Did you know that 60-90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related illnesses?

Stress is costly in terms of your health, relationships and performance. When you're affected by too much stress your body wears down and you get sick.

Highly disorganised people seem to be more susceptible to sickness as they are always under extreme pressure, running from one disaster to another.

What many business owners fail to realise is they constantly repeat the same stupid mistakes by not addressing the fundamental issues that are the cause of their problems and guess what that is? Their own personal disorganisation.

Gary has a business, employing 7 staff. When he contacted me he was at a point where the stress from his business was so bad, that he would constantly wake up 3 or 4 times a night worried about everything ...his cash flow, staff, lack of clients and the affect all this was having on his personal well-being and family life.

He didn't use a diary, had no way of planning and kept everything 'in his head'. Often his staff were idle because he hadn't spent time training them. That ensured the work didn't get done therefore causing Gary to lose clients. On top of that Gary was a perfectionist, he felt it was easier to do things himself so they would be done 'right'.

Being overweight didn't help either. He was constantly tired and uptight causing him to be moody and also very negative. His family and his staff would avoid him. He was spiralling downhill quickly but luckily he realised before it was too late, that it was time to get help otherwise he could lose his business, his family and even his life!

Step by step and week by week Gary has got a grip on the stress by using simple ways to reduce the pressure in his life. He's working less hours, business is more profitable and he's enjoying more time with his family (and they like spending the time with him too.).

1. Get Organised
   Learn how to manage yourself and your time. This includes how to plan and prioritise. You can do it yourself (good luck, because if you knew what to do, then why aren't you doing it?) or you can accelerate your results by getting coached attending seminars or reading or listening to material to learn how to improve your effectiveness.

2. Exercise Regularly Exercise daily.
   Try swimming, running or walking. Your body needs regular activity. "Use it or lose it".

3. Eat Healthily
   Feed yourself healthy food and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and you'll triple your output..

4. Learn to say 'No'
   Become more discerning about what activities you are prepared to do or participate in. If you're already overloaded, let people know.

5. Delegate or Outsource
   Do what you do best and get rid of the rest. This applies to work and home.

6. Avoid Procrastination
   Stop worrying about what may or may not happen if you make a decision, just take action.

I bet you probably knew all this, didn't you? Well my question is, if you're continually running from one crisis to another, disgruntled with the results you're getting in your business and your life then what actions are you going to take to rectify your situation?

Are you like the old man and his dog? There was an old man sitting on his porch in his rocking chair. Next to him was his dog. A stranger walks past and says "Why is your dog whining and howling?" The old man says "he's sitting on a nail". The stranger replies "then why doesn't he get off it?"

The old man responds "He isn't in enough pain yet?"

Spring is upon us, and if you haven't got your act together yet, when will you?

Lorraine Pirihi is the founder of productivityqueen.com and creator of “The Productivity and Profit System” the complete one-on-one training program for solopreneurs and small businesses.

Lorraine is also the celebrated author of “The Productivity and Profit Home Study System” which helps you to easily organize your time, your marketing, your people and your systems so you are much more profitable and have time to enjoy life. This is available at www.productivityqueen.com Online Store.

Lorraine is a productivity expert, leading business coach, author and speaker. She’s known for her practical approach, combining a unique blend of innovative, straight-shooter, no-fluff strategies that really work. Being in her own business for over a decade she is committed to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs work less, earn more and have a life!

She is a well known and respected expert on showing small business owners how to free up their time, organise their systems and their marketing so they make more money and enjoy more time off.