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40 May 2014 | beautystorebusiness.com make some mistakes. It's part of the growing process and will afford you teachable moments to ensure they don't repeat the same errors in the future. As your employees gain confidence through your empowerment, the payoff to you will be valuable time spent away from work to be with your family. Take Care of Yourself This can be a tough one. We have already determined that everyone has the same 168 hours in a week. Unfortunately, it is often very difficult for the small business owner to work in "me-time" with all the demands of running a busi- ness and raising a family. A recent study by the Gallup Organization in Princeton, New Jersey, indicated that "regular exer- cise improves your well-being and daily energy level." However, that same study indicated that only 27% of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise each week. In addition to improving well- being and energy, other studies show that physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress. If you don't already have a regular exercise routine, start one. This can be as simple as walking 20 to 30 minutes before going to work or even during the day at lunchtime. Gym memberships are also quite affordable these days. Try to find an exercise partner so you can hold one another accountable. Perhaps this could even be your spouse, which would allow you to be healthier while providing something for you to do together. Hobbies are also an important stress reliever. Make time on a regular basis for relaxing activities such as reading, tennis, hiking, or anything else that will take your mind off work. Even better, find a hobby that you can share with your spouse or children to improve your work/life rhythm. Take Regular Vacations Many small business owners are hesi- tant to take vacation time away from the business. Of course, there is always an excuse to not be away for several consecutive days. But if you don't take some time to get away each year, you will have a hard time finding the right rhythm in your life. If at all possible, you should commit to taking a one-week vacation with your family at least once a year. A weeklong vacation is the best way to make great memories with your family while also proving excellent stress relief for you. A full-week vacation will be more feasible once you carry out your plan to train and delegate some of your work responsi- bilities to capable employees. And if you don't think you can afford to take a one-week vacation, there are some great budget trips that can be taken for under $1,000 for an entire week. Even if you can't swing a full week of vacation, there are other means to ensure adequate getaway time. Many small business owners incorporate family vacations into trade shows and industry conventions. A few extra days can be tacked on to the beginning or the end of the event to create a nice family vacation opportunity. Long weekend trips can also provide much-needed time away. Periodic, extended weekend getaways are vitally important for any marriage. You will find that time away from the business, home chores and even your children will enable you and your spouse to recharge the batteries, making you all the more productive when you return. If you have found it difficult to find the right balance between your work and family, perhaps a change of mind-set will help. Seek a work/life rhythm for you and your family, and you should find more fulfillment in running your business while also achieving greater happiness at home. ■ J. Tol Broome Jr. is a Winston-Salem, NC-based freelance writer with nearly three decades of commercial- lending experience. J u g g l i n g Y o u r W o r k a n d L i f e . i n d d 4 0 Juggling Your Work and Life.indd 40 3 / 3 1 / 1 4 2 : 1 7 P M 3/31/14 2:17 PM