Business & Careers Article: Running your business on little sleep

By: Melissa Khalinsky of Business Mums Network

As any parent will tell you, one of the worst things about having small children is sleep deprivation. New babies require feeds around the clock, as they get older, there is teething, illness, toilet training, nightmares, and more that can result in sleep deprivation for parents.

As a small business owner, most of the day to day tasks are yours and you have no one who can cover you during times when you have had no, or little, sleep.

So, how do you keep going? Here are some ideas.

Firstly, don't be a hero! You are not superman (or superwoman), and no one expects you to be. Prioritise your tasks and only get done those things that are of a higher priority. Finish a project for a client is important, sorting those paperclips can wait until another day!

Secondly, if you work at home, try and rest while the children rest. This doesn't have to be a sleep. It can be lying on the couch watching the midday movie - just aim to have some down time to recharge your batteries. If you don't get some rest, you are less likely to be able to complete your work to a standard you are proud of.

Thirdly, if you can, have an early night. Business tasks, and housework, can wait until tomorrow. It is not a tragedy if the washing doesn't get brought in and folded up, or you left a phone message to return until the next day.

If for any reason, you have tasks that needed to be completed and you couldn't get them done, communicate with your client. If your baby is teething and you have been up three nights in a row, explain to your client. If your client has children, they will understand. Reassure them that it is high on your list of priorities and it will be completed, you have just been delayed a few days.

Sleep deprivation is hard to live with. Your business doesn't have to grind to a stop because of it, and neither do you.

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