7 Ways to Avoid Burnout as a Business Owner

Stress is a normal part of everyday business- things don’t go as planned, you’re feeling behind, a project is bigger than you expected. It happens! But overtime, prolonged stress can disconnect you from your work, or “burn you out.” And it is necessary as a business owner to avoid burnout and stay connected in order to operate smoothly.

Here are some of the reasons you might start to feel burnt out:

• unclear goals and expectations
• monotonous work
• insufficient support system
• lacking recognition

It’s nothing to be afraid of- every problem has a solution! If you’re feeling burnt out, here are some tips to avoid burnout and move forward feeling restored and purposeful (which you already are)!

1.Remember your purpose

Far and away, the best way to avoid burnout as a business owner is to remember your purpose and vision. You started your business for a reason. What is it?

The next step is to evaluate if that reason is still in line with what your business does now. Check out our blog on Mission and Vision statements to develop a clear vision for what your company is and where you see it headed.

2. Develop a healthy workplace setting

A great staff all working toward the same goal is one of the most refreshing ways to keep a business motivated. When you feel down, the passion of the people around you will remind you why you do what you do.

Toxic workplace settings are exhausting, not only for you as the owner, but possibly for employees as well. Not only does this affect how you feel about your company, but also how productive you and all your employees are.

Make sure the workplace works well for everyone. How do you and your employees want your relationships to look? If you feel you’re having issues with workplace culture, open the floor for discussion and brainstorm what works for everyone. It’ll give both you and your employees a huge relief!

3. Living with mindfulness

It is so important to have ways to remember that you’re not just a business owner- you’re a person too. Find ways to disconnect from your week with little moments, remembering that this is LIFE and life is good.

Appreciate the effort you put into your breakfast. Take gratitude in the things and people you have in your life. You’ve built everything around you- aways remember how big of a feat that is.

4. Change it up

Do you feel like every week feels the same? Have you fallen into comfortable patterns?

There is nothing wrong with patterns, but you have to make sure that the patterns you set are serving you. Evaluate this- are the things you doing making you happy? If not, there is definitely a different way to do it that serves you and your goals.

Sometimes its as simple as changing small steps in your morning or night routine, reinvigorating a hobby you love, or trying a new lunch place. But you can even apply this to your meeting schedule, work flows, and literally anything about your business.

Constantly evaluate what is giving you joy and progress!

5. Take pleasure in the little things

Developing a practice of mindfulness will make you realize how special each moment is. There is nothing too small- did you really like the taste of your coffee this morning? Did you solve a small, annoying problem?

Celebrate every moment of the day- no matter what happens, it is a part of your journey. Every obstacle is an opportunity for you to overcome something. And while maybe in the moment that seems like nonsense, it is so satisfying to overcome something you didn’t know you could.

Continue to remind and prove to yourself that you’re an adaptable and persistent business owner. You’re resilient, and more than capable of change.

6. A restorative self care routine

Before anything else, you are a living, breathing person. In order to be the best business owner you can be, you have to take care of yourself, and make sure you’re getting joy out of life. Give back to yourself in any way that makes you happy.

Do your skin care, exercise, make yourself food you love to eat, watch tv shows and read something you love. Give yourself everything you need. Sometimes we put more effort into our jobs than we do to ourselves!

7. Give yourself prolonged breaks

Along with living mindfully and giving yourself little breaks, also give yourself an actual vacation! Changing your setting can reinvigorate your sense of your own life, and remind you of things you value at home and in your business. It’ll give you space to remember what you’re passionate about, brainstorm about ways to maintain that passion and creativity, and feel like yourself again.

There is so much value in time off- don’t forget that just because you have a big job at hand!

Hopefully these tips help you avoid burnout and stay connected to yourself, your passion, and your business!

If you’re looking for a group of like-minded business owners to discuss burnout and any other problems, check out our Count Me In Revival Community for access to coaches, mentors and peers.