Traffic... Sales... and Headachy Emails

Not since the phrase "Go West Young Man!" has there been as much promise of wealth and riches for anyone brave enough to explore this new frontier, the Internet. With this new wave of technology anyone can open up a virtual store and sell their products and services around the clock with the entire world as their potential clientele. The Internet is everyone's dream come true! There's only one problem. No one told you about the endless, sleepless nights of designing and redesigning your website, the volume of hours you'll spend reconfiguring cgi scripts, fixing forms, researching how to get found in search engines, trying everything to generate traffic, and testing, testing, testing. If your Online business has become a hobby for you, then this can all be an exciting adventure, and a tremendous learning and growth experience. However, many people grasped onto the hope of financial freedom with such conviction, that they either left their jobs and/or invested the family security in their commitment to their Online Venture. These people are depending on success, they're learning on the fly, and by now it's taking it's toll on many of them. Pressured to succeed, these ambitious hopefuls spend long days and nights at the computer, skipping meals and getting no exercise. Typically, this small business is under staffed and working on a "shoe-string" budget. The loss of a key customer can be devastating. Add this to the frustration of an enormous investment of time and energy with often negligible results, and the uncertainty of success and you have yourself a very serious case of STRESS. Stress, by itself, is not a disease; however those who suffer from stress over extended periods of time can aggravate numerous health conditions such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, and many more. High stress levels can also be the root of a weight management problem. Unregulated and poor quality meals combined with a lack of proper exercise is in itself a major contributor to a weight problem. Now, add high levels of business stress and you are looking at a potential for obesity. In the interest of optimum health and business success, it is essential for the Web based entrepreneur to find ways to manage their stress and anxiety. Physical activity can be a terrific stress reliever. So I encourage you to walk, run, and/or make a commitment with a friend to engage in a game of tennis at least 3 to 4 times every week. Aside from the health benefits, a change in environment is often beneficial to gain fresh perspective. In dealing with stress, it is also important that you eliminate any "old baggage" you may be carrying around. Bad relationships, past abuse, childhood or teenage traumas, or even something you did that you've felt guilty about ever since. Think carefully about your past. If there is anything there that causes you discomfort or painful memories, you will feel a tremendous weight off your shoulders by dealing with those emotions. Meditation, massage therapy, progressive relaxation, channeling, guided imagery, biofeedback, reiki, yoga, and qigong are approaches helpful in overcoming stress. In fact meditation is so effective in reducing stress and tension that, in 1984, the National Institutes of Health recommended meditation over prescription drugs as the first treatment for mild hypertension.(1) Certain herbs have been known to help reduce anxiety and help you to relax. Changes in diet can also be helpful as can Chinese techniques like acupuncture and acupressure. I suggest that your try several of these suggestions and settle on a combination of 3 or 4 that seem to be the most effective for you. Remember to always consult your health care provider before drastically changing your activity level or eating habits. Have yourself a stress free, successful business venture.