How stressed are you really? Take this quiz to find out. Mark as many of the items below that you identify with.

_ Calgon! Take me away!

What would you give for a vacation right now? If you named a body part, then you’re feeling too stressed.

_ I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.

Is this how you feel in the morning when the alarm goes off?

_ Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizzoh what a relief it is.

Are you experiencing stomach aches, headaches, or other physical signs of stress?

_ Take my kids, please!

Are you enjoying your children, or are you ready to sell them on eBay?

_ To the Moon, Alice!

Is your love life giving you warm fuzzies or cold pricklies?

_ I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!

Are you overeating to try to feel better about yourself?

How’d you score?

1-2 - Not too bad. You’re feeling kind of overwhelmed, but it looks like you’re handling things fairly well. Take some extra time for yourself during the holidays to stay in balance.

3-4 - You’re walking a fine line right now. Add another stressor to your life and you risk heading toward big time stress. It’s time to tackle it now.

5 - 6 - Uhhh. You’d better keep reading.

Stress Reeks Havoc

Even low levels of stress can exacerbate or possibly cause these physical illnesses: Heart Disease, Stroke, Susceptibility to Infections, Gastrointestinal Problems, Diabetes, Muscular and Joint Pain, Headaches and Migraines
As well as these psychological conditions: Memory and Concentration Difficulties, Sleep Disturbances and Depression

And, yes, some days I feel like I’m suffering from all of those! That’s when my body is trying to tell me, “Nicole - you’re way out of balance!”

So, if you’re just not feeling as well as you should, then really reassess your stress levels and visualize what that stress is doing to your health.

Spending Time on Yourself is NOT Selfish. Working Yourself Sick Is.

I know, I know. You’ve heard it 100 times before and you’ll hear it another 100 times. You know why? Because it’s true. You need to have balance in your life. And, believe me, I battle this on this a daily basis, so I know it’s hard to find balance when you are driven to succeed at being a WAHM. But, even when your ‘to do’ list seems insurmountable, you still need to take care of your health (both physical and emotional).

But, you know what? You can do it. Start by choosing a hobby. Scrapbooking, guitar playing, belly dancing, reading, pampering, wood working, gardening, poker. Just find something outside your work that makes you happy.

Yadda yadda. I can hear you brushing me off. Hang on a second and keep reading.

Think of the example you are setting for your children. If you have little interests outside of being a WAHM and are feeling stressed and unhappy, your children will follow in your footsteps.

Strive to treat yourself as you’d hope your children would treat themselves. You’re teaching them every day how to grow up to be happy adults, but the words will mean nothing if the example isn’t there. Try to have a night out with your sweetie or with some girlfriends every few weeks. They deserve a happy Mommy.

Meds: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Doctor-prescribed medication and self-medication are two methods of stress management.

Neither of these options is good or bad. Just like everything in life - take it in moderation. If you enjoy an glass of wine after a long stressful day, then enjoy it guilt free. (cheers!)

If your doctor prescribes a medication that you need to get through a difficult time, then by all means you do what is best for you.

Or, if you enjoy herbal remedies, teas and aromatherapy for relaxation, then go for it!

However, one of the common effects of stress is over-medicating or self-medicating. So, if you find yourself relying heavily on alcohol or medication (either doctor prescribed or self-prescribed) or you begin taking illegal drugs, then talk to your doctor about it as soon as possible. You deserve to enjoy your life - not miss out on it.

Sometimes we have to be Sneaky

Sometimes the best thing for your business is to get away from it for a bit. Seriously, I have my best inspiration when I’m NOT at my computer - which is a little scary since my businesses are online.

Treat yourself to 15 minutes to yourself - even if you have to tell your husband you’re having ‘bathroom issues’ in order to get undisturbed time. (shhhh I’ve done this.) I wonder how surprised my husband would be to find me sitting on the floor of the bathroom wrapped in a blanket, reading a book? I know, it’s too much information, but I’m trying to show just how important it is to have that time to yourself. I’m not promoting deception in marriage, but if you have to stretch your time in the bathroom, don’t feel guilty about enjoying the freedom.

