pressures of working long hours, cash flow issues, keeping up to date with your industry changes, heavy workloads, as well as finding time for your personal/family life—without burning yourself out.

So, how do you run a small business without burning yourself out? One of the keys is being able to manage yourself when working under pressure. Here are four tips to help:

1 Release physical tension. Spending a lot time, each day, sitting at a desk, on the computer, or in the car will create muscle tension.

If not released, that tension will make your body feel tired, sluggish and achy. By stretching your body every 2-3 hours for just 45 seconds, you can increase your energy levels and reduce aches and pains. Try this:

• Stretch your chest. Lean into a doorframe with your hands on the doorframe at about eye level height. Or, clasp your hands behind your back and lean forward and then bring your hands towards the ceiling. Hold for seven seconds. This will help to open the chest, ease breathing, release upper back and neck stiffness.
• Stretch your neck. Interlace your fingers and place them behind your head. Then just with the weight of you elbows tilt your head forward to face the floor. Hold for seven seconds—feel the stretch behind your neck. This will help to loosen neck muscles, reduce headaches or 'tired eyes'.

2 Develop a resilient mental attitude. According to medical research, being in a negative state of mind (or emotionally depressed) can reduce the strength of your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Persistent bad moods can also lead to poor health. Worry and frustration create tension in your body making you more prone to fatigue, muscle pain and illness.

Focus your mind on the solutions you need, and take consistent action that moves you towards resolving the situation, instead of worrying about the problems you encounter. People who are optimistic about their challenges have healthier immune systems, are not as adversely affected by stress, and suffer half the number of infections as pessimists.

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