How to avoid small business burnout

Do you think of your business as your baby?
Does it occupy all your thoughts?
Do you lose sleep over it?
Do you find it hard to get away?

If you are worried and run down, your business will suffer. We all need time away so we can stay on top of our game.

And if you don’t, you risk mental and physical exhaustion, chronic dissatisfaction and a business struggling to survive.

Here are some ways you can get the space you need and avoid business burnout:

Tackle the hardest jobs when you are recharged

This is often when you first arrive in the office - or after a strategically placed mental break. Tackle your toughest challenges at those times – you’ll get them done quicker and more effectively.

Take breaks during the work day

Breaks throughout the day are essential as it is often our lack of understanding about how to achieve peak workplace performance that breaks us. To perform at your best during the day, you need regular mental energy refilling stops – take a walk, go for a run, grab a coffee – do something you enjoy - just make sure you do it away from your desk.

Put away your digital devices

We are all guilty of carrying our office in our pockets - smart devices mean we have access to everything, all the time, even at home. This, according to the experts, means we are both psychologically and physiologically still attached to the office. After hours, we all need to learn to switch off! The world will wait.

Delegate more

Hire an assistant, or utilise the current team... let go, step back and decide what your time is best spent on. Delegating will give you more time and allow someone else to develop their skills.

Set realistic expectations

It’s important not to drive yourself or your team too hard – everyone has their own speed limit and there is not point endlessly whipping the horse. Also, know your own strengths and leverage the skills of others.

Document your processes

Keep note of your company processes and procedures, and compile them into a file to support employee training and enquiries. This ensures your business can operate without you when necessary. Keeping your processes tight also frees up time, enabling your business to operate more efficiently and effectively.

Want to know more on selling your business?

Or check out our 5 tips to strengthen your business

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