So, make an effort today to start stealing moments of happiness. Life is not a dress rehearsal, enjoy every second that you can!

Nicole Dean is the mostly-sane mom behind http://www.ShowMomtheMoney.com - a fun and informative resource for Work at Home Moms. She invites you to sign up for her free ShowMomtheMoney 101 Tutorial at http://www.showmomthemoney.com/free-tutorial.htm * This article was originally published in the WC http://www.showmomthemoney.com/wc.htm *

Most of my friends work outside of their homes. That’s not unusual. There are a few of us, however, who have chosen to stay at home with our young children. We’re the minority, but still not unusual.

What should be considered unusual is the discovery recently uncovered among my group of busy female friends. ‘We-who-work-at-home’ utilize our crock pots approximately 75% more frequently than those who have traditional j.o.b.s.! This statistic is of course in no way official, just a quick sampling of local gals; but a shocker nonetheless. We also thought the new ‘cupcake carrier’ was awesome. Go figure.

Why then, do the ‘moms-who-work’ choose to neglect the one piece of equipment capable of solving a multitude of meal-planning/creation problems with just the flip of a button? After a brief survey, I have concluded that their error in meal prep judgment stems from merely a lack of information. Even in the twenty-first century, a large number of intelligent mothers still think that the lowly crock pot stashed away in their attics is useful only on occasions calling for ‘meatball appetizers’ or baked beans to take to ‘Aunt Shirley’s’ house on Labor Day. What? How can this be? Naturally this information gave way to many shouts of ‘oh, no’ and ‘my goodness’ from the ‘moms-who-stay-home’ but yet use their slow cookers religiously.

I too used to be one of the ‘fast cookers’ who worked away from home. During those years I probably used my crock pot two or three times a year. We also ate way more fast-food in those days than we do now. Running around like I did from job to home to kid activity, it’s a wonder we weren’t malnourished. Dominoes did a very brisk business on our street as well.

Strangely enough, many folks believe that since I’m home all day, just playing with kids and checking my email (yeah right,) meals should be a total breeze. Heck, to hear them tell it I should be preparing gourmet meals everyday with a smile on my face while sporting a pearl necklace and high heels. Again I say, ‘what?’ Hello, twenty-first century here people. If we’re working at home these days, most likely you’re finding us not only minding our young children, but simultaneously running successful home businesses. Without some effective meal planning, we’d still be keeping the pizza delivery guy running in style.

So how does the crock pot make life easier? Not rocket science folks. I don’t even spend time planning out a month’s worth of meals. As long as I have a good supply and variety of meats and other staples in my kitchen, along with some simple crock pot recipes that my family will actually eat, I’m set. Getting it all started in the morning takes anywhere from five to ten minutes. While I’m making coffee and listening to my little ones enjoy yet again another episode of ‘Dora’, I plop the ingredients into the pot, and after putting the lid on and setting the button on low, I’m done. There’s nothing more to think about, and my house smells fantastic all day long.

Get that crock pot down from the attic, dust it off, or better yet clean it first, find yourself some delicious recipes and you’ll be on your way to joining the ranks of the moms of the ‘Slow Cooking Renaissance.’ Enlighten yourselves to the benefits of crock pot cooking and watch your lives improve and your families beam with joy as they devour your results.

Author Bio: Sherry Frewerd is a WAHM of three busy kids who publishes a variety of websites; specifically http://familycrockpotrecipes.com where you can find the crock pot recipes your family will love. Join the ‘Slow Cooking Renaissance’ today!

Working from home provides tremendous advantages for a mom. You’re able to set
your own schedule, bag the stockings and read at the preschool. You can nap when
you’re tired or call a friend. What a life!

But challenges also abound. It’s almost impossible to work without childcare. The
more you’re in the house, the messier it seems; domestic projects call from every
corner. The mail carrier may be nice, but he’s not a colleague. And nobody is
looking over your shoulder to make sure the job gets done.

To thrive as a work-at-home mom, you need to set guidelines. What follows are
time management tips gleaned from my experience writing from home as the
mother of two girls, now 5 and 8.

*Establish boundaries. Don’t allow the kids in your office without
permission. I set this rule early, and as a result I can always find my stapler. I cannot
say the same thing for my hairbrush or lipstick.

