7 ways to de-stress your freelance business
We can all do with a lot less stress, especially, now, in a global pandemic with who knows what around the corner.
Now is the time to be kind to yourself, take the pressure off and buckle in for the long haul. And that means slowing down, setting boundaries and realising that you don’t need to do it all, all by yourself.
Here’s 7 key ways to take the stress out of your business
Take social media off your phone – yes, really
Unless your phone is your work, ie you don’t have a computer, you truly don’t need social media on it. Most people check socials on their phones when they’re out, first thing in the morning or late at night. Ie, when you’re not working. So, leave work behind.
2. Have some screen-free time every day
I know it’s hard – we are all addicted but like most addictions, recognising that you have one is the first step to making a change.
I take my dog out for a walk every day. No phones, no music, just fresh air and my thoughts.
I also don’t take my phone to bed with me; it stays downstairs. No social media-driven dopamine first thing in the morning or last thing at night. I think it’s really helped my sleep quality and general focus.
3. Delete email from your phone
Remember when phones were just that – phones? Try deleting email from your device and not being a slave to every message that comes through.
Instead check your email on your computer when you start your day, and again at the end of the day. Okay, maybe a third time at lunch if you’re waiting on something important or pitching for a big job.
4. Don’t work weekends
This is a big one but so important. Switching off your computer at 5pm on Friday - or whenever your work week ends - is such a good feeling. I take mine upstairs and put it in a drawer too - out of sight, out of mind.
And by Monday, I feel rested and relaxed.
5. Repurpose content
Coming up with new content all the time is one of the hardest parts of blogging or business marketing.
Your clients find you in different ways – very few or none are going to see and read every single thing you’ve posted or written about. So, pull out that old blog post and put a fresh spin on it. Or revamp your Instagram graphics and run them again.
6. Outsource
The cornerstone to any successful business. Don’t run yourself ragged trying to do everything and finding little joy in it. Outsource the boring, time consuming or just plain annoying tasks to someone else and focus on what you do best.
Hire a VA for a couple of hours a week to answer emails and write social media posts, or hire a proofreader for a one-off job to polish a final paper.
7. Make technology work for you
There’s a million and one apps out there designed to make freelance life run more smoothly. Check out my post on some of my favourites.
Need to create a business card, a report or social tiles? Get a free Canva account and use their templates to create a something fast.
Collecting email subscribers? Use a email marketing system like ConvertKit or Mailerlite to create simple sign up forms that simplify the process.
About the author: Lilani Goonesena is a digital communications specialist and the director of LIGO Creative. Based in Canberra, LIGO delivers content, editing, SEO copywriting, web design, strategy, social media and branding for government, the development sector and businesses. Contact LIGO today.
