Sometimes it’s easy to forget to take a deep breath and relax when you work from home. However, stress relief and relaxation are especially important with a home business, since there are some many stressors related to being your own boss. Taking time to relax a little and refresh is important. I try to make sure that I relax at the end of my work day — and make sure it is the end of my work day. I also like to do small things during the day to keep me motivated, and feeling a little relaxed and less stressed. Some of the things I do during my work from home day for relaxation include:

* Self-massage: I do my neck and shoulders, and my hands. It’s amazing how relaxing — and energizing — this is. Meditation balls help especially with the hand massage.

* Deep breathing: Sometimes I’ll take five to 10 minutes and do some deep breathing exercises that bring close to meditation. This helps refresh and relax me, relieving stress.

* Power nap: A 15 – 20 minute power nap can relax me, and help me feel less stress as I tackle my afternoon.

I also like to start my day with yoga, and I swim three times a week in the mornings. This helps me start the day with a lower stress level, and higher endorphins. I feel more relaxed on days that I exercise. I also find that having greenery in my home office helps soothe me. I have two plants where I can see them, and enjoy a bit of nature in my home office.

What do you do to help relax and relieve stress during your work from home day?