4 ways to avoid business burnout

In April last year, 4 out of 5 workers globally had been affected by the pandemic in one way or another, often in the form of a workplace closure or job loss. Zoom became the default for communication, with the platform confirming its monthly active users had surged from 10 million to a staggering 200 million by March. A survey conducted in 46 different countries by the Harvard Business Review revealed the impact of the change, with 86% of people saying their work life had gotten worse, 85% saying their wellbeing had declined and 62% were struggling to manage their workload. 

As an entrepreneur, you likely need little introduction to the pressures of the last 12 months. In all probability, you’ve also had to work longer hours, juggle more and probably felt more stressed at one point of another. During a crisis, a natural entrepreneurial response is to dig in and get stuff done, but this can lead to a depletion of wellbeing, with more work, less sleep, more stress and less downtime all taking a toll. 

With restrictions starting to ease and light appearing at the end of a long tunnel, now is the time to set an intention to prioritise your own wellbeing, both physical and mental. Making this commitment is key to having a healthy balance and avoiding business burnout. 

Here’s four ways you can recharge your batteries so you aren’t trying to pour from an empty jug while in the office and running your SEO, web design or apps business. 

Growing workloads are a common cause of business burnout but as an entrepreneur, you can take the decision when to bring in an extra pair of hands. If you’re exhausted, know that you are procrastinating more, missing deadlines or simply don’t feel as creative and productive as usual, the time could be right to bring in some extra support. This doesn’t necessarily need to be in the form of a payroll employee if you aren’t ready to add a permanent new staff member to your team. The working from home revolution and deep changes to the employment landscape mean the freelance and gig economy is booming – and that gives you flexibility to manage your budget and bring in the help you need. 

When you have a never ending list of things to do, it’s hard to justify stepping away but taking time out each day gives your mind a chance to switch off. Physical wellness is important for fighting feelings of burnout and can work wonders for your mental health. If need be, book out the time in your calendar just as you would for an appointment. There are lots of fitness apps out there to try; TV personality Mark Wright has just launched his own fitness app called Train Wright on the back of his popular social media series, with hundreds of workouts and meals to help you stay on track. Other options include Les Mills Fitness which is used in many gyms and Nike’s own train app. 

One thing the pandemic has shown us is just how much we miss social contact when it is not permitted. Making time to connect with friends or family is of vital importance in counteracting burnout – even if that connection is via a Zoom, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. 

Having an impartial third party you can talk through problems, anxieties and stresses with is invaluable so don’t be afraid to seek the services of a counsellor, therapist or workplace wellness specialist if you feel you might benefit from having an impartial ear whom you can speak with freely.