Managing a business is difficult, but adding in chronic pain, it can seem impossible. Every business and their demands will vary, however, incorporating some of these tips may help decrease symptoms and increase your profits.

Take time to identify if there are patterns in how you feel, whether itʼs daily or over periods of time and have an action plan to adjust your work according to how you feel. For example, if thereʼs a certain time of the day you are the least energetic, use that time to perform routine tasks, organize or simply rest if you can. Another example is, like most chronically ill patients, I have difficulty sleeping some nights. Instead of tossing and turning, I use this time to write on my website, research my business, etc. The next day, I may take time to take a nap to catch up on my sleep.
Identify the most important tasks that are critical to your business and set aside time each day to focus on those tasks. If you are having a day that you are not able to work beyond completing those tasks, at least youʼve completed the most critical tasks that will keep your business profitable. Consider breaking down your day into fifteen minutes to one hour chunks, depending upon your business, to focus on that one task. Consider spending one hour each day on your marketing activities. One hour each day responding to customer inquiries, emails, phone calls, etc. Fifteen minutes on filing extra papers and sorting mail. Staying focused for increments of time on one activity can increase productivity.
Take an hour every morning to manage your symptoms through stretching, exercising, and eating well. If you have children, include them in this routine prior to going to school, so they also learn healthy habits for their lifetime. It is critical to remember when exercising with Fibromyalgia to start slowly and always do a little less than you think you can to avoid a flare-up. Eat a meal in the morning that has a good balance of carbohydrates and protein to keep your energy balanced for the morning and avoid a dip in energy. One easy solution is a protein shake with fruit.
Find a way to incorporate your illness into your business. This can help give you more passion for your business and help promote awareness. Promote a percentage of the funds to support a non-profit specific to your illness. Donate your services to your local organization. There are a variety of ways you can tie in your business and this will give you exposure to new clients as well.
Develop a system to delegate tasks to employees, family and friends. This is probably the most difficult to accomplish as a small business owner. However, as you grow your business identify routine tasks where you could hire a virtual assistant, bookkeeper, graphic artist, etc. to do the work for you. Make projects out of routine tasks like assembling papers, filing, cleaning the office, addressing envelopes and enlist your older children to help for a little bit each day. This will teach them business skills as well.
Every business should have a disaster plan and if you are a business owner with a chronic illness, you should have a plan for a day you arenʼt feeling well. Identify a plan of action for a day you arenʼt feeling your best or you are in a flare-up. What tasks must be done? Who can perform them on your behalf? How do you communicate your need for help? This may require designing clear processes and training a support person for assistance. A virtual assistant to use intermittently might be your best solution.
With some planning, organization, and really understanding your bodyʼs rhythms and triggers you will be able to design a business plan that supports your business and growth and is also flexible for times of flare-ups.
Lisa Meloche, President and Massage Therapist, Bodywork Alternatives Massage Therapy butyoudontlooksick.com ©
*No changes in treatment should be undertaken without the supervision of a physician.