Are you feeling stressed out?
Startup owners often struggle with managing stress. They over-engage, overreact, and treat every task as overly urgent.
Too much mismanaged stress can lead to burnout—which can lead to disengagement, detachment, and depression.
Burnout is the ultimate productivity killer. If you’re not in your best mindset, you won’t complete work that needs to be done, and, as a result, business may suffer.
Fortunately, burnout is fairly simple to prevent. It all comes down to taking care of yourself in a number of concrete ways, both in and out of the workplace. Read on for some of the best steps you can take to prevent burnout.
1. Stick to a schedule. Have you ever made a to-do list, only to discover you feel even more overwhelmed when every task is laid out ahead of you? You’re not alone. For many people, it’s much more helpful to create a schedule than it is to cross off items on a list. Try blocking out specific amounts of time for different tasks. During that time, focus only on the task at hand. If a distraction appears, or you remember something else you need to do, write it down on a notepad and set it aside. A kitchen timer or the timer app on your phone will help. Don’t forget to schedule in breaks for meals and breathing room.
2. Meditate. Practicing meditation, especially early in the morning, is a huge boon for improving both clarity of mind and productivity. By being mindful of intrusive thoughts and feelings as you practice meditation (whether you journal, do yoga, or simply engage in breathing exercises), you’ll be much more inclined to approach each work-related task with your calmest, most rational brain.
3. Get enough sleep. Not only can poor sleep contribute to stress and eventually burnout, but it also has a number of health risks. You should be getting at least seven hours of sleep every night, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
4. Set boundaries. Sometimes, you have to say “no.” It can often be hard to turn down opportunities, but try as they might, startup entrepreneurs can’t actually manage every single task. It’s important to set boundaries and keep to them by being realistic about what you can and can’t do. According to the 80/20 rule (also called the Pareto Principle), about 20 percent of your activities are responsible for about 80 percent of your results. The best boundary you can set for yourself? Focus on the 20 percent.
5. Get help when you need it. A strong support system is paramount to staying productive and avoiding burnout. You have employees for a reason, so delegate major tasks to them whenever possible. A personal support system is also important. Make sure you have friends and family you can talk to about your successes and frustrations. It can also be enormously helpful to see a counselor, who can provide unbiased and supportive feedback and help you stay sane while you keep your business running.
6. Take breaks after your workday. If you plan to continue working after leaving the office, it’s critical you take a significant break after the official workday is done. If you come home in work mode and head straight to the computer, you’ll undoubtedly feel more tired, more irritable, and more overwhelmed. An even better idea is to leave work at the office and spend your non-work time focusing on other things.
7. Spend time alone. It’s a good idea to have a group of friends completely unrelated to your workplace. Organizing or joining a group to play softball or board games is a great way to get out of the stressful headspace of work. In addition, spending time alone is a great way to recharge. Set aside some time to watch movies or read for pleasure, whether by yourself or with your family.
8. Read something inspirational. If you’re feeling down, it’s an excellent idea to seek support from those who have been through similar trials. Find articles or websites that post motivational quotes, meditations, and positive messages about topics like leadership. This kind of content can serve as a reminder of your goals, wishes, and desires for your business—and for your life.
There are many strategies for preventing and managing burnout for startup entrepreneurs. But what it really comes down to is caring for the whole self, by developing healthy habits and maintaining positive relationships, while also keeping sight of the most important goals for your business.
It’s a delicate balance, but those who master it will experience success.