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As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly putting your focus and creativity to the test. Learn how to keep it up while avoiding burnout in this blog post.

You’re always thinking about your business. During the day, you’re hard at work running and growing your store. During downtime, you’re brainstorming new ideas and problem-fixes until your head hits the pillow. With this kind of non-stop lifestyle, it’s no surprise that entrepreneurs are especially prone to burnout. The good news? It doesn’t have to happen. By taking some simple preventative measures, you can avoid burning out and ensure your business’ success.

Here are six things you can do to protect yourself from burnout:

 

1. Get your mind in the right place

Although you’ve probably heard this a hundred times before, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded: Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint, so slow down! Pressing pause gives you the chance to contextualize your difficulties and recognize their roles in achieving your longer term goals. A couple rough weeks may seem like an eternity, but in comparison to the years you’ve been working on your business, they’re a piece of cake. In short, keeping everything in perspective is key.

 

2. Take care of yourself

When you’re at your best physically, you’re better able to deal with the stresses of life, including any business worries.  That means when you’re tempted to skimp on sleep or food to “get more done,” you’re actually working against yourself. It’s when times are tough that you should be extra careful to take a real lunch break, sleep like a king and get your heart pumping with your favorite physical activity. Give your body the attention it needs, and it’ll come through for you in a pinch.

 

3. Set boundaries and goals

Value yourself by setting firm boundaries and saying no to things. Instead of overloading yourself with project after project, leave some wiggle room between them. Plus, with that extra time, you can focus on your goals, and continue working toward them at a steady pace. Ultimately, by setting boundaries and goals, you’ll keep your work rewarding while still looking out for yourself.

 

4. Don’t go it alone

Let’s face it. As an entrepreneur, you’re fiercely independent. However, if overdone, this self-reliance could do you and your business in. If the business is getting to be too much, consider reaching out to Volusion’s services or another resource for some of your tasks. In terms of professional support, you have your network and the wealth of information, experience and resources it provides. And of course, if stress has got you down, don’t forget your loved ones. They’re invaluable in terms of emotional support and will always be on your side.

 

5. Recognize and address any work-related resentment

Often times, burnout is rooted in resentment regarding one these areas of work: size of workload, amount of control you have, whether you’re being rewarded appropriately, who you work with, whether or not things are fair and whether your values match up with your work. Once you take a moment to examine which of these areas are causing the problem, you can figure out how to improve it.

 

6. Make “you” time every day

By “you” time, we mean actual “you” time, where you’re not checking your email or phone every 10 minutes. Disconnect from technology and do something you love. Hang out with friends, write in your journal, do whatever it is that makes you happy and helps you recharge. And here’s the important part: Make sure you do this every day. Not every other day, or every weekend, but every day, because that’s what you deserve. Remember that you’re more than just your business!

 

Although burnout is an issue with entrepreneurs, it’s a very preventable one as well. Much like the saying about apples and doctors, by slowing down, keeping difficulties in perspective and valuing yourself every day, you’ll keep the burnout away!

Happy selling!
-Gracelyn Tan, Volusion