How to Recover From Burnout as an Entrepreneur

Having your own business has a lot of benefits. You can be the boss of your own company while being free to manage your own time. However, running one can be challenging and stressful at the same time. 

Many business people do not recognize that they are already experiencing burnout. Chronic stress in the workplace can result in burnout. So if you have been feeling depleted while running your business, you could be dealing with more than a rough season. Burnout, like any mental health issue, requires unique attention and treatment.

According to The Hustle’s survey of more than 300 entrepreneurs, 63% of business owners have dealt with or are currently dealing with burnout. This is often the reality for business owners and founders who wear many hats and face the heavy responsibility of growing and making the company successful.

Stressors that can negatively impact and accelerate burnout come in the form of financial concerns, work-life balance, and day-to-day stress. And the reality is that burnout is not often dealt with because of the stigma around mental health in the community. Many suffer in silence to the point of breaking down mentally.

To assess if you are experiencing burnout, you must identify these three key pillars: exhaustion, cynicism and detachment from your work, and a sense of ineffectiveness.

It is essential to step back and reassess yourself once you feel yourself questioning your abilities or if a loved one or colleague has noted changes in your behavior. The lack of personal efficacy can be a sign that should not be shrugged off, especially if there’s this feeling that you just kind of just don’t care anymore.

Here are some signs of burnout that you should take note of: 

• A sense of defeat
• Avoidance of work 
• Depersonalization 
• Detachment 
• Loss of motivation
• Loss of satisfaction in your work 
• Feeling flat or numb
• Feeling trapped or like you don’t have agency in your own life. 

These core signs can indicate that someone is struggling with burnout; however, other secondary manifestations can rise as you try to cope with or bottle up burnout. Behaviors such as drinking or smoking to cope with stress, strained relationships with your spouse or partner, loss of interest in things that you used to love or enjoy, and trouble sleeping can be some of the behaviors that may manifest as you struggle with burnout.

Symptoms of burnout can overlap with depression; however, burnout can easily be distinguished because burnout has a specific, singular cause: your work.

Can You Recover From Burnout?

Burnout is a condition you can fully recover from when properly addressed and treated. To recover from burnout, you have to reprogram your brain. Lifestyle change and a support system can help an entrepreneur recover from burnout. 

Since burnout is caused by work-related stress, the ultimate treatment would be to take time away from the workplace that is causing distress. You have to reset your brain by going against a stressful work environment pattern. Take a break from your job altogether. That could mean spending more time at home with your family, going somewhere for vacation, or time spent unplugged and away from work. 

How to Recover From Burnout While Working?

Sometimes, stepping away from the job is impossible, especially if there are deadlines to meet. There are still things that you can do to fight burnout. These things would require intentionality, but it won’t need you to be away from work for quite some time:

• Getting enough sleep 
• Hiring people to help you with tasks that don’t bring joy
• Reconnecting with your passions 
• Spending more time with friends and family
• Spending time in nature 
• Starting a group with other entrepreneurs
• Strengthening social relationships 

These are healthy habits that can help you get back on track. You can incorporate these things into your everyday routine and can help reset your old brain patterns. 

There is no exact timeline for how long it takes to recover from burnout. Mental health resources and support groups are vital so do not bottle or battle things alone. It is possible to bounce back from burnout.

We Are Here for You

Starting a business can be as stressful as running and growing one. If you are planning to start a home inspection business, The Inspection Boys is here for you. We will walk you through and help you succeed in your own home inspection business. Message us now so that we can connect with you.