Lower Stress and Anxiety

Lower stress and anxiety is probably the most important skill for freelancers. In today's economy, we're all competing for fewer and fewer jobs. With more competition comes increased stress and anxiety.

Here are a few tips to help lower the stress and anxiety that come with being a freelancer:

Focus on the Positive

Staying positive is the easiest thing you can do to lower your stress and anxiety. Instead of focusing on your problems, focus on your successes.

Be Prepared

One of the biggest sources of stress is the lack of preparedness. You never know when you'll be faced with a tight deadline, or even worse, an open-ended task. Make sure to save everything you need for future projects. Don't wait until the last minute to start building your online portfolio.

Have a Plan

Having a plan for your work can help reduce stress and anxiety. Create a master schedule and stick to it. Always prioritize your tasks and finish the most important ones first.

Be Aware of Your Environment

We've all experienced anxiety and stress in our daily lives. However, the amount of stress we're exposed to varies greatly.

Being aware of your surroundings can help prevent and manage stress. If you are at a loss, it's better to know it before you feel it. Being aware allows you to take action. For instance, if you notice that you are feeling anxious or stressed, you can turn off your computer, take a break, or change your environment.

Stay Organized

Keeping a well organized workspace is essential. A messy desk can cause you to procrastinate or stress over something that isn't urgent.

Make Friends

Making friends with fellow freelancers can go a long way towards reducing stress and anxiety. It's nice to have someone you can talk to. Having a friend you can count on for advice or feedback can give you a much needed confidence boost.