*Set a schedule. Notice how your preschooler needs structure? So do you.
A regular work routine will help keep you from getting sidetracked by daytime TV.

*Buy a stopwatch. I click my stopwatch on to write and click it off when I
leave my desk. At day’s end, I log my work hours. Tracking time keeps me focused
and helps separate “work” from “home.”

*Keep a “small stuff” to do list. Working at home allows you to use spare
moments for office work. But to be efficient, you need to keep a list of tasks that
can be done in 15 minutes or less.

*Stash toys. I keep a basket of toys in my office for special occasions.
Since the kids don’t use them regularly, the toys have novelty value. The basket
buys me an hour of work time on my children’s sick days.

*Distinguish breaks. Two hours spent cleaning the playroom is not a
break, it’s a morning. Start the day with work, not chores. Keep breaks short, work
hours long. Ignore the dust bunnies.

*Set the handyman straight. Chat and then make it clear that you have to
go back to work. Tell him that you’re on a deadline — even if you’re not. He’ll get
more work done, and so will you.

*Get out. Working at home can be isolating. Schedule events that require
you to wear clean clothes and interact with adults who are not relatives, contractors
or delivery people.

*Know thyself. It’s confusing. You’re a working mother but you’re mostly
around stay-at-home moms. Deadlines call, but you’re constantly asked to
volunteer. Consider your work commitments before accepting outside obligations.
Remember, you’re a working mom, even if you don’t commute.

*Take advantage. What’s the point of working at home if you don’t enjoy
the perks? Sneak in a siesta. Check in on Oprah. Shop for shoes. Celebrate the “free”
in freelance, and the “independent” in independent contractor!

(c) 2006 Jennifer Bingham Hull. Reprint rights granted as long as entire article is
published, including resource box and its live links.

Jennifer Bingham Hull is an award-winning author and mother of two. Her book,
Beyond One: Growing a Family and Getting a Life, looks at the
issues women face as the family grows. Jennifer’s articles have appeared in The
Wall Street Journal, Parenting, Working Mother and many other publications.
She also speaks to parenting groups. To learn more visit http://www.growingafamily.com/ where you can also contact her to receive this “Life
Beyond One” column regularly and sign up for her free newsletter.

Here are some excellent businesses that you can
start, operate and grow from your home. All these
work at home businesses have the following desirable
features:

**Low Startup Costs

**Ease of Entry

**High Income Potential

**Home Based and Operated

**Worldwide Sales Potential

**Residual, Recurring and/or Passive Income Potential

1. Consulting

A consultant is someone expert in a field who, for a fee,
advises businesses or individuals on various matters of
concern.

Many times we tend to feel that our knowledge, skills
or abilities are nothing unique. However, many lack
those same assets and would gladly pay us for our
knowledge and services.

Although it is possible to make a living from consulting
with individuals, the big money is in performing services
for businesses.

Do you have knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting, tax or
similar business matters? Some have made excellent money
specializing in small business consulting.

Are you a computer hobbyist with business or internet
experience? You could make money in web design, internet
marketing, search engine optimization, or some other
specialty.

Some lawyers have combined their legal experience with their
love of the Internet and specialized in intellectual
property and computer law.

For further information and resources about consulting,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/consulting.html

2. Finding

A finder is someone who, for a fee, finds something
needed by a business or individual. A finder`s fee
is the amount paid to the finder for locating what
was required.

Finder`s fees are paid for finding money (loans,
equipment leasing, et cetera), equipment (mining,
construction, et cetera), personnel, companies for
sale, locations (fast food franchises, vending
machines, et cetera) and just about anything else
that people are willing to pay for.

Simply match sellers with buyers and you can earn
finder`s fees.

For further information and resources about finder`s fees,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/finder.html

3. Auctions

An auction is an event where items are sold to the highest
bidders. An internet auction, online auction or e-auction
is an auction where you can buy and sell items on the
Internet.

Many thousands now make their living or fortune from
selling products and services on eBay and similar auction
sites. So can you!

