I usually try to walk my talk as a business owner and live a fairly balanced life. However, despite my best attempts, life happens and blows my plans all out of whack. For me, this is especially pervasive during the winter months when I'm living my life between crazy holidays and days that have gotten colder with the daylight in short supply. I'm craving a vacation break right now but just simply don't have the ability to schedule the week away at a beach resort at the moment. So, here's my remedy for beating the mid-winter blues when chaos overtakes my life:

1. Take a mental health day (or half a day) and do something fun. Forcing yourself to leave your office and pampering yourself in some way will give you a brief reprieve. Need some pampering ideas? How about a massage or long soak in a tub or taking in a new movie or visiting a museum or a leisurely lunch in a nice restaurant? The key here is to engage in a relaxing, enjoyable activity that lets you escape from your daily task list.

2. Go to bed early one night or take an afternoon nap. Americans are the most sleep-deprived people of any nation on earth, and increased technological advances that are supposed to streamline our lives in reality only serve to keep us connected 24/7. I love the concept of an afternoon siesta, as happens in parts of Mexico, and think we all ought to incorporate more naps into our lives. Naps are a good thing..:)

3. Do it, delegate it, or dump it. Many times we hang onto tasks because of a feeling that no one can do it as well as we can. Get over that notion, and hire someone to do the things on your to-do list that you can't get to or really don't want to do. So, hire a cleaning service to get rid of the dust bunnies or a bookkeeper to update your financial records or a professional organizer to make sense of the nightmare junk bedroom. The feeling of completion that you'll get after hiring out a yukky task feels euphoric.

4. Stay connected. I'm the world's worst for going into hibernation during the winter months, just like the bears and the squirrels. Since I run my business from home, it's only too easy to disconnect from others. I make it a point to get more than my money's worth out of my unlimited long distance plan and stay in touch with friends in other parts of the country. It's the next best thing to a visit to their homes...:)

5. Read inspirational books or listen to upbeat music or to motivational CD's. If you're in a consulting-type service business, the month of December can be your slowest of the year. Instead of letting the lack of business drag you down, find and some autobiographies of inspirational business owners who overcame adversity to create their dream company. Pull out the CD's of music that you love and play them and dance in your living room. Or, let Jack Canfield or Tony Robbins (or your motivational speaker of choice) pump you up with an inspirational message.

6. Get some exercise -- preferably outdoors. Going outside to run or take a walk in the brisk 20 degree air isn't something that I place on my list of favorite activities. However, I know that my body craves sunshine and even 20 minutes spent outside can brighten my day immeasurably. If the weather outside is frightful, join the mallwalkers early one morning at your local indoor mall, or take a walk or do a quick exercise routine with your favorite instructor-on-CD program. One of my favorites is Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds, www.walkawaythepounds.com.

7. Ask for a pep talk. Sometimes us self-employed people can be our own worst enemies as we listen to our IBSC's in our head (Itty Bitty Sh**ty Committee) that berate us for our shortcomings. Kick the ISBC's to the curb, and ask a friend, spouse, colleague, or family member to "pump you up" when the going gets rough and to remind you how wonderful you really are!

The days between November - March can seem endless and dreary. Don't let the winter doldrums overwhelm you! Try at least one of these activities on a weekly basis to pick up your spirits. Spring is just around the corner!