Are you an entrepreneur who’s feeling burned out? I’m guess the answer is a resounding “YES,” otherwise you would not have clicked on this post. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Burnout is a common problem for entrepreneurs. Welcome to the party!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what burnout is, what causes it, and how to avoid it. We’ll also provide some tips for recovering from burnout if you’re already experiencing it.
What is burnout as an entrepreneur?
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can show up as feelings of fatigue, anxiety, depression, detachment, and difficulty concentrating.
A general malaise.
An overwhelming “meh.”
The worst part about it…we are the cause of it. Yes, that’s right, as entrepreneurs, we sometimes develop crappy habits just trying to “survive.” Maybe we spend too much time trying to “hustle.”
Or maybe we have some old/out-dated definitions of entrepreneurism stuck in our head telling us we need to be “on” 24/7 and always available by email/text/phone. Let’s talk more about that…
Some seemingly “helpful” habits that are causing our burnout include…
- Working too much: Entrepreneurs often feel like they have to be “always on” and that they can’t afford to take breaks. This can lead to working long hours, which can increase stress and make burnout more likely. Working harder doesn’t always equal more revenue.
- Not taking care of yourself: Entrepreneurs often neglect their own needs in order to focus on their businesses. This can include not getting enough sleep, eating unhealthy foods, and not exercising. Self-care is essential for entrepreneurs, you need daily self-care habits to nurture your brain, body, and soul.
- Not saying no: Entrepreneurs often feel like they have to say yes to every opportunity, even if it’s not something they really want to do. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which can contribute to burnout. Saying no to things that don’t fit your business is actually one of the benefits to being an entrepreneur, embrace it!
- Not having a support system: Entrepreneurs often feel isolated and alone. This can make it difficult to cope with stress and burnout. Find a coach (hi!). Search for a group you can get support from. It takes a tribe!
Now that we’ve shed some light on how we’re burning ourselves out, what can we do next?
How to avoid or recover from burnout
There are a number of things you can do to avoid or recover from burnout. Some of the most important include:
- Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means not working on weekends, taking breaks during the day, and saying no to things that aren’t a priority.
- Take care of yourself: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising. These things will help you stay physically and mentally healthy, which will make it less likely that you’ll experience burnout.
- Build a support system: Surround yourself with people who support you and who you can talk to about what you’re going through.
- Take breaks: If you’re feeling burned out, it’s important to take a break. This could mean taking a few days off, going on vacation, or simply taking some time for yourself each day.
Burnout is a serious problem for entrepreneurs, but it’s something that can be avoided. Your business can’t run without you. If you even just picked one thing to do today to avoid burnout, you’ll be doing yourself a favor! Let me know how it goes, share in the comments.