For further information and resources about auctions,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/auctions.html

4. Drop Shipping

Drop shipping is a method of selling products without
stocking inventory yourself. When you make a sale you
contact the manufacturer or authorized distributor who
ships it to the customer with your invoice and shipping
label. Advantages include no warehousing, shipping, or
inventory costs.

For further information and resources about drop shipping,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/dropship.html

5. Affiliate Programs

An affiliate or associate program is a method of selling
products on the internet through commission sales. When
someone you refer to a website buys, the company you are
an associate of (or affiliated with) pays you a commission.

In many cases, it is also possible to make money from the
efforts of people that you introduce to the affiliate program.
You can also expand your product line by joining and
promoting more than one affiliate program.

For further information and resources about affiliate programs,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/affiliate.html

6. Webmastering

A webmaster is a an internet specialist reponsible for all
aspects of web sites.

Areas where businesses need assistance include web site
design, logo, banner or graphic design, web hosting,
e-commerce, internet marketing, web programming, scripts,
security, web site maintenance, copy writing, mailing list
management, and many other areas.

For further information and resources about webmastering,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/webmstrbus.html

7. Self-publishing

A self-publisher creates, produces, and sells information
products. Information products may be in the form of books,
booklets, videos, audio cassettes, compact disks (CDs),
electronic books, files, databases, private websites, and
other media.

The information products that you create are unique. You
have exclusive control and ownership of your own products.

For further information and resources about self-publishing,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/selfpub.html

8. Instant Publishing

An instant publisher sells information products produced by
someone else who grants them reprint (or resale) rights.
Often self-publishers will sell such products to complement
their own information products.

For further information and resources about instant publishing,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/instantpub.html

9. International Trade

International trade involves importing and exporting.
Importing involves buying goods and services from suppliers
in another country. Exporting involves selling goods and
services to customers in another country.

For further information and resources about import-export,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/impexp.html

10. Mail Order

Mail order is a method of conducting business through the
mail. Goods and services can be sold through direct mail
(and also via catalogues, magazines, newspapers, radio,
television, web sites, and other media). Customers can order
by mail or by other means (fax, telephone, internet, et
cetera). Delivery of orders can be made by mail or alternative
means (such as by courier for physical goods or by fax, e-mail,
telephone, or electronic files for information).

For further information and resources about mail order,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/mailord.html

RESOURCE BOX

J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc.,
http://www.popeconsultinginc.com/ has been helping
clients to earn maximum business profits for over twenty-five years.

For valuable Work at Home Small Business Ideas, visit:
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/

Connecting to a wired Network requires you to do several things. Read the instructions so they can be easier to understand as you perform the task step by step. If you are in school or just have several computers in your home and need to connect them all to a wired network you will first plug the Ethernet cable into your computer and into the network port in the wall or in a mini hub.

Turn the computer on and open your web browser. From there you should be redirected to a registration page. Follow the sign up steps on the screen. Restart your computer and you should be good to go. Many colleges and schools have this system set up for students and teachers so they can be connected to the internet while in their dorms, classrooms, or other locations round the campus.

The necessity for internet service and computers in schools seems to be much greater today because computers are a wave of the future. They are used in every business today and the necessity will only increase so it is very important that everyone learn how to use the computer and to use the computer to write essays, term papers, etc. Setting up a computer and getting connected to the Internet can be a daunting task if you are not familiar with a computer.

There are new technological devices being introduced everyday so it can be very stressful if you know nothing about it. It may be a good idea to get a friend or professional computer expert help you to make sure you can be connected. There are a lot of technical terms used that can be very hard to understand if you are not knowledgeable about a computer.

If in doubt, get some help from someone who knows what they are doing. It is better to ask for help than to mess something up and have it cost you more in the long run. It is not shameful to ask for help. Most people do not know all of the tech words or their meanings when it comes to the computer and network. That is why some people go to school just to learn all about the computer. There is a need for educated computer experts so they can help those who do not understand all of that technical stuff. There are more people who do not understand it than those who do. We are all learning everyday and will not stop learning because new advances in technology will not allow it. It is an ongoing education we all need if we are going to be able to keep up. We all can learn from each other.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as wireless internet access at http://www.wirelessinternetaccessservice.com.