Avoiding Burnout When Starting a Business

Starting a business is great. It’s thought that up to 82% of young people hope to start their own business one day, and it’s easy to see why. Running your own business means that you don’t have to work for anyone else. It can offer you fantastic flexibility and give you a chance to do things your way. Many people start a business on their own after becoming frustrated with the way that other people are doing things or finding a gap in the market. Having a business allows you to grow something and to make money for yourself, but also to have a legacy to leave behind. 

But it can be stressful, especially in the early days. The actual act of starting a business doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of us can start something relatively easily. But, starting the company that you want, getting things right, and making a profit, can be exceptionally hard. You might be keen to save money, and so eager to do as much as you can for yourself. Your daily to-do lists might be huge. Most new business owners take very little time off and spend the time that they are away from the office worrying about work tasks, making calls, sending emails, or panicking that they’ve forgotten something. 

This stress doesn’t just ruin the experience. It can start to hurt your business. You might not be able to focus or work productively. Stress can mean that your ideas aren’t fluid, or that you face creative block. Eventually, you might burnout. Which can be bad for your health and wellbeing, and can mean the end of your business. So, let’s find some ways to avoid that burnout. 

Get Some Help

Starting a business doesn’t mean that you have to do it all for yourself, and trying to is often what causes most of our stress. Hire freelancers for some tasks, outsource to IT solutions, or hire a part-time assistant to take on some of the administrative tasks.

Build a Support Network

When you are starting out, you are going to be working long hours and taking work home. You’ll be stressed out and sometimes grumpy. You might not have much time for family and friends. You need people around you that understand. Don’t put any extra pressure on you and are there when you need to talk. A strong support network will help you to cope. 

Give Yourself Time Off

Schedule time off. Write it in your diary and on your to-do lists. Make sure you can get away for a full day every now and then, and take evenings and afternoons off whenever possible. You need a break.

Don’t Panic

We often reach burnout when things aren’t going our way. We panic that all our hard work is for nothing, and it pushes us over the edge. It’s going to take time, and there will be setbacks. Accept this, and don’t let yourself panic when things don’t go to plan. 

Step Away When You Need To

Sometimes, when you are stressed or angry, you just need to step away. Leave the room, go for a walk or a coffee, and take some deep breaths.