Feeling disconnected from your work, lack of motivation, loss of creativity, headaches, eye strain, nausea, lack of energy, trouble sleeping, feeling like you want to F$*# everything and run…these are all symptoms of burnout. (Disclaimer, I’m not a doctor, just a badass business coach and entrepreneur!) What I do know is that I’ve encountered burnout many times over the years. Burnout is also a common complaint I get from coaching clients. But most importantly, burnout is a sign that something needs to change. So, what do you do? Here’s my philosophy on how to deal with burnout.
“It takes wisdom to gain wealth without losing health.”
― Mokokoma Mokhonoana
1. Pause and Listen
Stop and take a breath. Don’t make decisions when you’re emotional. Drop into your body and pay attention to how you are feeling. Is there a specific area that needs attention? What emotions are coming up? What questions are coming up? Are you connected to your values? Is there anything specific in your life or business that appears to be a source for the unrest? (I.E. too much social media or a specific client or relationship that’s draining you?) Observe everything. Take notes.
2. Connect and Share
Don’t keep your mess to yourself! Share with a trusted friend, mentor, or support person who will keep what you share confidential. Ask for help. Be honest about how you are feeling. You may have the impulse to tough it out and “stay strong” but this will only prolong the burnout. Talking things over helps to relieve the pressure and stress. Ask people how to deal with burnout – what worked for them? What changes did they make?
3. Recharge
Before you make any decisions, take care of yourself. Take a break and do some self-care to recharge. Set some boundaries around your time. It’s OK to say “I’m not taking on any new projects or clients until _____ date/or after the holidays.” Turn off your phone for a few hours, or leave it in the car and go on a walk in nature. Cook yourself a nice meal. Take a yoga class. Book yourself a massage or a pedicure, or curl up on the couch and watch some good ‘ol trashy reality TV! Whatever helps your brain switch off and fills your cup.
“The moral of the story is: We thrive when we have a positive goal to move toward, not just a negative state we’re trying to move away from.”
― Emily Nagoski
4. Make a Change
Once you pause, share, and recharge, you are in a much better place to evaluate what’s causing your burnout and determine what changes need to be made. It may be as simple as setting better boundaries around your daily self-care time, or limiting the number of hours you work a week. Maybe you need to let go of a client or an employee, or hire someone new to help. Or it might be a bigger change. You may decide that you want to go in a whole new direction and do something totally different. Whatever it is, it’s OK. Change is scary, but it’s better to shift than remain in an endless cycle of burnout. From change comes growth.
Are you an entrepreneur struggling with burnout, or feeling afraid to make a change in your business? Book a free 30 minute strategic call with me at and we can chat more about how to deal with burnout!
