Running a business can be both rewarding and very demanding. As an entrepreneur, you pour your heart and soul into your venture, often working long hours and juggling multiple responsibilities. However, the relentless pace can lead to burnout, loss of passion and neglect of one’s personal life if you’re not careful. It’s important to know when to step away from your business for a while to focus on yourself and other commitments. Below are a few signs you need to take a break away from your business.
You’re stressed and it’s harming your health
Every business owner experiences stress. While managing stress is an important skill to have as a business owner, there is only so much you can do to manage chronic stress. Once you notice that stress is taking a toll on your health, it’s time to take a break. This could include getting physically sick, feeling exhausted or experiencing anxiety/depression as a result of stress at work. A vacation could be necessary to de-stress and recover. If you’ve experiencing more serious mental illness, consider whether a mental health retreat could be worth looking into. While you’re taking a break, you can think about how to make running your business less stressful, so that you can return and not have to worry about your health suffering again.
You’re not getting enough sleep
A lot of business owners – particularly those in the early stages of launching a startup – burn the candle at both ends. While there may be times when you need to get up early or stay up late to focus on work, you need to be careful of doing this regularly. Lack of sleep will lead to all kinds of negative effects on your health, as well as decreased productivity at work. It’s therefore important to prioritise sleep when you can. Some business owners can also experience insomnia as a result of work-related stress. Whether your lack of sleep is caused by stress or long work hours, it could be important to schedule a break so that you can catch up on sleep. This could also be an opportunity to think about how you can make changes to your routine in order to get more sleep.
You’ve lost the passion for your business
Are you no longer feeling as passionate about your work? Do you fantasise about other business ventures or careers? A lack of passion for your business could cause you to start putting in less effort – which could lead to you cutting corners and putting out poor quality work. A break could be needed to help you reignite your passion by helping you to think more clearly about changes and improvements you could make. Alternatively, it could help you to gain more perspective on your business and decide whether it’s time to move on and do something else.
You’re not spending enough time with family and friends
There are times when we have to put our work before family and friends. However, you should not be regularly doing this. If you are, your relationships with friends and family could start to break down. If you notice this happening, it’s time to schedule a break from your business. A family vacation or a vacation with friends could be a great way to rebond.
You’re not celebrating your successes
Sometimes it’s important to take a break when things are going well. Too many business owners don’t take the time to celebrate their successes – hopping straight from one project to the next. Without any celebration, each success may eventually start to feel less rewarding and you could start to get bored. After reaching a long-term or challenging goal, treat yourself to a break – with your family, friends or even colleagues. Make this the reward for future goals so that you have something to look forward to after you’ve succeeded.
