5 Tips for Avoiding Premature Burnout as an Entrepreneur
While you already know the importance of time management and creating work flow for your daily schedules, sometimes burnout is inevitable.
Multitasking to the max, stressful schedules of juggling projects and checking off the to-do list, and unforeseen projects that are now burning a hole in your free time can quickly lead to overwhelm.
Burnout can happen to anyone, from the successful corporate exec to the stay at home mom who just has too many tasks at hand. Since cutting back usually isn’t an option for those with large servings of success on their plate, there are some practical solutions to avoid burning out which can improve the chances of getting into back-in-action mode after a period of stress. Here are some tips on avoiding premature burnout as an entrepreneur:
- Make time for a break. When you’re putting in extended hours on a specific project or task at hand, make sure you give your brain and body some stress relief with a complete break. For every 1-1.5 hours in front of a computer, plan at least 10 minutes of fresh air or something that can take your mind completely off work. It’s a natural energizer and will help keep you focused and productive for longer periods of time.
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Workout! Exercise is a natural brain booster, and can even help you tackle tough problems or challenges. Aerobic activities that last at least 30 minutes are a great way to let off some steam and help you re-energize for the next activity.
- Become a list maker. One of the easiest ways to get through a tough project is to break it down into steps, and start checking off each item as you get through it. It’s a simple step that many people overlook; lists can really help you tackle large projects at a faster rate.
- Eat like a superstar, not a rockstar. Improving your diet is good for your body and mind. Take the steps to learn what nutrition program works best for you and keep your health in tip-top shape whenever possible. Eating well will help you be more attentive, more productive, and even help you sleep better so you can maximize your work day.
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Learn to say ‘no’. Taking charge of your schedule often means saying no to requests and sometimes even some opportunities. Learning to prioritize the ‘incoming’ flow will help you decide what stays on your plate—and what needs to go!
What are some other ways to relax and re-energize?
3 Comments
lawrence
September 29th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
all are good tips, definitely do whatever you can to prevent burnout - burnouts are a cancer
i like tips 1 and 2, infact they should be merged as one.
for every 30 mins you’re sitting at a computer, get-up and shadow box or kick for 2 mins - then get back to work.
it’s amazing the effect of the endorphins and blood circulation/flow throughout your body
Communitech Blog » Blog Archive » Avoiding burnout.
September 29th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
[...] that can lead to premature burnout. Mind Petals has some suggestions of how to avoid getting to that [...]
David B. Bohl
September 29th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Sabah,
Good ideas. #5 is a biggie. For me, it also involves not engaging in too much - Avoiding news and email and on-line chats and forums that require immediate responses from me - as well as remembering that I don’t have to show up to every argument. I often need to walk away instead of feeling like I have to state my case or defend myself.
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