Don’t let burnout be the fire that extinguishes your passion.
As a small business owner, I know the struggles of balancing work and personal time all too well. It’s like, one minute I’m minding my own business, and the next thing I know, I’m pulling all-nighters and sacrificing my sanity for the sake of my business. Or at least that’s what used to happen to me one too many times.
But, let me tell you, taking time for ourselves doesn’t mean we’re lazy or shirking our responsibilities; it means we’re investing in our own well-being so we can be at our best for our businesses.
Don’t burn out, sparkle out.
I’ve learned to avoid burnout by setting some hard boundaries between work and play. That means no emails or social media after 7 PM, and dedicating time each day to do something I enjoy, like reading a good book or going for a walk. I mean, have you ever gotten lost in a really good novel? It’s like a mini vacation for your brain. And my personal bonus, it helps improve my writing skills. It’s a win-win.
One of my favorite tricks is always starting my week by setting clear and achievable goals for myself and my business. This helps me stay focused and motivated, and also allows me to track my progress. I also make sure to celebrate my wins, big or small, it’s important to take a moment to acknowledge our achievements.
I also make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout the day. A quick ten-minute break can do wonders for my productivity and mental well-being. Sometimes, I’ll step away from my desk, stretch my legs, grab a cup of tea, and fall into the TikTok rabbit hole. And if I’m feeling extra tired, I’ll even take a quick nap. It’s all about listening to your body and giving it what it needs.
Plus, lately, I started making a priority of disconnecting on Sundays. This means no work-related emails, phone calls, or social media, and I dedicate time to activities that I truly enjoy.
So, don’t be afraid to indulge in some “me time” and treat yo’self, because a well-rested and rejuvenated you is the best asset for your business.
As entrepreneurs, we’re always hustling and grinding, but it’s important to know when to say “no” to opportunities that don’t align with our goals or values. Trust me, it’s better to focus on what truly matters and reduce our stress levels than to overload ourselves with too much work.
Another way I prevent burnout is by delegating tasks to my trusty team members and sometimes even hiring virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks or outsourcing projects to freelancers. This not only helps me focus on the important tasks, but also allows my team to grow and develop their own skills. Plus, it gives me time to focus on what I truly enjoy doing within my business.
I also make it a point to surround myself with positive people. Being around people who uplift and inspire me is crucial for my mental well-being. I’ve found that this directly impacts my motivation and overall attitude towards my business.
Plus, joining a business owners’ group, attending networking events or even seeking mentorship can be a game-changer in providing support, advice, and inspiration. It’s always great to have a sounding board to bounce ideas off of and to get a fresh perspective.
And most importantly, let’s not forget to be kind to ourselves. Running a business can be a wild ride of ups and downs, but we’re all doing our best and we’re all capable of handling whatever comes our way. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed out, go ahead and treat yourself to a nice bubble bath or a glass of wine. It may seem small, but taking care of ourselves physically and mentally can make a big difference in our overall well-being and ability to handle the stress of running a business.
And when I’m feeling run down, I’m not afraid to take a break! Whether it’s a day off or a vacation, it’s important to give myself time to recharge and come back refreshed.
Think of it like a personal “stimulus package” for your mind, body, and soul. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good stimulus package? Plus, it’s like a “staycation” for your mind. You get to relax, recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.
A well-rested and rejuvenated you is the best asset for your business.
Running a business is not easy, but with a little bit of planning and self-care, we can avoid burnout and keep our business running smoothly.
So, let’s raise a glass to taking care of ourselves as business owners and keeping the burnout at bay!
If you want to talk some more about this, we’re waiting for your DM on Instagram.
Your biggest fan,
Jelea Oana Corina.
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