7 Ways to Manage Breaks As A Home-Based Business Owner
This week during a coaching session, one of my clients sharedher ongoing struggle with managing "breaks" throughout the day.Whenever she felt the need to get up from her desk and stretchher legs, she found herself in the kitchen.As a result of this habit, she is now 20 pounds heavier, veryuncomfortable and extremely unhappy with herself.Unfortunately this phenomenon is all too common amongentrepreneurs who transition from the outside work world toworking from home.Home busine...
...ss presents challenges not normally experienced whileworking in the corporate or "outside" world and managing breaksis a big one.When you work outside of the home, a break might be spent by awater cooler, in a lunchroom, or outside on a bench chattingwith a co-worker. When you do spend your break in the companylunchroom, you seldom find a fully stocked fridge and cupboardschock full of food at your disposal. When you work from home, your break locations aren't quite asextensive and because it's very unlikely you would spend thistime sitting in a bedroom or talking to yourself in the bathroommirror, the kitchen is the most logical destination.How you spend your breaks at home requires a little creativityand A LOT of discipline. By giving yourself options, settinglimits, and creating healthy habits, it won't take long for youto re-direct yourself when you find yourself drifting towardsthe kitchen.Here are 7 simple options to get you started:1. Grab your remote telephone, head outside for a lawn chair andcall a friend. This not only addresses the "break" issue butalso combats the feelings of isolation that often affecthome-based business owners. The important thing to remember hereis set limits for yourself. Institute a 15-minute break rule andenforce it, otherwise you can lose an entire afternoon. 2. Pick up your mail. Whether the mailbox is at the end of yourdriveway or just down the street, this is the perfectopportunity for you to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.3. Play your favorite CD and listen to song that takes your mindcompletely off your work. Enjoy a cool class of juice or a tastycup of tea while you immerse yourself in the music. If you'refeeling a little sluggish, pop a lively tune into your boom boxand kick up your heels! There's no better energy boost than agood boogie!4. Take a walk around the block. Take your puppy with you andlight 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 freeyour mind and relax the body. The benefits are immense andimpact all areas of your life and business.6. Set kitchen hours. Establish certain times throughout the daywhen the kitchen is off limits and stick to them. 7. Sweep the entryway or vacuum the living room. It may not beexciting but it will give your mind the break it needs, and willsave you time elsewhere so you can spend it with family andfriends. A few little cleaning breaks throughout the day reallyadd up.What other ideas come to mind for you? Your success and wellness all boil down to discipline, creativethinking, and being gentle with yourself. Don't beat yourself upif you've created habits that are counterproductive. Instead,seek solutions and take appropriate action. It's all about developing structures and processes and when yourealize you have the power to design your own activities, youwill create amazing results for yourself. 2006 © Laurie Hayes - The HBB Source
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