3 Ways to get off the Burnout Bus

If you're a business owner (or leader) you've likely experienced burnout at some point. Eye twitching? Check. Tired all the time? Check. Overwhelmed? Check!

Even though the research on wellbeing is clear (it fundamentally increases performance, productivity and creativity, as well as many other benefits), we're still failing to make wellbeing a critical part of our business strategy.

Business owners have been led to believe hustling is the only way to be successful while wellbeing practitioners are struggling to convince the corporate world that if they just slowed down, they might improve results.

"Over a third of businesses are wellbeing washing"

People Management, 2022

Sure, wellbeing chat is everywhere, but having been in the HR space for over a decade and having built my own businesses, I know for a fact that most of us are box ticking!

Thankfully, things are changing! More and more prominent entrepreneurs and influencers are advocating for wellbeing led business habits. More and more research is emerging about the profound impact wellbeing has on the bottom line. More and more business owners are saying no to hustle culture. FINALLY. 🎉

If you're taking a one way bus to burnout town, here's 3 ways to swing those doors open and jump right off...

1. Schedule time for healthy habits

While it's tempting to skip the gym, grab a takeaway or just work a little it longer, unhealthy habits prevent you from reaching optimum functioning. It's no secret working out improves productivity. It's no secret taking a break reduces stress and improves focus. When we repeat unhealthy actions over and over in pursuit of getting more done, we create habits that become hard to break.

If you struggle to make space for down time:

• Start by setting small boundaries to separate work and personal time.
• Block time out for the activities you know will make you feel good, right now!

2. Tune into your stressors

While we all have activities, situations and people that energise us, we also have those that drain us. Knowing what causes you stress can be a powerful way to reposition your work and business.

Over the course of a week, write down the things that bring on stress or negative emotion. Look for patterns so you can understand the key themes. Maybe you need to let go of that unaligned client. Maybe you need to outsource your social media if it's making you come out in hives. Whatever is causing you extra stress, take care of it swiftly.

3. Boost positive emotions

This is one of the most overlooked tips by business owners that's backed by science. Increasing positivity can feel forced, annoying and incredibly frustrating when we're firmly sat in victim mode, but the more we do it, the more we benefit.

Barbara Fredrickson's broaden and build theory describes the crucial role positive emotions play in increasing resilience and wellbeing.

By increasing our positive emotions, we build a bank account of positivity which we can draw on when things get hard. It makes us more resilient, helps us grow and increases our connection to others!

Not sure how to increase your positivity? It's simple and incredibly personal! Do the things that boost your mood!

• Listen to your favourite happy songs (I suggest Ibiza classics 🤩)
• Watch your favourite comedy
• Practice gratitude (also backed by science).

Conclusion

Burnout is NOT a necessary part of running a business!

If you're struggling to prioritise your wellbeing, it helps to remember:

• When you're tired, you impact your ability to be creative
• When you don't take breaks, you impair your ability to focus
• When you burn yourself out, your performance is a fraction of what it could be

Wellbeing is a choice. The sooner you prioritise yourself, the sooner you'll be on your way to more health, wealth and happiness. So before you stop reading this and move on, ask yourself...

What are you going to do, RIGHT NOW, to get off the burnout bus?