Hello, burnout, my old friend… Ok, ok, in all seriousness, being burnt out + I are olllllld friends. In fact, I burnt out multiple times in my life before I even knew what burnout really meant (well, besides the Mean Girls definition of the stoner kids)
So how, as online entrepreneurs, can we take better care of ourselves when we are burnt out?
Because here’s the thing… sometimes we have to experience burnout (maybe even a couple times) before we really WAKE UP and realize that it’s not the sustainable way for us to really be living and running our businesses.
In fact, entrepreneurial burnout is very real.
Maybe you just hit your first burnout. Or maybe you know all about burnout and usually do great at avoiding it, but lately, you’ve been pulling lots of extra hours on an exciting new project, and it just happened. So no matter how you got here, I genuinely believe this post has something you need to hear!
Above all else, I need you to know that the gift of a strong mindset practice (which you can fully give to yourself) can help you avoid burnout in the future… after all, your mindset is your most powerful tool as a business owner!
This post also includes some awesome self care ideas for when you’re burnt out.
1. Accept, Forgive + Heal
It’s important to know you’re not alone in experiencing this, yes. But it’s even more important for you to accept that you’ve hit burnout and forgive yourself for it.
If you begin mentally beating yourself up over hitting burnout and for not taking better care of yourself, you’re going to continue feeling worse about yourself. Especially if you used to be a perfectionist (or maybe still are), this is going to be a thought that enters your head, and I want you to know you’re not alone in that! But the thing is…
… you’re the best friend you could ever have.
You’re also the only person who could forgive you.
Allow it.
Then heal from there.
2. Do a Digital Detox
Take some time off of social media and instead focus on the core priorities: your well-being, your family, your clients. Anything else can wait.
Social media is not the place to be when you’re feeling burnt out… because social media outlets like Instagram are really good at making it look like everyone is doing more than you… is selling more than you… is succeeding more than you… but let me tell you: that’s not the truth!
When you’re burnt out, your defences are lowered, making you more susceptible to feeling triggered, inferior, or otherwise just plain crappy from social media. So do yourself a favour and give yourself a break!
Instead, reconnect with what makes you feel good. What makes you feel lit up.
3. Focus on 1 Thing Per Day
I know this is hard, but there’s a reason your body is screaming at you to take a break… so lighten the load energetically. But, of course, some things have to be done, and I’m not here to tell you to drop all your responsibilities! But other than these core responsibilities, I encourage you to focus on 1 essential task a day. Other than that, devote yourself to healing, embodiment and self-study.
When I had my first major burnout, this was something I needed to hear: your worth is never defined by your productivity. This is really tough if you’re a recovering perfectionist, like me, but it’s something you can gift yourself with compassion during burnout: the permission to just be not do.
4.Do Things That Make You Feel Amazing
There’s no time in your life where self-care activities are more important than when you’re burnt out. There’s so much talk about self-care in the online space, but honestly, I don’t think it can be stressed enough.
As entrepreneurs, if you think about it, we could be working wherever, whenever – which is a beautiful thing… but it also means that our businesses can begin to consume us to the point of burnout.
Here are some of my favourite self-care activities. Feel free to try them! But above all else… do what makes YOU feel amazing:
Self Care Ideas:
- Make a gratitude list and write down everything you’re grateful for now, no matter how big or small!
- Snuggle with your pet if you have one!
- Go for a walk in your favourite setting: for me, it’s by the water!
- Put on your favourite song and dance and sing like no one is watching or listening!
- Take a bubble bath
- Try a fun new hairstyle you’ve wanted to rock
Like these ideas? Then you’ll LOVE this ultimate list of self-care ideas for online entrepreneurs!
5. Create a New Alignment Ritual
An alignment routine can be a morning routine, or it can be a simple ritual that you draw on throughout the day. A time of burnout is a great time to really experiment with your alignment ritual or explore new tools and devices you’ve wanted to try!
Think of an alignment routine or ritual as being a giant ‘reset’ button for you that you can press at any moment throughout your day.
If you’re not feeling good, instead of allowing yourself to spiral deeper into that feeling (no judgement, we’ve all been there!), bouncing into your alignment ritual is a great tool to try before packing it in.
Here’s my own ‘reset’ ritual. Feel free to try it!
- Immediately hop in the shower to meditate and imagine my worries washing away
- Spend a few moments snuggling my sweet cat
- Watch 1 episode of my favourite comfort show while doodling and writing in my journal
After I do that reset, I’m usually feeling better and able to continue on with my day!
If I’m not, I may lean deeper into the time and extend the ritual a bit or take a walk and try again. If these still don’t work, I typically call the workday to a close as I’m clearly not in the frame of mind to produce my best!
What’s your reset alignment ritual going to be?
If you need a hand crafting one, check out…
One Of The Simplest Forms of Self Care: Colouring!
Colouring isn’t just for kids! It’s one of the simplest and most meditative forms of self-care! These 3 unique and anti-anxiety colouring pages are perfect for you to create with and colour. Colouring is one of my favourite ways to let my inner child play and relieve some stress – I hope they bring you just as much joy!
Other Mindset Posts You’ll Love:
7 Healthy & Productive Habits For a More Positive Mindset
How a Mindset Coach Supports You as a Creative Entrepreneur
8 Powerful Mindset Tools That Will Change Your Life
The Ultimate List of Self Care Ideas for Creative Entrepreneurs
10 Confidence-Boosting Affirmations for Creatives
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in your Creative Business
How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome as a Creative
5 Ways To Practice Self Care When Anxiety Hits
5 Reasons Why Your Mindset is Your Most Powerful Tool
Self Care Ideas – For When You Need Them As An Entrepreneur!
