Burnout can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or lifestyle. It's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. The symptoms of burnout can range from feeling drained and unmotivated to more severe consequences like depression and chronic health problems. It's crucial to recognize the signs of burnout early on and take steps to prevent it from happening.
We asked entrepreneurs some practical tips on how they stop burnout from happening and here are the responses:
#1- By embracing a diverse range of interests
To prevent burnout, I find it essential to periodically shift my professional focus, allowing me to explore and indulge in various passions that differ from my day-to-day entrepreneurial activities. This might involve producing a creative production, immersing myself in music by playing the violin or organizing events that bring together like-minded creative individuals. By embracing a diverse range of interests, I ensure a balanced and enriched professional life, which is key to preventing burnout and maintaining a high level of creativity and productivity in all my endeavors.
Thanks to Valev Laube, The VL Studios!
#2- By taking regular vacations
I feel really fortunate to be running a business that I'm absolutely passionate about, so burnout isn't really on my radar most of the time. But when I start feeling overwhelmed, I know it's time to hit pause and spend some quality time with my family– completely switching off from work for a couple of days. This intentional break allows me to recharge both mentally and emotionally. I’ve made it a routine to go on vacations regularly with my family, and it's been a game-changer for me in keeping burnout at bay.
Thanks to Andre Oentoro, Breadnbeyond!
#3- By stopping, thinking and discussing
For many reasons, we feel the need to have all the answers. It makes us look good, gives us status, and helps us be perceived as clever. But, it also boxes us into a position based on assumptions and can lead us to often be wrong, give poor advice, or be seen as the opposite of credible. Instead, of deliberately slowing conversations down or stopping ourselves from blurting out the first thing that comes to mind, we can do some thinking and create discussion around any topic that leads to better solutions.
Thanks to Paul Farina
#4- By having a consistent sleep schedule
To stop burnout from encroaching upon both my professional and personal life, I've established a fundamental habit: adhering to a consistent sleep schedule. No matter the pressures of the day, I prioritize rest, ensuring I sleep at the same time each night. This discipline in my nightly routine promotes better sleep quality, equips me with the energy needed for daily tasks, and sharpens my decision-making skills. By committing to this practice day in and day out, I help maintain my mental clarity and sustain my passion for innovation and growth in the fast-paced world of trading technology.
Thanks to Ace Zhuo, TradingFXVPS!
#5- By maintaining a healthy work-life balance
The key to preventing burnout is maintaining a healthy work-life balance and fostering a supportive company culture. We encourage regular breaks, flexible working hours, and open communication about workload and stress levels. We also prioritize tasks to focus on what's truly important, reducing unnecessary pressure. Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. It's about recognizing the signs early and addressing them head-on, ensuring that both you and your team have the resources and support needed to thrive.
Thanks to Drew Mansur, Yabby!
#6- By taking preventive measures
As a business owner, there are several steps you can take to prevent burnout: Recognize the signs: such as loss of energy, feeling overwhelmed, short temper, and difficulty finding joy in work. Delegate and seek support: Avoid trying to do everything yourself. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Take breaks: Regularly schedule breaks and vacations to recharge and rejuvenate. Seek professional help: If you‘re experiencing burnout, consider seeking support from a healthcare or mental health professional.
Thanks to Ilia Mundut, HeftyBerry!
#7- By staying healthy and maintaining boundaries
I have learned the hard way that putting my health first is non-negotiable. These days, I make sure every decision I make lines up with that priority. It is like asking myself, “Is this worth sacrificing my well-being?” One thing I have found crucial is keeping my nervous system in check. That means getting a solid seven hours of shut-eye, staying hydrated, eating good food, and moving my body regularly. It is amazing how much difference that foundation makes. But it is not just about physical stuff. Boundaries are key. Saying no when I need to, and taking time out for things I enjoy, is a game-changer too.
Thanks to Helen Harrison, Power of Change Counselling & Coaching!
#8- By creating a work-life balance
For me, success came when I let go of the more traditionally understood definition of work-life balance and began crafting a life that suited my needs and unique set of circumstances. I looked within to set the parameters and boundaries, and when I found happiness, it no longer mattered how it appeared to others. Additionally, I make sure to set my own goals and key outcomes because burnout can also stem from trying to please others or aligning with someone else’s agenda. Factoring in time daily for reflection, movement, and fun has also been paramount.
Thanks to Rowena Morais, Digital Confluence!
