The tougher the times, the higher the stress — for both you and your staff. In “The Psychology of Stress,” Entrepreneur Magazine’s Tiffany Meyers writes that during this recession, business owners are dealing with the sense they’ve lost control of their futures. While gaining a sense of control in these uncertain times can be difficult, Meyers states the one thing you can control is your perspective.
The following expert tips will help you keep your perspective clear from the economic stress:
- Create a Network of Support: “Friends and family can point out when your doomsday scenarios are getting a little too biblical for your own good,” Meyers writes.
- Don’t Forget the Big Picture: In a difficult economy, the day-to-day numbers could cause radical mood swings. Eric Haggard and Kimberly Rock, co-owners of an online business, said they would obsess over them. “When orders are up, you’re up. When orders are down, you’re down. We made a conscious effort to stay positive by looking at the big picture,” says Haggard.
- Get Physical: Stress can literally make people ill. One of the best ways to counter it is through exercise. One business owner has started offering employees a weekly yoga class led by an instructor.
- Turn Lemons Into Lemonade: Even the worst scenarios can have a silver lining. Barbara Hyde Evans, owner of an interior design firm in Seattle, says the slowdown in business has meant she’s had time to focus on things she was too busy to deal with before, like organizing the office and advertising more aggressively.
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