Every entrepreneur will face burnout. It’s inevitable. When you feel like you’re pushing a rock up a hill every day, getting punched by clients, employees, and partners every now and then on your journey, you will eventually hit a burnout moment. In my experience, it’s the low after a phase of extreme productivity.

What Does Burnout Feel Like?

It’s similar to depression. You question your own credibility. You wonder, “What’s the point?” You lose the ability to roll with the punches, and everything feels very personal. You may start to withdraw from the work you’ve been doing as a protective measure.

It’s hard to crawl out from under it. And it affects entrepreneurs more than employees because you don’t switch off. You carry your work with you all day, every day. To the beach, to your daughter’s concert, your spouse’s birthday party, everywhere.

According to a study of 227 entrepreneurs in 46 countries by Founder Reports, 87.7% of entrepreneurs report struggling with one or more mental health issues. That’s an alarming statistic. In addition to high stress, financial concerns, and burnout, more than 50% of entrepreneurs report that they struggle with anxiety (Entrepreneur’s Organization).

How Can You Avoid It?

There are several ways to avoid burnout, and just as many ways to come back from it. Let’s start with prevention.

Take Time Off

I’m starting here because it seems obvious, but it’s not easy when you carry your job with you 24/7. The easiest way to take time off is to step away from all work tools, including your phone. Resist the temptation to “just check in.” If you can afford to hire help to cover you, do it. The mental break will give your brain space for creativity and perspective, and when you return, you’ll show up sharper and more energized.

Collaborate

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. We often isolate ourselves, thinking no one else will understand the grind. But collaboration, whether it’s brainstorming with another founder, hiring a mentor, or talking to your team, can pull you out of your own head. Sometimes you just need to hear a fresh perspective to reset your mindset.

Don’t Hit Snooze on Emails

This one sounds small, but it’s a big one. Avoiding small tasks like replying to emails, returning calls, or finalizing invoices can create a mountain of stress. Instead of letting those things pile up, tackle them immediately or schedule a specific time to handle them. Staying on top of the “small stuff” prevents it from weighing you down mentally.

Work Out

Physical activity resets your brain chemistry. It doesn’t have to be a two-hour gym session: a walk, yoga, or stretching counts. In fact, getting outside can have even more benefits.
“Being outdoors can also have relaxing effects on our minds. Nature can provide a mental break by allowing us to temporarily escape the demands of everyday life. It can also boost your creativity and problem-solving abilities.” (UCDavis).

The point is to move your body, release tension, and remind yourself that your body and business both need maintenance.

Have a Hobby

Do something that doesn’t have a measurable ROI.

Cook, paint, golf, garden, or make beer; whatever gets you out of your work headspace. Hobbies give you something to look forward to that isn’t tied to business results.

Limit Your Stack

Shiny New Object Syndrome is real. When you’re constantly adding new tools and platforms, you’re adding mental clutter. Simplify your systems, streamline your tech, and focus on what genuinely drives results.

Clarity is a form of self-care for entrepreneurs.

How Do You Get Out of a Burnout?

Even with all the right habits, burnout can still hit. When it does, here’s what I do to pull myself back.

Push Through on Creative Tasks

When I’m burned out, I avoid analytical work. Instead, I lean into creative projects: writing, brainstorming campaigns, or visual planning. Writing especially means I’m facing several moments of “I should give up. No one will read this.” By pushing through, the effect is huge. It has a push-through effect by allowing me to complete a task, and helps me reconnect with the “why” behind my business.

Take Notes

Burnout can feel overwhelming because your thoughts get messy. Write things down: what’s frustrating you, what feels heavy, what’s working. Sometimes just getting it out of your head is enough to start sorting through it. Use pen and paper, or you risk feeling like it’s work instead of therapy. Speaking of…

Talk to Someone

Whether it’s a mentor, a therapist, or a fellow entrepreneur, talking helps. You’ll be surprised how many people feel the same way. There’s comfort and clarity in knowing you’re not alone.

Recognize What Spun You Out

Was it a difficult client? A lack of boundaries? Overcommitting? Identifying the trigger helps you create safeguards for the next time. Burnout isn’t just exhaustion; it’s often a sign that something in your system needs to change.

Avoid Comparison

This might be the hardest one. It’s easy to look at other entrepreneurs and think they’re thriving while you’re floundering. But comparison steals perspective. Everyone has highs and lows; you’re just seeing their highlight reel. Focus on your own progress, not someone else’s timeline.

Final Thought

Burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’ve been giving your all. The key is learning how to recharge, reset, and realign. When you find your rhythm again, you come back stronger, wiser, and more in control of your own pace.