#9- By finding balance and prioritizing self-care
To avoid burnout, finding balance and prioritizing self-care has been key. Recognizing when I'm pushing too hard and allowing myself time to rest and recharge has made a significant difference. Connecting with fellow hunters and exchanging stories offer both support and a sense of community, reminding us that hunting should bring joy and satisfaction, not stress. Keeping this perspective ensures a healthy, long-term engagement with the sport we love.
Thanks to John VanDerLaan, Deer Hunting Guide!
#10- By communicating and supporting openly
Open communication and support are at the core of our approach. We encourage our team to share their concerns about workloads, allowing us to adjust tasks or provide support as necessary. Work-life balance is also a top priority. We endorse taking regular breaks, utilizing time off, and engaging in wellness activities, ensuring our team stays refreshed and motivated, which in turn boosts productivity. Lastly, we focus on setting attainable goals. By valuing quality and keeping workloads realistic, maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
Thanks to Michael Benoit, Contractor Bond!
#11- By maintaining a fulfilling life
I've discovered that balance is paramount in maintaining a fulfilling life. As a business owner, I pour a lot of energy into my work, but I've learned that it's equally important to invest time in my personal well-being. Spending quality time with my family grounds me and reminds me of what truly matters. Likewise, prioritizing regular workouts not only keeps me physically fit but also clears my mind and boosts my productivity. Balancing these aspects of my life ensures that I can thrive both professionally and personally without burning out.
Thanks to Viktor Meier, Glice!
#12- By delegating tasks
One thing I’ve learned to do is accept offers of help. I didn’t feel comfortable with this at first. I felt that accepting help was a sign that I wasn’t strong enough. But eventually, I realized that just because I could do everything by myself, it didn’t mean I had to. If people want to help, then why not let them? I’ve gotten better at delegating work and putting in healthy boundaries. I was certainly heading towards burnout, which is ironic considering we are a wellness company. Recognizing when to accept help changed my trajectory.
Thanks to Jan Brandrup, Neurogan!
#13- Through a self-care routine
So often we know what we need to do, but actually doing it is a challenge. I’ve learned that you need to make a conscious effort to avoid burnout. It's a bit like taking care of your home. Maintenance is the most important thing. I like to use this analogy when I’m thinking about myself. What do I need? The human equivalent of these things might be taking a break, fitting in a gym session, or talking to a friend. Just like houses, every person is different and needs different care. It’s important to find the right self-care routine for you and your specific situation.
Thanks to Ryan Carrigan, MoveBuddha!
#14- By meditating
Burnout can happen to you so quickly as a CEO because you are consistently operating under stress. Meditation has become a practice that I make time for every day. It helps me calm my mind and have better clarity for work. I have also created a rule for myself, I don't work on Sunday. I turn off everything and just take the day to rest. Lastly, I have learned to delegate. I do not have to be the only one doing or supervising everything. This has helped me prevent burnout.
Thanks to Jonathan Ayala, HUDSON CONDOS LLC!
#15- By proactively setting clear boundaries
I tackle burnout by proactively setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. Prioritizing tasks and understanding that it's okay to say ‘no' when my plate is full helps prevent taking on too much. Regular breaks during work, including time spent outdoors, are part of my daily routine to rejuvenate my mind and body. I also emphasize a balanced diet exercise, and engaging in hobbies cause it keeps my spirits high and provides a sense of fulfillment outside of work obligations.
Thanks to Lindsey Hyland, Urban Organic Yield!
#16- By setting boundaries for myself
One way I combat burnout is by setting boundaries for myself. This means disconnecting from work during certain times of the day or week and focusing on other aspects of my life, such as spending time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies. It's important to prioritize self-care and not let work consume every aspect of your life. Remember, burnout doesn't just affect your productivity but also your overall well-being. So, don't be afraid to step away from work for a bit in order to avoid burnout.
Thanks to David Zhang, Kate Backdrop!
#17- By being my own constant motivator
To avoid burnout, start seeing motivating yourself as an essential part of your job, maybe the most essential part. Because when it comes right down to it, nobody else can motivate you. You motivate yourself. You’ve got to be your own guru, your own favorite motivational speaker, never try to do too much yourself. It’s time to hire another employee and bring in the necessary expertise you don’t have, or they free up your time for more profitable endeavors. Relaxing and keeping your life in balance qualifies as a necessary, valuable, and profitable endeavor.
Thanks to Barry Maher, Barry Maher & Associates!
