Overcome Stress - Use the Racehorse Strategy!

For many small business owners, stress and exhaustion are a 'normal' part of life. The good news is, it doesn't have to be this way. For a long time I thought "I don't have time" to look after myself properly - there's too much to do if I want my business to succeed. And then someone asked me whether I'd rather run my business like a racehorse or a donkey...

The best racehorses are high performance 'money-making machines' - they are spirited hot bloods, bred and trained to perform at the top of their game. Racehorses are sensitive, bold and learn quickly. The strategic combination of the best hay, comfortable stables, great medical care, regular grooming and pampering and methodical training is designed to maximize the performance of the horse. Their extreme levels of fitness give them speed and endurance. They train hard, they race and then they rest! Of course, if they aren't cared for properly, they run a high risk of injury or illness and may need to be put out to pasture...

Donkeys are the original beasts of burden - the 'work-horses' and backbone of many a developing nation! They will eat almost anything, look cute, are intelligent and are known to be cautious, self-preserving and more than a little obstinate at times! They also prefer to hang about in herds rather than get out front and lead. In Britain, unsuccessful racehorses are referred to as donkeys!

When you consider the question like that, it's not a hard decision is it? So how do you become a high-performing racehorse? You look after yourself! You choose to do what it takes for you to perform at your best.

A racehorse that is stressed, exhausted and has lost its mojo will never win the race. So why do you think you can win the race without the training and self-care that comes first? When you take good care of yourself you become refreshed, you are able to work faster and more effectively and you think more clearly and creatively. Yesterday's problems no longer appear insoluble. Your life is balanced and time pressures become manageable because you are in a healthy, energetic high-performing space!

Here's five ways to treat yourself like a racehorse:

o Take plenty of time off for rest and relaxation - let your mind get creative...

o Pamper yourself - what is it that would really make you feel great? Go do it now...

o Treat yourself - what is your best food for having plenty of energy? (no, that would not be sugar...) Have plenty of it on hand.

o Take yourself for a good run - do your hard yards and get some results, then find a way to wind down that works for you - give your adrenals a rest!

o Use preventative treatments rather than waiting to become ill from overwork and too much stress - acupuncture is fantastic for balancing your energy levels and keeping yourself in shape.

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