While there are many advantages to ‘sacking the boss’ and running your own business, it goes without saying that entrepreneurship comes with its own ups and downs, which can result in burnout.

In fact, burnout amongst small business owners is more common that you might think. According to research by FreeAgent, 51% of SME owners in the UK have experienced some level of burnout since the pandemic began.

But what exactly is burnout and is it possible to avoid it altogether as a small business owner? Read on for more…

What is burnout?

Burnout, often referred to as the “high achiever” illness, is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion which is caused by prolonged stress. As a result, someone experiencing burnout will usually feel overwhelmed and unable to cope and if not addressed, this can lead to anxiety and depression.

Unfortunately, unlike other health problems, it’s easy for burnout to go unnoticed for long periods of time and the effects can be detrimental to your well-being and to your business.

What are the symptoms of burnout?

But how do we spot the signs and tackle it before it’s too late? The trick is to know the symptoms to look out for…

Here are top symptoms of burnout:

• Self-doubt
• Procrastination
• Feeling detached
• Loss of enthusiasm
• Felling tired and drained
• You neglect your wellbeing
• Feeling overwhelmed and anxious

How to avoid burnout as a small business owner

As the saying goes; “prevention is better a cure” – the key is to learn to how to prevent burnout in the first place so that you can stop it from disrupting your business and your life.

Here are some steps you can take to help you avoid burnout altogether:

• Outsource
• Prioritise tasks
• Set realistic goals
• Stop working excessive hours
• Identify your pain points
• Know when to ask for help
• Schedule more time for rest and relaxation

We hope these tips have helped you discover ways to identify when you may be experiencing burnout and ways you can avoid it moving forward. The key is building healthier habits that can help you build and grow your business without sacrificing your mental health. For more entrepreneur top tips and resources, checkout out our blog