Manage Burnout When You Work for Yourself | ProductiveandFree

Self-employment is challenging but rewarding for entrepreneurs at any point in their careers. No matter what you do, hard work and determination are necessary to reach your goals, but the constant grind can set you back and result in burnout. Work can quickly wear you out, especially for the self-employed. This article outlines five ways to manage burnout if you work for yourself.

1. Set Work Boundaries

The first step in mitigating burnout is to set distinct boundaries between work and home. Many self-employed workers fall victim to working too many hours. The constant days of 10 to 12 hours or more can wear you down, so set a steady working schedule during the week that gives you the proper hours of a full-time job. There’s nothing wrong with a nine-to-five — even Dolly Parton says it’s a way to make a living.

Additionally, it’s essential to create a divide between work and home. When you’re not working, you need time to relax. Avoid taking your job home with you if possible. If you have trouble disconnecting, you’re not alone — a recent study found 55% of American workers felt pressure to respond to work emails. When you’re not working, use your off time to do things you enjoy.

2. Do Your Favorite Hobbies

Your businesses are integral to your goals, but it’s critical to make time for yourself when you’re not working. There are 24 hours per day, so you have some time to yourself outside of work. Carve out time for things that you like to do. Hobbies give you something to look forward to and rejuvenate the creative juices flowing in your head.

The good thing about hobbies is there are endless possibilities for you to try. They can be indoors, outdoors, at home or in a location across town. You can read your favorite books, learn how to make homemade pizzas or find a league to play a team sport. Picking any hobby you like is worthwhile because it improves your mental health and reduces stress.

3. Revamp Your Office

Home offices are excellent for setting up a base for your operations. The rise in working from home has led many to redecorate their workspaces because it’s a way to express yourself. You may find yourself staring at these four walls for multiple hours during the day, so find ways to revamp your home office. Some upgrades may include:

● Increase lighting: Lighting plays a more significant role in your day-to-day than you think. Light — especially sunlight — affects your mood. Getting natural lighting through the windows increases your serotonin levels and keeps you productive throughout the day. Associating positive feelings with work can lower the burnout risk.

● Ergonomic chair: If you work an hour or eight hours in your home office, you’ll need a comfortable chair. It’s wise to invest in an ergonomic chair for your long-term health. A chair that supports your back improves your mood and allows you to be healthy for your after-work hobbies.

● Personal touches: One fun feature of home offices is the customization. It’s your workspace, so add personal touches that remind you of the things you love in life. Put a framed picture of your partner, children or beloved pets, or put beautiful plants by the windows to spruce up the place.

4. Talk to a Therapist

Self-help is a terrific way to prevent burnout in the entrepreneur world, but don’t feel you have to do it alone. There’s no journey out there you have to tackle by yourself. Find a licensed professional who can help you talk through your feelings and find methods to help your situation.

Another strategy to manage burnout and improve mental health is finding support groups or creating one yourself. There are likely other self-employed workers who go through the same struggles as you. Search platforms like Facebook and Meetup for support groups to help you at your low points — you can return the favor and help someone else by giving them advice.

5. Switch up the Routine

A popular feature of self-employment is the ability to set your hours. You’re the boss of yourself, so you get to dictate when you work. Take advantage of the flexibility and switch up your routine during the week. A repeated schedule may work for some entrepreneurs to build good habits. But for some, seeing the same four walls can get boring quickly. Use some days to work at a coffee shop or your favorite deli if there’s Wi-Fi.

Finding ways to switch up the routine infuses new energy and motivates you to keep working. Another way to lift your spirits during the week is to find ways to exercise. No matter how you do it, physical activity has numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. For example, regular exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and lowers stress. Even a short 30-minute walk can improve your mood and help you at work.

Managing Burnout As an Entrepreneur

The grind of being a business owner brings hopes and dreams to entrepreneurs worldwide. You may envision becoming the next Bill Gates. These aspirations are admirable, but it’s essential to put your mental health above anything else. Burnout can lead to damaged spirits and a lack of energy for your goals, so use these five tips to manage burnout as a self-employed worker.