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Stress Management 101
Recent research shows that women entrepreneurs are one of the hardest working groups in Canada's economy, putting in 20% longer hours in a day than any other group. "Many women entrepreneurs get up at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. in order to squeeze everything into their day," says professional lifestyle coach Susan Wright of Wright Momentum (info@wrightmomentum.com). "And often, at the busiest, most intense times of our lives, we throw away all we know about eating right and exercising."
Here are some simple tips from Susan on how to manage your stress:
- When under extreme stress, stop and take a breath. It's a simple tool, but the most effective.
- Don't lose focus on "self" – honour and respect yourself. Take time for yourself every day, even if only for a half hour. "Make an appointment with yourself."
- Multi-tasking can be counter–productive - rethink what you are doing. Prioritize what's most important to you and choose a maximum of three things.
- Know your own values. Make wise choices and evaluate to see if they're the right choices.
- Listen to what you need, not what society and a stimulating environment tell you that you should have or do.
- Acknowledge your situation and recognize your patterns - e.g. Are you an overachiever?
- Are you a joiner? Choose your affiliations wisely and avoid overextending yourself.
- Get attuned to your body. Physical exercise can be an energy booster but also a drainer if that's not what you need emotionally. Know when enough is enough.
- Try to free up some time. We tend to over schedule our lives, leaving no time for spontaneity.
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