We’re no strangers to stress, and I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that the stress levels of freelancers may be higher than many employees. On top of getting new clients, keeping old ones, taking care of the family, and making sure your business stays healthy, it’s understandable that freelance writers (could) go nuts.
Then there are the times when there is too much work to handle, but you don’t want to go back on your word and not deliver. There are solutions, yes, but in the long run, the stress can build up to toxic levels. You either lose clients because of poor work, or you get sick and lose clients anyway.
They say when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, and I am the first to agree with this. Sometimes, though, we have to call it a day and give ourselves a break.
That’s when it’s better to go de-stress when the going gets tough – instead of playing macho. It doesn’t mean we’re wusses. It just means we’re human, and we’ve got limits.
Easy ways to de-stress
So you “don’t have enough time” to stop work, but you know you have to let some of that stress go. Here are easy, simple, and 100 percent guaranteed ways to de-stress (depending on your personality, of course).
Retail Therapy
Retail therapy has this negative connotation for some people, but it doesn’t have to be like that. If you think about it, you probably have your own version of retail therapy. While some may like shopping for clothes and shoes, others feel like they’re in heaven when buying books.
You don’t even have to leave the house or spend more than you have to if you visit sites like ChameleonJohn which offer discounts and promos from a wide array of stores. Personally, though, I’d get coupons for bookstores and get my bum off my chair and spend an hour or so at the bookstore breathing in the aroma of books. I have a feeling you’re with me on this.
Pampering
As with retail therapy, pampering takes on different forms for each of us. I like to think that for me, pampering involves the body, mind, and spirit. This means spa time, massages as often as I can afford, and activities such as yoga, which is not only good exercise but also excellent in regaining focus and balance.
Pampering yourself does not need to take up a lot of time and money. Aside from what I mentioned above, think about the little things that can help you feel good – and thus de-stress even if only in little bits.
When was the last time you had your hair cut/done?
When was the last time you went out with friends for a glass (or two?) of wine without worrying about work?
When was the last time you went to the park and just sat there enjoying the outdoors?
Adrenaline Rush from Outdoor Activities
For adrenaline junkies, you know what you have to do to de-stress. Go out there and jump off a bridge (attached to a bungee cord, of course). If you can afford an adventure experience and there’s a service offering that near you, then splurge a little and enjoy the endorphins that will blow all that stress away.
Your Turn
The three ways to de-stress I’ve mentioned cover a lot of ground. The list is biased based on my own experiences, so why don’t you share your own ways to de-stress? I’d love to hear some ideas, and I’m sure we could all get some inspiration from each other.
You may also want to read: Writers, Do You Take Care of Yourself?
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