Burnout is something many entrepreneurs have struggled with. It isn’t a mental illness, but it is a mental health issue that’s of grave concern. 45% of entrepreneurs are worried about their stress levels and left unmanaged, that stress can quickly turn to burnout.
As the non-profit website HelpGuide explain in their article on burnout:
"Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest and motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place."
There are five stages of burnout – the honeymoon period where everything is great, the onset of stress, chronic stress, burnout, and eventually, habitual burnout. So it’s understandable that many entrepreneurs who are stressed, also worry about getting burnout.
If you want to avoid burnout, you first need to acknowledge that stress is actually one of those early stages of burnout. You then need to deal with those things that stress you and your stress levels before they escalate to that burnout stage. Here are some tips that will help you do that.
Know your passion
It’s easy to lose yourself under your to-do list. So remind yourself of the bigger picture. Focus on why you do what you do and how it feels to fulfil that. Focus on what you enjoy and reconnect with that passion that drives you.
Avoid burnout by being in control
There are so many things you can control in your working day. Your timetable, resources, working patterns, projects you work on, and many of the goals and deadlines you set. You also have control over communicating how you feel. So if you feel overwhelmed or overworked, address it and look to solve it. Also, check out these time management tips to help ensure you’re setting up your day right.
Establish clear expectations
You can help avoid burnout and stress by understanding what’s expected of you. Ensure you have all you need to do the job you’re paid to do. Know the standards you’re being held to and the guidelines you have to follow.
Manage your working environment
Your working environment is something you can control, and being in control helps you to minimise stress. Address any issues caused by your environment, such as a lack of good lighting or daylight, noises and general distractions. This includes interruptions and reinforcing boundaries and expectations you have of others.
Be supported at work and home
You need the right people around you, regardless of whether you’re at work or home. Build a support team that can help ease your workload and stress, so you can focus on creating a work-life balance that suits you.
Honour your work-life balance
And talking of work-life balance, switch off at the end of your working day. Look after yourself and your health. Exercise, eat healthily and get plenty of rest. And when you’re with your family, switch off devices etc so you can be totally in the moment.
Schedule in free time
And finally, schedule in free time throughout your week. Whether that’s in the form of regular breaks, lunch and breathing space during your day, or a holiday and days off. Your free time is essential if you want to really switch off and minimise stress and burnout in your life.
Burnout is something many entrepreneurs have struggled with. But if you want to do all you can to avoid burnout, the above tips will help set you on the right path. And if you’re looking to free up more of your time and create a better work-life balance, download a copy of my free workbook: The Business Booster No-Brainer.
