Everyone seems to have it all together.
That’s everyone — except you.
A typical day at the office for them seems to be filled with breakthroughs.
Yours on the other hand, is a different story.
Life is taking a toll on you. Your brain hurts. You need an outlet.
You know that the survival of your business depends on you. And if you have employees who depend on the business, the guilt and overwhelm is multiplied many times over.
So you push yourself to keep going.
You multi task.
You spread yourself thin.
Between phone calls, emails and meetings, you barely have the time to breathe.
You try harder.
But the more you try, the more drained you feel.
You are unfulfilled.
Always giving your time to others has left you feeling like a zombie.
You wish you could take a break from it all.
But wait.
You can’t take a break.
The naysayers won’t leave alone
Everyone and their second cousin keep telling you that you must not quit. That your breakthrough is round the corner.
“Fortune favours the bold,” they say.
Then in comes the motivational speakers. The ones that tell you that 8 out of 10 businesses fail within the first five years.
That’s when the little voice in your head whispers, “Don’t be a statistic.”
So you take a deep breath and press harder. Even though you have nothing left to give.
Plot twist: A break is what you need!
Here’s the brutal truth — Burnout is real.
And it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Accept it and shout it from the roof tops.
Its effects can be devastating. They include Stress, headaches, intestinal issues, moodiness and even depression. It leaves one physically, spiritually, and emotionally drained. It can eat it you up slowly.
Whilst are no specific statistics on burnout and its effect on entrepreneurs, it is safe to say that it is not far from the 31% of people in employment who report being stressed and even depressed.
Even the best in the industry have suffered from burnout.
Oprah Winfrey, one of the most hard working women of all time, said that she learnt how to recognize her limits.
Pause, self-reflect and give yo’self some love
“Me time” away from your business is nothing to feel guilty about.
A business needs tactics, strategy, relationship management amongst other things and you can only focus on them when your head is clear. Not when you have a million and one things going through your head.
Even the best athletes in the world are where they are because they recognize the importance of “Me Time”. Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Eliud Kipchoge. The list goes on.
So take a day off. Maybe two. At a minimum, take 30 minutes. Make this a habit.
Schedule it into your calendar.
Here’s how you can do it:
- If indoors, use a separate room: Being in a separate room triggers something in your brain that tells it that it’s not business as usual.
- Turn email notifications off: Emails can be a big distraction so let everyone know that you will be away. Use a automated responder if you have to. It’s never that serious.
- Get some Vitamin D (Sun): There is something very refreshing about being outside and letting the sun kiss your cheeks. Something about it makes you smile which then lowers your blood pressure, improves brain function and can even ease mild depression.
- Use the 54321 mindfulness trick: This is a very effective trick that you can use to manipulate you brain. This is how it goes: Identify 5 things that you can see, 4 things that you can hear, 3 things that you can feel, 2 things that you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. This tool allows you to control your thoughts and stops them from wandering. Kinda like saying to your brain, “Hey, come back here!”
- Listen to virtual nature sounds: Sounds of nature have become few and far between but you can use apps that replicate the same sounds and they are so good that the brain can barely tell the difference.
- Meditate:Take time to breath deep and exhale very slowly. This will give your brain the much needed extra oxgyen that it craves for in times of stress.
- Repeat a mantra: If there is something that every business person should have, it’s a mantra. Something that you can recite when you are feeling overwhelmed. Make it personal. Something motivating. Something that leaves you feeling good.
- Watch a movie or a TV show: Watch something that you love. Even if it’s a re-run of your favorite episode of Friends. Just something light to make you laugh.
- Take a relaxing bath: Take a relaxing bath and if you fancy sipping a glass of your favourite wine whilst at it, go ahead. Rules are made to be broken.
- Sleep: If all you want to do is crawl in bed and sleep, do it.
- Do something for others: Focusing on others has a way of relieving us from anxieties so call an old friend just because, send texts appreciating others or go on social media and post something uplifting.
Get back refreshed and ready to soar
Taking time off will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I know this sounds cliche but it’s true.
This is what will happen:
- The brain will reboot: Your brain will get refreshed and will be able to focus more as you’ll be more organized and structured. Almost like you’ve been reset back to factory settings.
- Stress will reduce: A recharged brain brings stress levels down so you’ll no longer be screaming at your computer and pulling your hair out. It will generally make you a more pleasant person to be around.
- Concentration will increase: Stepping away from trying to solve a problem then returning to it after a break helps one look at it with a clearer mind. Almost like looking at it with new eyes. It will give you Aha moments.
- Relationships will improve: Taking a break makes one happier which then puts one in a better position to support others. It forms strong customer relationships and remember, people like to do business with people that they like.
- You’ll have a better work-life balance: Taking a break will help you realize that there is more to life than just work and this will help you balance the two. Remember, you don’t have to make yourself miserable to be successful. Life is too short.
Good bye overwhelm. Hello clarity.
So this is where the drain and overwhelm stop and a new you is born.
It’s where you say goodbye to listening to the naysayers who keep telling you to keep going.
It’s where you acknowledge that you are not robot. And even if you were, robots too need servicing every once in a while.
From now on, you’ll be able to recognise the signs of burnout and do what needs to be done.
You’ll be refreshed and feel like you are back to your factory settings.
You’ll be fulfilled.
Exhilarated.
You’ll no longer be walking around like a zombie.
You’ll have new found wings that will help you soar high taking your business to another level without compromising your well-being.
You’ll look back at the moment that you decided to pause and be glad that you did.
So go ahead and reach out for that mental pause button.
Your body will thank you later.