Being a business owner means wearing many hats. Sometimes you’ll be fixated on finances or marketing, other times on team management and administration. No matter what challenge you’re facing, being a business owner is a lifestyle that requires constant adaptability and flexibility. However, this relentless pace of juggling multiple responsibilities can quickly lead to burnout, taking a serious toll both mentally and physically. So, let’s learn about the signs and how to get out of it if it feels like it’s controlling your life.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion where an individual feels physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion. This can occur to anyone who feels inundated with too many responsibilities all at once, creating feelings of “emptiness” because of the high volume of stressful circumstances. While it’s not a medical or mental health condition, it’s classified as a syndrome because it has a collection of symptoms associated with specific health-related causes. Burnout isn’t just work-related; it can also occur through a variety of demands, such as being a parent, living with a chronic illness, having rocky relationships, or managing school and work at the same time.
Stress vs burnout: are they the same?
Though stress is a major contributing factor to burnout, the two are distinctly different experiences. Stress is typically short-term and situational. While it may disrupt your sleep, drain your energy, and affect your emotions, you can still engage with and work through the stressful situation. Burnout, however, represents a state of complete emotional and physical exhaustion. You feel so detached and demotivated that it severely impacts your ability to function, often accompanied by a sense of hopelessness that your situation will ever improve.
What are the signs of burnout?
Burnout is a gradual process that occurs over time, not just something that appears one day. Sometimes signs can go unnoticed for a couple of weeks or months, until they get so bad, it becomes unavoidable. It’s best to catch it before it gets to that point, so let’s look at the symptoms:
1. Exhaustion – Feeling tired even after sleeping, causing physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, or muscle pains.
2. Distance – Feeling detached, alone, or defeated by your business, co-workers, or clients.
3. Hopelessness – Lacking a sense of purpose, satisfaction, or the ability to achieve things you once enjoyed.
4. Fatigue – Finding it hard to feel motivated to get anything done.
5. Appetite – Eating a lot more or less than normal.
6. Unproductive – Feeling distracted from staying on track and finding it hard to stay focused, mindful, and motivated when the emptiness takes over.
7. Irritability – Getting frustrated more, causing potential outbursts, experiencing mood swings, or taking out anger on others.
8. Vulnerability – Abusing substances such as alcohol, drugs, or coffee.
Noticing these signs is very important. Often, many people try to just push through and keep going, but everyone has a breaking point where they’ll crack.
Tips to get out of burnout
If you’ve realised you hit your limit, the first step is to take a step back and:
Acknowledge the burnout signs
Recognising that you’re experiencing burnout is the crucial first step towards change. Many entrepreneurs resist this acknowledgment, but accepting your current state allows you to take appropriate action. Allow yourself to acknowledge this real and common experience.
Take a moment to reset your mind
Most business owners started their ventures because they’re determined to make an impact. But the most successful and impactful entrepreneurs don’t avoid breaks and rest; they actively prioritise them. They understand that stepping back allows them to recharge and gain a fresh perspective on their challenges. This is exactly what you should do too. So instead, take time away from your business to recharge and don’t feel guilty about this. Use this time to ground yourself so you can return stronger and more focused than before, rather than allowing your health to deteriorate further.
Reconnect with yourself and your passions
Think about how your recent actions and thoughts have been affecting you. Have they been helping or hurting? When you take time to reconnect with what originally fueled your passion and examine where it’s led you now, you create space to make meaningful changes or reinvent your business in a way that better aligns with your core goals.
How to deal with burnout
Once you’ve recognised you’re experiencing burnout and are ready to move past it, it’s important to identify targeted solutions. These solutions can address your specific challenges so you know how to recover from burnout:
Financial stress
If money worries are contributing to your burnout, take control by planning a realistic budget, seeking debt advice from qualified professionals, and exploring any welfare benefits you might be entitled to. Financial clarity can significantly reduce stress and help you make better business decisions.
Business management
Structure your day with clear routines and create a dedicated workspace that helps you stay focused. Make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout your day and set firm boundaries around when you’re “on the clock” and when you’re off. Stay connected with colleagues or fellow business owners. Having regular check-ins can provide support, accountability, and fresh perspectives on challenges you’re facing.
Social isolation
If you’re feeling disconnected, don’t suffer in silence. Consider reaching out to support lines, joining business owner groups, or simply investing more time in the relationships around you. Building a strong support network is crucial for both your mental health and business success.
Physical wellbeing
Support your recovery by eating nutritious, balanced meals and staying physically active; even a daily walk can make a significant difference. Stay hydrated, limit alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, consider reducing or quitting. Your physical health directly impacts your mental resilience and ability to handle stress.
Remember, addressing burnout isn’t about implementing every solution at once. Start with one or two areas that feel most manageable and build from there.
How to prevent future burnout as a business owner
Whether you’re looking to avoid burnout for the first time or prevent it from happening again, here’s what we would recommend to any business owner so they can avoid burnout from happening or create a burnout recovery plan:
1. Set clear boundaries
Learn to switch off and create separation between work and personal life. You can do this by prioritising self-care, such as making time for your family, your partner, and your physical and mental wellbeing. Try reading that book you’ve been meaning to get to, watch the show that’s been sitting on your list, and don’t forget to move your body with daily exercise. These aren’t luxuries, they’re essential investments in your long-term health.
2. Seek outside support
If you have a team, perfect! Delegate tasks to lighten your workload and empower others to contribute meaningfully to what’s going on in the business. If you need an extra eye, consider working with business coaches or professional mentors who can provide valuable guidance, fresh perspectives, and the encouragement you need during challenging times. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Practice mindfulness
There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness into your routine, whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking moments throughout your day to pause and check in with yourself. These practices can help you stay grounded and respond to stress more effectively as you run your business.
4. Conduct regular evaluations
Every few weeks or months, take a step back and assess your current business strategies. Ask yourself what’s working, what isn’t, and make adjustments where needed. This proactive approach helps you stay aligned with your goals and catch potential issues before they become overwhelming.
Leave burnout behind and work towards success
By recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps early on, you’ll be able to reclaim your business and find a better balance for your personal and professional life. If you’re looking to connect with a coworking space in Canberra, Haven Workspaces offers a supportive community of like-minded professionals who understand the entrepreneurial journey.
