Striking a Better Work-Life Balance

April 8, 2024 2 min read

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With April being National Stress Awareness Month, it’s no secret that owning a small business can bring about a laundry list of stressors you might not have expected. Though being a dedicated owner is important, finding a healthy work-life balance is critical to you (and your business’) success. Below are just a few ways to achieve a better balance and avoid burnout.

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Create a schedule – and stick to it

As a business owner, you might feel like you have no choice but to be available 24/7. Being so openly available not only wears you down, but it also shows that there are no boundaries between your work and personal life. Set a schedule for yourself that includes working hours and when you can be reached by customers and employees, then follow it, making exceptions only for true emergencies. 

Delegate tasks to trusted staff

Your team is there to help successfully run your business – after all, you hired them for a reason. When you’re feeling overwhelmed with work, pass along the tasks on your agenda that your employees are equipped to accomplish.

Carve out some downtime

You can’t give your all to your business when you’re running on empty, so it’s crucial to set aside time to take a break. Whether it’s an occasional day off or a week-long vacation, making time away from work a priority will save you from burnout.

Don’t be afraid to say “no”

It’s ever-so-tempting to spread yourself thin for the sake of making everyone happy. But trying to do it all can come at a great expense: your mental health. From a last-minute customer order during the busy holiday season to a client request that will require you to put in overtime – no ask is worth an exorbitant amount of stress.

Being a small business owner is a rewarding endeavor, but it’s hard to feel that way when your work-life balance is nonexistent. This National Stress Awareness Month, take time to reflect on the areas of your work life that have taken a toll on you, and plan out how to better manage these stressors moving forward. Your mind, body and business will thank you! 

The content of this page is for informational purposes only. It is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. Please consult with the professionals of your choice to discuss your situation.