“A relaxed mind is a creative mind.”
Yogi Tea Tag

One day, when my son Alex was about four, he saw that I was feeling harried. His advice simple and to the point, “Just freelax, mom!” Now, whenever I get a bit overcooked about my work, I try to remember my pint-sized philosopher’s words of wisdom. And since burnout is a dangerous pitfall for new business owners in launch mode, when I was writing my start-up guide, Birthing the Elephant, I asked a couple of stress management experts to share some tips. Here are a few of their ideas which might prove helpful as energy boosters:

Do deep breathing: Several times a day take a few moments to breathe from your diaphragm. Inhaling more air more slowly is very energizing.

Take regular computer breaks: Just five minutes a few times a day can be helpful. Stretch, shake things up, take a brief walk outside.

Get moving! Exercise and a healthy diet are incredibly important for building stamina and reducing stress. Don’t let the page trap you into inactivity.

When you’re in a relaxed state, ideas start flowing: Use guided meditations to destress or take ten minutes once or twice a day to close your eyes and visualize your favorite beach or mountain — any place that you find totally relaxing.

Give yourself an aromatherapy boost: Invest in a portable diffuser for your office and fill it with lavender oil to relax or peppermint oil to invigorate yourself. Or you can simply take a few drops of peppermint oil, mix it with a carrier oil (almond or jojoba), and dab it behind your ears for a quick pick-me-up.

How about you? Any “freelaxing” techniques you find especially helpful during your writing day?