The Business Owner’s Guide For Learning To Take Breaks

Burnout is one of the greatest enemies of business owners and entrepreneurs. It can strike at any time, usually when we least expect it. And once it sets in, it’s hard to shake.

That’s why it’s so important to learn how to take breaks. Breaks may seem like a luxury when you’re running a business, but they’re actually essential for maintaining your health and well-being.

In this article, Brisco will be discussing:

• What burnout is and how it can impact business owners
• Signs that may indicate you’re suffering from burnout
• How to take breaks without feeling guilty

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, learning how to face burnout head on is an essential skill for long-term success. Keep reading to find out how.

1. What Is Burnout?
2. How Long Do Burnout Symptoms Last?
3. 5 Signs You May Be Suffering From Burnout
1. You’re Always Tired
2. You’re Getting Sick More Often
3. You’re Having Trouble Concentrating
4. You’re Feeling Irritable and Snappy
5. You’re Having Trouble Motivating Yourself
4. How To Manage Your Burnout And Beat Your Symptoms
1. Make Time For Yourself
2. Simplify Your To-Do List
3. Get Into A Solid Routine
4. Get Enough Sleep
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
6. Exercise Regularly
7. Seek Professional Help
5. Final Thoughts

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can be caused by prolonged or chronic stress. It’s important to note that burnout isn’t simply a case of working too hard. While work stress can certainly contribute to burnout, there are other factors that can play a role, such as personal stressors, family responsibilities, and health problems. When these stresses combine, they can lead to burnout.

Burnout can manifest in a variety of ways, both physically and emotionally. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and illness. Emotional symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, depression, and apathy.

If left unchecked, burnout can also seriously impact your business. When you’re suffering from burnout, it’s hard to focus and be productive. You may make mistakes more easily, and your decision-making skills may suffer. Burnout can also lead to absenteeism, as you may be too tired or sick to come into work. In severe cases, burnout can even lead to business failure.

How Long Do Burnout Symptoms Last?

The symptoms of burnout can last for days, weeks, or even months. In severe cases, burnout can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, anxiety disorders, and depression. If you’re experiencing burnout, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional.

5 Signs You May Be Suffering From Burnout

One of the most difficult things about burnout is that it can be hard to spot in yourself. After all, when you’re running a business, there’s always more to do and never enough hours in the day. However, there are some signs that may indicate you’re suffering from burnout:

1. You’re Always Tired

When you’re suffering from burnout, it’s not uncommon to feel constantly tired. This is because burnout can lead to chronic exhaustion, which is a state of ongoing fatigue that doesn’t go away no matter how much rest you get.

Chronic exhaustion can make it difficult to concentrate, impair your decision-making abilities, and lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

2. You’re Getting Sick More Often

If you’re suffering from burnout, your immune system is likely to be weakened. This means that you’ll be more susceptible to getting sick, and the illnesses you do get will likely be more severe.

In addition, burnout can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.

So, if you’re noticing that you’re getting sick more often than usual, or that the illnesses you do get are more severe, it may be a sign that burnout is taking a toll on your health.

3. You’re Having Trouble Concentrating

Burnout can also make it difficult to concentrate. This is because when you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that interferes with memory and learning. In addition, burnout can lead to anxiety and depression, both of which can also impair concentration.

If you find yourself having trouble focusing on work or struggling to remember things, it may be a sign that burnout is affecting your cognitive abilities.

4. You’re Feeling Irritable and Snappy

Burnout can cause irritability and make it difficult to deal with even the small stresses of everyday life. If you find yourself snapping at your loved ones or feeling easily agitated, it may be a sign that burnout is taking a toll on your emotional health.

5. You’re Having Trouble Motivating Yourself

When you’re suffering from burnout, it can be difficult to find the motivation to do anything, let alone run a business. If you’re struggling to get out of bed in the morning or finding it hard to care about your work, it may be a sign that burnout has sapped your energy and enthusiasm.

How To Manage Your Burnout And Beat Your Symptoms

If you’re suffering from burnout, it’s important to take steps to manage your symptoms and get back on track. Here are a few tips:

1. Make Time For Yourself

When you’re running a business, it’s easy to forget to make time for yourself. However, it’s important to schedule some time each day or week for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. This can be anything from reading, going for a walk, or spending time with friends and family.

2. Simplify Your To-Do List

If your to-do list is constantly growing and seems impossible to complete, it’s time to simplify it. Break down your tasks into small, manageable steps that you can complete without feeling overwhelmed. And, don’t be afraid to delegate or say no to tasks that aren’t essential.

3. Get Into A Solid Routine

When you’re suffering from burnout, it can be difficult to stick to a routine. However, having a solid routine can help you manage your symptoms and get back on track. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, eat regular meals, and take breaks throughout the day.

If you’re struggling, apps like Routinery and The Fabulous are great for providing a bit of structure to your day. You can use them to encourage good behaviours that reduce the amount of stress you feel throughout the day.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When you’re suffering from burnout, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough rest. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and create a bedtime routine that will help you wind down before going to sleep.

5. Eat a Healthy Diet

When you’re dealing with burnout, it’s important to eat a healthy diet. This means avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. Instead, focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

6. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mental health. Even just a few minutes of physical activity can help boost your mood and energy levels. So, make sure to schedule some time each day for exercise, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to manage your burnout on your own, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can provide you with support and guidance as you deal with your symptoms. They can also help you develop coping strategies for dealing with stress in the future.

Final Thoughts

Taking breaks may seem like a luxury when you’re running a business, but it’s actually essential for maintaining your health and well-being. If you’re feeling burnout, make sure to take some time for yourself and implement some healthy coping strategies. If you’re struggling to manage your burnout symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional help! Running a small business? Discover affordable and comprehensive business insurance solutions at Brisco Business.

Dean Laming

Dean is a Chartered Insurance Broker with more than 25 years insurance experience. Through various underwriting, operational and management roles, Dean has built up extensive knowledge of how to run a business and is now Managing Director of Brisco Business, part of the wider Henry Seymour Group.

All articles by Dean Laming