#18- By prioritizing mental health
I have faced burnout multiple times in my career. In the beginning, I used to push myself to work 24/7, thinking that was the only way to achieve success. I finally accepted the fact that I am not a machine and I need to take breaks. Constantly working without taking breaks not only affects health but also decreases productivity and creativity. So, I started setting boundaries for myself and prioritizing my mental health. This includes taking regular breaks throughout the day, scheduling off days, and making time for activities that I enjoy outside of work.
Thanks to Burak Ozdemir, Character Calculator!
#19- A having a holistic approach to life
A balanced lifestyle, integrating regular physical exercise, meditation, and hobbies that detach from the day-to-day stresses of running multiple ventures. One must also set clear boundaries between work and personal time, which helps in recharging mental batteries and fosters sustained productivity and creativity. The importance of delegation and trust in the team empowers them allowing for a healthy work environment that nurtures growth and innovation. This holistic approach, combining personal care with strategic business practices can help prevent burnout.
Thanks to Deepak Shukla, Pearl Lemon Group!
#20- By making realistic plans in advance
I've shifted away from setting goals with rigid deadlines. Now, I keep my destination in sight but prioritize daily actions, striving to excel or improve upon my previous efforts each day. I used to meticulously plan months ahead, hoping my business background and structured thinking would help me set realistic expectations. Fixed deadlines or ‘toxic goals' only add unnecessary mental strain, often leading to burnout. With time, I realized that my mental health and my ability to progress are more important than hitting a deadline.
Thanks to Erin Andrea Craske, EFFORTLESS Coaching and Business Advisory!
#21- By planning in advance
In our company, we have weekly team meetings on a Monday where we discuss the tasks for the week ahead. Without fail, individuals are asked how they feel about their responsibilities for the coming week and encouraged to be honest when they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or worried. At this point, the rest of the team steps in to support, and work is delegated. This is equally applicable for me and my fellow CEO and our staff have been hugely supportive when we have needed it, allowing us the space or time to recover before we reach a critical stage.
Thanks to Ryan Stone, Lambda Films!
#22- By outsourcing work
I currently outsource to 3 talented virtual assistants with different strengths who take on around 7 hours of work for me each week. Outsourcing tasks like creative design, copywriting, or content inputting has given me back precious time and mental space. I have a few potential additional angles on this topic, a deep dive into how I've leveraged outsourcing to nurture my brand Becc Lee while still balancing motherhood. Expert advice on identifying “burnout buckets” and finding reliable outsourced help. And a client case study highlighting the human impact of our outsourcing solutions.
Thanks to Becc Lee
#23- By fostering a culture of balance and flexibility
Preventing burnout is a priority, and we approach it by fostering a culture of balance and flexibility. We encourage team members to take regular breaks, set their own work boundaries, and pursue interests outside of work. I personally lead by example, prioritizing time for rest and hobbies, which helps maintain my energy and focus. We also emphasize open communication, allowing team members to voice concerns and adjust workloads before stress becomes overwhelming. This proactive approach ensures that our team remains motivated and energized.
Thanks to Ben Pu, ShipSage!
#24- By introducing more agile working hours
Starting with the Wellness-First Leadership approach, where top management shares their personal well-being experiences and treats the team well by respecting their work-life balance. Also, by introducing more agile working hours and telework that is schedule controllable, employees can be relieved of stress and pressure. Creating an appreciation culture through introducing recognition programs, implementing compulsory leave regulations and provision of professional development and mentorship programs makes the working atmosphere interesting.
Thanks to Dennis Sanders, Burning Daily!
#25- By having an open communication
Avoiding burnout is essential for maintaining team productivity and well-being. I prioritized everyone to have open communication and for managers to have regular check-ins with their team to monitor overall workload and stress levels. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance by promoting flexible schedules and time off helps prevent burnout. Additionally, providing opportunities for skill development and career growth, as well as recognizing and celebrating achievements, boosts morale and mitigates burnout risk.
Thanks to Mitch Chailland, Online Optimism!
#26- By establishing an autonomous culture
Establishing a flexible and autonomous culture is the best way I've found to avoid burnout. Giving team members autonomy over their timetables and workspace promotes empowerment and a sense of ownership. Because of their increased autonomy, people can work in ways that best fit their personal obligations and production peaks, which lowers stress and prevents burnout. We've noticed a drop in burnout rates as well as an improvement in team productivity and general job satisfaction since we've embraced flexibility.
Thanks to Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, Online Games!