Being self-employed is synonymous with long hours, and working through those days that you really should have taken off. It means that your stomach is repeatedly in knots and adrenaline just doesn’t flow anymore.

If this describes you, you’re not alone.

Working for oneself from home, in front of computer on weekdays and weekends is becoming evermore popular thanks to internet and World Wide Web. However, with this ever growing popularity of independence, comes increasing build of stress.

Symptoms of high stress in those who are self-employed include:

Meetings are inevitable — whether you’re a business executive or member of a volunteer, social, or civic organization. But meetings can be a very effective and efficient way to communicate, if properly planned and conducted. To help you pull off successful meetings, below are some key strategies to follow. You may only need to address a few of them, if you’re conducting an informal meeting. For a meeting with major consequences, you should give all or most of these areas careful consideration.

Prior to Meeting

First, you’ll need to define purpose of meeting and develop an agenda with cooperation of key participants. Then distribute agenda and circulate background material, lengthy documents or articles ahead of time. This will make participants feel prepared, involved and up-to-date, so they can be ready to make valuable contributions to meeting.

Next, choose an appropriate time for everyone to assemble. It’s also important to set a time limit and stick to it, as much as possible. Participants have other commitments and will be more likely to attend meetings if you make them as productive, predictable and short as possible.

If possible, set up room so attendees can face each other in a circle, semi-circle — or U-shaped rows for large groups. The location you choose should comfortably suit your group's size. Rooms that are too small can get stuffy and create tension; a larger room is more comfortable and encourages individual expression.

During Meeting