Small business owners work hard to make their dreams become reality. They are entrepreneurs, so they are naturally driven to succeed. They are also more prone to stress. Over time, the stress they feel can lead to exhaustion, mood swings, or a quick temper. It can also lead to burnout, which leaves their business vulnerable to failure.
How to Recognize the Signs of Exhaustion
Exhaustion takes shape in different ways. We typically associate it with feeling tired, but that’s a sign of something happening under the surface. Another sign is insomnia. Those sleepless nights are only contributing to your fatigue and increasing your anxiety. Other signs include:
- Forgetfulness
- Loss of appetite
- Increased illness
- Anger
- Depression
These symptoms cause you to become more cynical and detached from your work. Negative feelings and pessimism replace that positive, “go-get ’em” attitude. You’ll no longer enjoy your daily duties. Instead, you’ll find it to be a daily grind. The worst part is that everyone around you will feel it.
Change Your Routine – Change Your Attitude
The success of your business depends upon your mental health. If you’re feeling any one of the signs above, then it’s time for a change. You’ll need to step back and honestly look at the root causes of your stress. Once you understand them, then it’s time to set a plan in motion to alleviate your daily stressors. Here are some ways you can fight exhaustion and avoid job burnout.
1. Get Organized
Take control of your day, don’t let it control you. This will require you to organize your office, so you can find what you need when you need it. Also, get in the habit of making a to-do list that prioritizes your tasks for the day. Try to do the hardest thing first. This will save the easy stuff for the end of your day when you are physically tired.
2. Exercise
How can exercise help when you’re already feeling tired? Exercise boosts your energy levels. It also produces endorphins that clear your mind and allow you to reset your emotions and thinking. Along with plenty of water and a good diet, you will feel better in a short period of time.
3. Do Something Fun
Schedule down time to do something fun that will invigorate you. Getting involved in activities that you love to do can bring you closer with family and friends. These act as reminders that life isn’t all work and no play.
4. Delegate
If you’re feeling exhausted, then you need to lean on your employees to pick up some of your workload. This may require training them and take more time than you’d like to spend, but it will pay off in time saved for you to do the things that matter.
5. Focus on Your Success
Too often, exhaustion makes us feel like we never get anything done. When we recognize our accomplishments, we look at our work in a positive way. Try to celebrate each goal in simple ways. It’s a great way to bring your employees together to toast your success and make everyone feel better about their contributions to the business.
Healing from Exhaustion Takes Time
Changing your schedule to create balance isn’t something that can be done overnight. Once you begin to address the underlying issues related to your exhaustion, you’ll be able to reduces stress and feel better about yourself. Remember that rekindling your passion for what you do takes time, so give yourself some space and time to heal.