Once again, I tried to cram too many projects into too



little time. I skipped meals, slept poorly and paid the

price with three days in bed. At my age, you would think I'd

know better.

And I do know better. Back in the bad old days when I was

an employee, I was able to pace myself. There were others

with whom I could share tasks. There were scheduled lunch

breaks. There was that guaranteed weekly paycheck. Sometimes

it sounds like heaven on earth.

But in actuality, my old job was a long way from Eden,

especially after my daughter was born. I spent my days

obsessed with time -- mentally calculating the point when

the L.A. traffic would make it impossible to get from the

office to our daycare provider before closing. And all the

while, what I really longed to do was be at home and watch

my little girl grow.

The idea of working at home was very appealing, if only for

the stress relief.

Two years later, I have a growing home business -- but

surprise! I'm still playing Beat the Clock - only now

running against Megan's preschool schedule... and I'm just

as stressed now as I was then.

"How can that be?" asks my incredulous husband.

For one thing, it's a different kind of stress.

Experts list money problems and uncertainty among the things

that cause anxiety in people, and if you really need to net

x-amount of dollars from your home business, you can expect

to experience both. Losing the comfort of that weekly

paycheck is a major reason more people don't choose to be

entrepreneurs, and I can assure you they have a point. I

begin each month by staring at my revenue spreadsheet,

wondering if this will be the one when nothing comes in.

Then, when I've made some entries and it starts looking

sort of good, I worry that the pace won't keep up -- or that

the next month will be a dud.

However, as nerve-wracking as that can be, if you feel

trapped in a situation you hate (as I was in my former job),

feelings of helplessness can set in... and that's not only

stressful, but can plummet you into depression.

The anxiety I experience over money woes is more than offset

by how empowered I feel because I'm doing something I enjoy.

I write, I publish, I design, I network, I learn new things

every day... and I get paid for it! (Well, most of the

time. And if the money is slow coming in, there are always

things I can do to try to drum up a little bit more.)

The fact that the success or failure of my home business

rests entirely on my shoulders adds to my stress-level. But

at the same time, it's exhilarating -- and is what drives

me and other home-based entrepreneurs to take on too many

projects.

My three days in bed were actually a delight. I didn't even

turn on my computer and did little else but watch old movies

on television. It's a shame it took a little sore throat and

fever to force me to slow down -- and now that I'm back on

the job, I'm determined not to let it happen again!

Here are some tips to help you (and me!) get off the

frustrating cycle of work-binge and rest-purge:

1. Set regular work hours... and stick to them!

2. When work-time is over, turn off the computer. Don't

check email!

3. Get some exercise - it not only helps rid your body of

the symptoms of stress, but it clears your head and gives

you the energy to work more efficiently.

4. Get out of the house! Take a walk, go to the mall,

indulge in a designer latte.

5. Pamper yourself - Get a haircut, a massage, a manicure or

buy yourself a little something special. Do this at least

once a week and enjoy.

6. Make a playdate with your kids.

7. Make a playdate with your partner. (No, not your work

partner! Unless that really appeals to you...)

8. Read a book for FUN... or see a movie. Whatever you like,

as long as it does not relate to your business.

9. Catch up with old friends and make some new ones.

10. Consider the time you have and use it wisely. Just say

no to extracurricular activities that do nothing to

advance your family's well-being or that of your

business.

Will I be following my own advice? Yes - but not all at

the same time. Two or three of these a week can make a lot

of difference.

Now, if you'll excuse me -- I'm off to Starbucks for that

latte.