9 Tips to Avoid Entrepreneurial Burnout

Being an entrepreneur is no easy path, and definitely isn’t meant for the fainthearted. Entrepreneurs have too much to do and a lot to prove, not just to their competitors, but also themselves. Most entrepreneurs are dreamers—they want to take an idea and transform it into reality. The sheer drive it takes to make that happen is often all that an entrepreneur needs to push themselves to the limit. This is when they want to start taking control of more and more business activities and personally oversee everything to ensure it all stays on track.

But dealing with the daily challenges and frustrations that come from running a business can take a toll on any person’s mental and physical health. Some days you may find that the inspiration that drove you in the early days has evaporated, and a standard 9-to-5 job sounds more appealing than having to manage the entire show.

Here are a few tips for entrepreneurs to keep burnout at bay:

1. Tackle what worries you first

It is necessary that you know what puts you in a frustrated mode and why. Once you figure this out, you will know how to put a stop to it before the small things turn into monsters that you cannot deal with. These "monsters" can prove to be major motivational drainers.

Take some time and figure out your stressors. If it's the cash flow crunch, put measures in place to ensure outstanding invoices don’t become a problem. If you’re unable to set up a brick-and-mortar store for your business, set up a complete online store instead. The idea is to take the bull by the horns and win it over.

2. Surround yourself with inspiration

Because you’ve set out to achieve something amazing for yourself, you need to surround yourself with all the inspiration you think you’re going to need. Look to add multitalented people to your team, those who you can delegate important tasks to without having to worry. If you hire the right people, not only will they get your tasks done, they will do so without too much supervision.

3. Heed the red flags

It is important to watch out for the early warning signs of motivational fatigue. It all starts with feelings of frustration, which keep growing and snowball into other more serious symptoms such as perpetual indecisiveness, rising dissatisfaction, and even depression.

4. Network with other entrepreneurs

It makes sense to become a part of a local/virtual entrepreneurial group where you can share your problems and concerns with others who may be sailing in the same boat as you. There’s a chance that someone in the group may be able to provide you with the solutions you’re looking for or vice versa.

Other Articles From AllBusiness.com:

• The Complete 35-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs Starting a Business
• 25 Frequently Asked Questions on Starting a Business
• 50 Questions Angel Investors Will Ask Entrepreneurs
• 17 Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs Starting A Business

5. Make time to switch off

By this, I mean power down your phone, tablet, laptop or any other technological device. In the age of social media, which has given rise to connectivity overload, it is crucial that you find a way to disconnect (or switch off) at regular intervals.

6. Spend time with yourself

Introspecting helps. Do set some time aside every day to sit in silence and think about what would make things better. While this may sound a tad far-fetched, introspecting can get you the answers like no other mind tool can. Do things that you enjoy; play games, meditate, read books, go for long walks, or be creative in your pottery class. Doing fun things is important if you want to soothe your spirit and give your 100 percent to your business.

7. Get enough sleep

Make sure you get enough sleep. A lack of REM sleep can result in several physical and mental illness which can even be fatal. Your body needs time to repair, restore and relax, which it does while you sleep. Insufficient sleep can result in serious medical conditions such as burnout, high blood pressure, and stroke. Think of it this way—how will you run your business successfully if your body doesn’t allow it?

8. Talk things through

Instead of keeping all the stress bottled up, you need to find an outlet to vent it out in a healthy manner. Talking to someone—a friend, companion, or even a therapist—can help you take that load off your shoulders. Your mind and your health are closely connected. If the former is in disarray, the latter is bound to go awry.

9. Take needed breaks

While it may be tough to break away from work, even if it's just temporary, it is important to maintain your work-life balance. Even if you’re a workaholic, you need to make a conscious effort to make time and spend it with your family, or just by yourself doing nothing at all. Take a day off and spend it at home watching your favorite movies, or take a short trip with your friends/family and catch up with them. This is really important to do every once in a while if you’re serious about avoiding burnout.

RELATED: Avoid Business Burnout: 10 Real Small Business Owners Share Their Coping Secrets