I work from home. Whoever says that working from home is easy has lied to you. It's very hard and you will work more than you ever did in your life! On the upside, it's also very rewarding and invigorating. But that doesn't mean there is no stress involved. If you work from home, how do you conquer stress?

I find mini ways to relax throughout the day in order to increase productivity and overall mood. Relaxing = Productivity? Oh yes. When you take a 5-15 minute breaks throughout the day you begin to notice a change right away. You also can beat stress by keeping a good schedule, maintaining balance, and developing a good routine that works for you. Here are some ways that I take stress by the horns and control this powerful beast.

1. When I rise in the morning, I begin my day with a shower sprinkled with 5-7 drops of fresh Rosemary oil. The scent is refreshing and a definite pick-me-up. It gives my mood an instant boost. I listened to news in the shower once but no more. I allow this time to be noise free so I can start my day off in a peaceful state of mind. Then I get dressed and ready for the day. I maintain a strict "No-pajama" rule after 9:00 a.m.
2. Next, I prepare a cup of hot tea, usually Yogi Chai, Guayaki Yerba Mate, or Yogi Ginger. I was in the habit of buying them at the local cafe, but I skip that now and make my own. Preparing a simple cup of tea is relaxing because as I'm waiting for the water to boil, I engage in about 5 minutes of stretching exercises and deep breathing. By then, the water is ready and I toss in a tea bag and finish stretching for about another 5 minutes. During this time I'm careful to not allow my mind to slip into work mode. I don't do mental lists in my head. I don't think about my clients or editors or anyone. It's just me and my body, alone.
3. When the tea is ready I usually whip up a light breakfast. Usually fruit in cereal with soy milk. Sometimes I'll have yogurt and some almonds. I make sure it's healthy. I never skip breakfast, the moment I do I'm done for.
4. After this morning 'me' time, which takes about 45 minutes, I then begin my work day. My office is at home so this means I pretty much sit at a desk as I am right now. I return phone calls, write emails, handle billing, and most of all conduct research for writing assignments or begin writing posts for my blog decor8.
5. As I work throughout the day, I'm mindful to take mini breaks, usually around 10 am and 2 pm. I take a full hour for lunch no matter what. I don't eat at my desk, I sit near a large window and watch the birds outside or I go out and grab lunch with my husband or a friend a few times a month to break up the routine.
6. I stretch a lot throughout the day because my back can get pretty tense from sitting. I have a huge balance ball that I sit on in the afternoon for 15 minutes while typing, it does wonders for your core strength. I started this 'new' routine last month and I'm already seeing results.
7. I keep a very tidy desk, I advise all who work from home to do the same. Being organized helps me with my stress levels. It eliminates unnecessary time trying to locate items. I'm more productive if everything has a place.
8. Fresh flowers are a constant feature in my home, but especially on my desk.
9. iTunes get a lot of use during the day, but I make sure that what I'm listening to doesn't distract me or influence my mood or worse, make me tired!
10. Fresh air is wonderful. Just opening the door and walking outside for 5 minutes in the afternoon works wonders. On days when going outside is a challenge, I crack the window.
11. An air purifier kept in your home office is excellent, it rids the air of allergens, dust, etc. making you feel better and more alert.
12. Keep lavender nearby. I have a small lavender sachet that a friend sent to me and I hold it to my nose whenever I feel tense. Sounds crazy but really, it's helpful! 
13. Another excellent way to relax is to experiment with the array of Badger Balms available. I have almost all of them. At night I always apply Sleep Balm to my wrists, collar bone, and behind each ear. During the day, the Stress Soothing balm works wonders.
14. Meditation, prayer, stretching... Whatever does it for you, make sure you take a moment to devote to your spirituality each day. It's very important since it's a human need hard-wired into our genetic code that is commonly neglected. Taking time out during the day to get in touch with this side of yourself is extremely freeing. We often have to much going on and taking a moment to shut off the world and think -- Well there is really nothing more inspiring to me that these shorts moments. I regain strength, focus, and determination.
15. Another thing that helps me control stress is to take time to handwrite a few notes. Yesterday I spent 15 minutes using some of my favorite letterpress stationery from Ink & Wit to write cards to friends. Shifting the focus to another person is unselfish and has advantages - you feel better when you are doing something kind and caring that will positively impact someone you care about.
    to dear friends. Taking the focus off of work and my own life is a great way to de-stress.
16. And finally, don't forget your sense of humor. Laugh more. Don't take yourself or others too seriously. If you start feeling grumpy, listen to a podcast of your favorite comedian or call a friend that never fails to boost your spirits.

Oh and I missed a guilty pleasure that I engage in at least once a month... If you can schedule it in, go see a movie in the middle of the afternoon or go for a swim at the gym. Hit the good sales before everyone else. Go to the art museum when it's completely quiet. Shouldn't you have a few perks when you work from home?

(image from badger balm)