Work Hard, Actually Play Hard: A Business Owners Guide to Avoiding Burnout
Summer presents a unique opportunity to balance work and leisure. Whether you run your own private practice, or are a leader in a group practice, the summer lull offers a chance to catch up on tasks, plan ahead, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. It can be incredibly hard to strike this balance, with many business owners and leaders (not just in the mental health field) opting to just get ahead on work, instead of resting in equal measure.
Why is that so bad? Skipping rest can lead to burnout. As a business owner and leader, avoiding burnout is crucial for both personal well-being and the sustained success of the business. And you, as a business owner, are probably not playing as hard as you think.
What is Burnout?
The term “burnout” has been thrown around a lot in the media the last few years and it is not always characterized correctly. It is often framed as simply being tired, bored, or annoyed by the job you have. But real burnout is so much more than that.
Burnout is caused by prolonged stress, leading to exhaustion and reduced productivity. Symptoms include chronic physical and mental exhaustion, fatigue, insomnia, and decreased performance, which can significantly impair decision-making abilities, reduce productivity, and ultimately lead to poor business outcomes. When a business owner is fatigued, they are more prone to making errors, losing focus on strategic goals, and failing to inspire their team. This can create a ripple effect, where the entire organization suffers from decreased morale and efficiency. Beyond the health of your business, burnout has the potential to significantly affect your own health. Continuous stress and overwork can lead to serious health issues, including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular problems, and a weakened immune system.
Managing burnout involves setting boundaries, seeking support, self-care, and creating a healthy work environment. But the most effective course of action for your own health and the health of your business is to avoid reaching a state of burnout in the first place. Avoiding burnout fosters a positive work environment and sets a good example for employees, colleagues, interns, and the clients you work so hard to serve.
Sizzle, Don’t Burn: Preventing Burnout
Just like any good summertime routine, preventing burnout requires you to take steps to help protect against the heat. Think of it as putting on SPF, but for your business. RestPF, if you will. And just like SPF, most people underestimate its importance until it’s too late. Whether you are protecting against the heat of the sun, or the heat of keeping your business afloat during the slow season, working preventative measures into your routine is key to keep from getting burned. Work hard, but play hard too.
There are many resources available for time management tips to maximize your work time so you have time to play. But do you actually know how to play?
The Art of Play
Some call it play, some rest, some leisure time or downtime. Whatever name you give it, it is essential in preventing burnout. And not all of us are naturally inclined to enjoy it. That seems contrary, but when we are caught up in “the grind” it can be very hard to let go and enjoy time away from work. Hopefully, this guide will be a good starting point.
Disconnect From Work
Play is only truly play if you are not working. Put the work phone on Do Not Disturb. Set your “out of office” email responder. Avoid topics of conversation surrounding work. It’s hard! I know! And it takes practice to truly disconnect from work if you are not used to it. The more you practice, the easier it will be to switch into play in the future. Give yourself grace when you slip up and get back into work mode. It will happen, and that’s okay.
No One Size Fits All
Play does not look the same for everyone, and it may look different at different times for you. Play comes in many forms. Think back to when you were a kid. When you engaged in play, it took on many different forms. Sometimes it was playing quietly in your room and other times it was more of a physical activity. Take suggestions that resonate with you and leave the rest.
Types of Play
What can play look like? The possibilities are nearly endless, but they tend to fall into a few categories:
Slow rest: low physical demand activities where your body can rest.
Active: any activity that gets your body moving.
Intellectual: activities that require you to use your brain and flex your grey matter.
Novel/Adventurous: new activities that you have not tried before, or push past your usual comfort zone.
Comfortable/Familiar: play that you return to as a means of comfort and self-soothing.
Solo: can be done alone.
Social: engages you with others.
Any of these types of play can happen indoors or outdoors. And many activities may fall into multiple categories.
Mix it Up
You may prefer one type of play over another, but shake it up sometimes to keep it from getting stale. If your play starts to feel like work, it’s time to switch gears.
Have you tried...?
Not sure where to start? Here are a few suggestions.
Take a nap: this one seems so obvious, but it really can be the perfect reset! Whether it’s in bed, on your couch, or under a tree, a nap is a great slow rest! Hot tip: if you naps aren’t your thing, put the Golf channel on low volume and be lulled into a 20 min cat nap. It works every time!
Get outside: go for a walk around the block or head to your nearest scenic wilderness for a hike!
Read: If you don’t have the attention span for a long novel, opt for short stories or graphic novels with an episodic structure.
Watch a movie or TV show: You can switch it up between genres, so you can have an intellectual, emotional, or low stimulation experience.
Hobbies: Whether it’s starting a new one or picking up an old one, hobbies are a great activity to work into your routine.
Socialize: it does not need to be a large social occasion. Socializing can happen over food, drinks, a zoom call, or just enjoying being around each other.
Take a class: Find a local workshop or ongoing class you enjoy and would bring you enrichment. Whether it’s a cooking class, a workshop on that new hobby you picked up, or “Moving Together: A Couples Workshop to Deepen Intimacy and Connection through Dance and Movement,” classes are a great way to blend socialization into your play! Hot tip: First 5 registered couples will get a discount!
Enjoy your local parks: Many cities and towns have parks where you can simply enjoy being outside, or visit one of the many events they host!
Cuddle: If you have a special someone to do it with, take time to simply enjoy being close. Physical contact may be the perfect reset you need!
Go to a farmers market: switch up your usual shopping errands by helping small businesses and getting the freshest food!
Get an errand buddy: find a friend to accompany on mundane errands to make them more fun! It’s a chance to catch up, and turns an otherwise boring necessity into time for play!
Try new food: this can mean trying new restaurants or trying new recipes!
Simply do nothing: sometimes all we need is to putter around and not really do anything. Enjoy the slowness. Simply exist for a while.
This list is just the beginning. There are so many more activities that you can enjoy!
Go Play!
Be sure that you work hard and actually play this summer! Owning a business is taxing, and being in the mental health field does not mean we are great at taking our own advice. Try new things. Rediscover old favorites. Remember what it is like to be a kid and play during summer break. You’ve mastered working hard. It’s time to play harder! Enjoy your summer.
In your corner,
Francisca
Embark on a transformative journey with Francisca Mix, LPC, BC-DMT, ACS—an experienced confidence consultant in mental health and clinical leadership. With diverse expertise as a mental health private practice consultant, educator, clinical supervisor, and trauma-informed movement therapist, Francisca guides professionals through tailored group programs and impactful one-to-one online sessions.
Her mission is clear—to empower individuals in mental health and clinical leadership by building unshakable confidence, nurturing leadership skills, and rewriting healthy life narratives. Your transformation begins here.
Ready to reach new heights? Book a discovery call NOW and redefine your narrative with confidence and leadership.
