One of the biggest challenges of self-employment is that it can feel like you’re always “on.” But overworking can lead to exhaustion and burnout, which can hurt your business — and your health — in the long run. If you’re beginning to notice the signs of burnout, here are five steps you can take to feel energized about your business again.
Evaluate your priorities
When you run your own business, there is always a never-ending list of tasks competing for your attention. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to spend your time focused on the wrong things. Knowing your priorities will allow you to manage your to-do list more effectively, and you’ll feel better knowing you’re spending your time on the right activities.
When you’re looking at your to-do list for the day, ask yourself what you would work on if you could only accomplish one or two things that day. This will help you see what your main priorities are.
Set office hours
Many entrepreneurs work long hours to deal with the uncertainty that comes with running their own businesses. One survey found that most small business owners work twice as much as employees. Over 30% said they work over 50 hours per week, and 25% said they work more than 60 hours per week.
If you struggle with overworking, you might consider setting regular office hours. And once your office hours are done, you quit working for the day. This may be difficult in the beginning, but over time, you’ll probably find that you get more done when you stick to a specific schedule.
[Read more: 9 Daily Habits That Can Help Prevent Burnout in Entrepreneurs]
One survey found that most small business owners work twice as much as employees. Over 30% said they work over 50 hours per week, and 25% said they work more than 60 hours per week.
Change up your routine
Most people know that having a daily routine is crucial — routines help you be more productive and reduce mental clutter. But what do you do if your current routine stops working for you?
If you’re starting to feel bored or restless, try changing up your routine periodically. For instance, if you always work from home, try spending a morning working from a coffee shop. Or, if you’re always in the office, try working from home once a week and see if it helps you focus more. Occasionally attend a networking event during the week, or get outside for a walk. You don’t have to completely abandon your routine, but changing things up occasionally can boost your creativity.
[Read more: 5 Daily Habits Smart Entrepreneurs Will Adopt in 2023]
Add in regular exercise
Everyone knows that exercise is beneficial, but it’s one of the easiest habits to give up on when life and work get busy. But regular exercise can help you relieve stress, improve your cognitive function, and improve your problem-solving capabilities. Plus, regular exercise will improve your overall mood and outlook, which can help you make better decisions in your business.
There are many simple ways to add in more exercise throughout your day. Bike or walk to work instead of driving, suggest that you and your employees start having walking meetings, and take the stairs wherever possible.
Consider hiring a business coach
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and stressed out for a while, you may benefit from hiring a business coach. The right business coach can assess where you’re currently at in your business and help you come up with strategies to overcome obstacles.
It’s hard to have an objective view of your own business, so everyone can benefit from a neutral third-party perspective. A business coach can help you at nearly every stage in your business, whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to scale your company.
If hiring a business coach feels like too much of a financial risk, there are other options. You can join a networking group or look for a business mentor.
[Read more: 5 Signs That It’s Time to Hire a Business Coach (Plus Tips for Finding a Good Fit)]
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