Many people are drawn to self-employment as a way to create meaningful lifework.

Self-employment, though, can also create many opportunities for stress.

Whether the source is the flow of money, a website crash, or an argument with a client, stress can seem like an unwanted guest who lingers long after he’s worn his welcome.

Because stress is so prevalent for self-employed people, it’s essential to have a way to quickly eliminate it. Otherwise, the long-term effects of adrenaline and cortisol, both released during stressful moments, can lead to long-term health risks like heart disease and cancer.

But a more immediate concern is that women do not thrive when adrenaline and cortisol run rampant in their bodies. It depletes our life force, and in general, makes it harder for us to connect with people on a heart level.

And when you’re a service provider, if you’re not connecting with people, it’s difficult going to grow your lifework.

Essentially, too much stress makes it difficult for women to succeed.

Instead, women thrive under conditions that produce oxytocin, or as Dr. Ellie Drake of BraveHeartWomen.com calls it, “the prosperity hormone.”

So how can you have more of this wonderful hormone?

Develop a joyful way to reduce stress

Considering the pros of oxytocin, you might find it helpful to create a rich, fun practice that increases oxytocin in the body.

But if you’re anything like me, adding one more thing to your “to do” list just feels like more stress.

Fortunately, I recently discovered something you might love. (That’s projection on my part because I love my new practice.)

Maybe you’ve heard of it before … it’s called karaoke. On YouTube.com.

Seriously.

Just imagine, you can sing to your heart’s content, from the comfort of your own home office, and no one will ever know!

A friend of mine turned me on to this gem. Here’s a link to the Karaoke Channel on YouTube.

Of course, you can sing to regular ol’ CDs or itune playlists, but it’s not as much fun. Trust me.

How to reduce stress with karaoke

So why is singing so important?

Because believe it or not, singing increases oxytocin, significantly.

According to a study by the National Institute for Psychosocial Factors and Health in Stockholm, Sweden, singing significantly increased oxytocin, and elevated joy and elatedness in amateur singers. Both amateur and professional singers felt more energetic and relaxed after singing. Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12814197

Thus my suggestion for tuning into YouTube’s Karaoke channel throughout the day.

Here’s what you might do.

Work for 50-minutes then take a 10 minute break. During your break, sing.

Even one song can be helpful, but beware; you might end up liking it so much you sing 4 or 5!

Is it possible to create stress-free self-employment

I’m not sure if my karaoke trick will help you completely eliminate stress, but just imagine a day filled with joy and elatedness, simply because you took a few minutes to sing.

Your demeanor might even become more magnetic as a result, causing others to be drawn to your charm.

Who knows what might happen. Perhaps you’ll even find yourself going down to your local karaoke club and singing “These Boots are Made for Walkin’.”

The possibilities are endless.

Anyway, how do you relieve your work-day stress?

Share some of your favorite methods in the comment area below.

And go sing!

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