Contrary to popular belief – not all entrepreneurs can work every day of the week without repercussions. Burnout is a real thing, especially in the business world. It’s essential to know the early warning signs and work hard to take care of yourself. 

Knowing the signs of burnout is particularly important when an entrepreneur is at the forefront of a new and growing industry, namely the cannabis industry. Finding the right balance of busy but not too busy may be difficult for entrepreneurs at first, but with practice and time, it is manageable. 

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a form of exhaustion that stems from overworking, prolonged stress, emotional duress, physical exertion, and feeling overwhelmed. It leaves a person feeling drained – both emotionally and mentally – and can impact any person in any industry.

Along with having negative mental and emotional implications, burnout prevents people from working to their fullest. In other words – burnout is a disaster for entrepreneurs.

Identifying Burnout

Thankfully, there are plenty of warning signs when it comes to burnout. Entrepreneurs that are in tune with their mental and emotional states will be more likely to spot the symptoms of burnout before it hits a breaking point.

Signs and symptoms of burnout include irritability, exhaustion, detachment, increased forgetfulness, loss of motivation, decreased productivity/satisfaction, and feeling trapped. Let’s take this a step further and discuss the physical signs of burnout, as they can help entrepreneurs identify it in themselves – and others. Physical symptoms include fatique, headaches, weakened immune systems, and a change in sleep and appetite habits. 

Avoiding Burnout

To avoid burnout, entrepreneurs must put their health first. In other words, they need to prioritize their long-term health alongside the business. Failing to do so will increase the likelihood of burnout cycles, which can impact the business. 

On that note – when looking for an outlet for emotional burnout, don’t take it out on coworkers and employees. The odds are good that they’re already dealing with increased stress due to the situation and should be left alone.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with taking breaks – it’s also okay to reach out for help when you need it. Doing both of these things will go a long way in preventing burnout. Other preventatives include exercise, eating healthy, and getting the right amount of sleep.