Navigating the Rest-Burnout Dilemma: A Guide for Entrepreneurs
The use of the word "burnout" has skyrocketed in recent years. We use it to mean tired, exhausted, or worn out. But burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress.
Burnout isn't just an inconvenience. It's not something you "sleep off" over the weekend. It's a serious health condition that shouldn't be ignored. It can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like fatigue and headaches, emotional symptoms like irritability and anxiety, and even cognitive impairments such as decreased concentration and memory problems. Burnout can also lead to more serious health issues, including depression and cardiovascular problems.
We all have hard days or hard weeks, but a consistent state of wanting to get away from your business could be a sign burnout is setting in.
The Entrepreneurial Burnout Cycle
Entrepreneurs are particularly susceptible to burnout due to the unique demands of their roles. Harvard Business Review states that "entrepreneurs are more at risk of burnout because they tend to be extremely passionate about work and more socially isolated, have limited safety nets, and operate in high uncertainty."
In a "hustle" culture, some entrepreneurs wear burnout as a badge of honor - they can work for countless hours on end. That may be helpful for a sprint, but it’s a terrible long term strategy.
Burnout isn't something to ignore. If left unchecked, it will negatively impact your business, your health, and your relationships.
Business Stagnation or Decline
When you experience burnout, a lack of energy and motivation prevents you from driving the business forward. This can cause stagnation or even decline, as you struggle to make crucial decisions and take necessary actions.
Diminished Creativity and Innovation
Burnout can hamper your ability to think creatively and innovatively. As a result, you may struggle to come up with fresh ideas and solutions, hindering your business's growth and adaptability.
Increased Risk of Business Failure
Facing burnout, you may take risks you normally wouldn't, hoping for quick fixes or shortcuts to alleviate stress. These impulsive decisions can increase the risk of business failure.
Damaged Relationships
Burnout strains relationships, especially among entrepreneurs who rely on personal and professional networks for support and collaboration. The constant stress and neglect of your personal life can lead to strained relationships with family, friends, and business partners.
Health Consequences
Entrepreneurs may be more prone to certain health consequences due to burnout, such as cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, and chronic stress-related ailments. These health challenges have significant consequences on both personal well-being and business operations.
Burnout isn't something to push through. It’s a sign that you need to rest and recover. And it's important to recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to prevent it and avoid these negative outcomes.
The Importance of Rest
It's easy to underestimate the value of rest. It's hard to stop going and going when it feels like things will never be "done." Rest is not a luxury. It's not a reward. Rest is a necessity for maintaining physical and mental health. It is critical to understand that rest is an essential part of your entrepreneurial journey, not an obstacle to it.
Rest is not a reward, it’s a requirement.
How to Rest
The most important thing to understand about combating burnout is that you can't push through it. Rest must be a priority. Often, a true sign that you need more rest is when it feels like you don’t have time to rest. When you're in the middle of burnout it can feel like you have to work harder, move faster, and do more. It's absolutely critical that you make rest a priority.
Prioritize Self-Care: Start by making self-care a priority. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are crucial for your well-being. Make time for activities you enjoy and things that replenish you. You can start with just 15 minutes a day.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid the temptation to constantly check emails or work late into the night. Create pockets of time that are sacred for you and your family or friends.
Take Breaks: Incorporate short breaks to recharge and refocus. A short walk or deep breathing can be very effective. Meditation and yoga can be done at a desk or in your car. If it's hard to make time for a break, start by taking meal breaks - don't work at your desk.
Learn to Say No: It's essential to know your limits and be willing to decline additional responsibilities or commitments when you're already stretched thin. You won't always have to say no to everything. Understand the limits of the season you're in now, and give yourself permission to decline.
Delegate and Outsource: Don't try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, freeing you to focus on what truly matters. Communicate with your spouse or partner about your unique needs during this time and ask for help.
Schedule Rest: Treat rest as an appointment in your calendar by allocating specific time slots for relaxation and leisure activities. Communicate with your team or family and ask them to keep you accountable. You can start with 15 minutes and increase that over time.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to loved ones, friends, mentors, your council at COE, or mental health professionals when you're feeling overwhelmed. Don't try to push through and go it alone. Never hesitate to see a doctor if you think your burnout is causing additional medical issues.
Success is Built on Well-Being
Entrepreneurs are at a high risk for burnout because of the unique challenges they face. Your passion can become your kryptonite. It's your responsibility to recognize the signs of burnout and do what you can to mitigate it.
Entrepreneurship is exciting, challenging, and not for the faint of heart. But by prioritizing your health you'll be able to enjoy your work and the results of it. Sustainable success is built on a foundation of well-being and resilience, not just relentless effort. Making your health a priority will ensure that you have the energy and resilience to thrive in the long run.
