7 Ways to Manage Breaks As A Home-Based Business Owner
This week during a coaching session, one of my clients shared
her ongoing struggle with managing "breaks" throughout the day.
Whenever she felt the need to get up from her desk and stretch
her legs, she found herself in the kitchen.
As a result of this habit, she is now 20 pounds heavier, very
uncomfortable and extremely unhappy with herself.
Unfortunately this phenomenon is all too common among
entrepreneurs who transition from the outside work world to
working from home.
Home business presents challenges not normally experienced while
working in the corporate or "outside" world and managing breaks
is a big one.
When you work outside of the home, a break might be spent by a
water cooler, in a lunchroom, or outside on a bench chatting
with a co-worker. When you do spend your break in the company
lunchroom, you seldom find a fully stocked fridge and cupboards
chock full of food at your disposal.
When you work from home, your break locations aren't quite as
extensive and because it's very unlikely you would spend this
time sitting in a bedroom or talking to yourself in the bathroom
mirror, the kitchen is the most logical destination.
How you spend your breaks at home requires a little creativity
and A LOT of discipline. By giving yourself options, setting
limits, and creating healthy habits, it won't take long for you
to re-direct yourself when you find yourself drifting towards
the kitchen.
Here are 7 simple options to get you started:
1. Grab your remote telephone, head outside for a lawn chair and
call a friend. This not only addresses the "break" issue but
also combats the feelings of isolation that often affect
home-based business owners. The important thing to remember here
is set limits for yourself. Institute a 15-minute break rule and
enforce it, otherwise you can lose an entire afternoon.
2. Pick up your mail. Whether the mailbox is at the end of your
driveway or just down the street, this is the perfect
opportunity for you to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
3. Play your favorite CD and listen to song that takes your mind
completely off your work. Enjoy a cool class of juice or a tasty
cup of tea while you immerse yourself in the music. If you're
feeling a little sluggish, pop a lively tune into your boom box
and kick up your heels! There's no better energy boost than a
good boogie!
4. Take a walk around the block. Take your puppy with you and
light two candles with one flame. Get to know your neighbors,
keep your pet healthy, and enjoy the great outdoors.
5. Meditate. There's nothing like a midday meditation to free
your mind and relax the body. The benefits are immense and
impact all areas of your life and business.
6. Set kitchen hours. Establish certain times throughout the day
when the kitchen is off limits and stick to them.
7. Sweep the entryway or vacuum the living room. It may not be
exciting but it will give your mind the break it needs, and will
save you time elsewhere so you can spend it with family and
friends. A few little cleaning breaks throughout the day really
add up.
What other ideas come to mind for you?
Your success and wellness all boil down to discipline, creative
thinking, and being gentle with yourself. Don't beat yourself up
if you've created habits that are counterproductive. Instead,
seek solutions and take appropriate action.
It's all about developing structures and processes and when you
realize you have the power to design your own activities, you
will create amazing results for yourself.
2006