4 ways to avoid Burnout as an Entrepreneur
In the current environment where everything is becoming digital, everyday life is so intensive and the value of our time and attention is increasing more and more, it is critical for everyone and especially entrepreneurs to look after their emotional well being. Here is what you can do about it, except the healthy eating and exercising, which are an absolute must-do!
Notice the unhealthy perceptions about burnouts
If you are one of those entrepreneurs, who think burnouts are a sign that you are working hard enough on your business and it will lead you to success, you are actually terribly wrong and a victim of the work-hard-no-matter-what theory.
Experiencing burnout is a clear sign that you need to change something in your mindset or environment
In 2019 The World Health Organization added burnout to the International Classification of Diseases. The three indicators of burnout are feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. These symptoms are a direct result of too much stress anxiety over job performance and can result in health issues.
So, if you catch yourself making compromises on your well being, take action and if needed ask for help. It could be your mindset that is holding you back or the people you are surrounded, the leaders you admire or your workflow and habits. Really healthy and successful people invest their resources in the long-term run and that means taking good care of your mental and physical health.
Try to stay present & observe
Everything starts from here — if you are not in awareness of the present time, your emotions, what exactly caused them, how and why you are treating yourself and others in times of crisis — you probably won’t be able to maintain mental wellbeing.
Make the habit of regular check-in with yourself during the day. This may sound like a mission-impossible for every entrepreneur, whose days are full of hard work and meetings, but you need to keep in mind that simple habits like this are critical not only for the busy entrepreneurs but to people at all.
Do you really need to start feeling the consequences of your negligence and face a problem to take action against it?
It will cost you so much more to fail at this habit, that trying your best to maintain it. The good news is although it is impossible to stay present all day long and it is not necessary. It will be enough to schedule just a few moments during the day to practice these check-ins — right after you wake up, before the first sip of coffee, before lunch, on your way back home — personalize it.
Maintaining a separate identity from the company
Many times founders feel that they are defined by their business and attach their self worth to it. This means every time you struggle with a new challenge at work it affects also your personal life and time to relax and entertain. You don’t want to be the friend or the family member who is always devoured by work and never truly present and happy, right? It is very important to nurture other aspects of one’s life since life is made up of different aspects, not just one. We need to nurture our needs, interests, and relationships.
Learn more on this topic in our article: “You are not defined by your job title”
Create an emergency plan
As an entrepreneur your primary job is to solve problems, this is exactly the reason that causes burnouts, so start planning your workflow smarter, to avoid them. You need to make an emergency plan for yourself. After maintaining the habit of being present and regularly reflecting on the problems and emotions you face during the days, you will be able to create an emergency plan for the moments when you are too tired or angry, or anxious to make decisions.
Example
When the problem arises stop whatever else you are doing for 10 minutes. Use the first 5 minutes for a break and managing emotions and during the other 5 minutes, sit down and think about possible solutions. It sounds simple but it cleanses your thoughts and allows you to focus. You will be able to get back to your schedule without being distracted by anxious thoughts because you will know the first steps towards a solution have been already made.
Conclusion
Long hours and stressful conditions are a natural part of entrepreneurs' life. But you don’t have to let them result in burnout. By implementing these strategies, you can sidestep this problematic condition so you can achieve balance and be more productive.
Subscribe to our Newsletter to get the latest news and educational materials!
