Feeling rested and rejuvenated, I find solace in the soothing silence, leaving behind the distant memories of weeks overwhelmed by burnout and tiredness.
It is amazing to think that just a week ago, I was on the verge of exhaustion, feeling completely drained. This year has been an absolute whirlwind, with our expansion into India, the launch of a nationwide literacy initiative, team expansion in both regions, and opening up our next fundraising round to top it all off.
Don’t get me wrong, I love every minute of what I do, the people I work with and the impact of our innovation and I have always likened myself to the ‘Duracell bunny’ relentlessly going on and on but I guess even they wear out at some point.
As the founder and CEO, the pressure to appear as a superhero and constantly push oneself to exhaustion can be overwhelming in your pursuit of business success. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this mindset often results in burnout, a consequence that we all understand too well.
Burnout can cause knee-jerk decisions, negativity, and difficulty in focusing, ultimately leading to a decrease in productivity and output. However, incorporating regular rest and recovery into your schedule can not only prevent burnout but also increase overall productivity and success.
As entrepreneurs and leaders that have got our business to where they are today, we are pretty clever, yes? So why then do we not take burnout more seriously?
First off, it’s essential to recognise the importance of rest and recovery and how it can affect your business. It’s essential to understand that you can’t always be running at full speed without taking a break, and trying to do so will only have a negative impact in the long run.
Many leaders overlook the importance of resting and scheduling time for recovery. To prevent burnout, it’s crucial to schedule time off in advance. Whether it’s taking an extended vacation or a much-needed day off, giving yourself regular breaks is crucial for long-term success as a CEO and do plan in advance, so it doesn’t get pushed aside due to an increase in workload.
Another critical component is sleep. Getting enough sleep should be at the top of every CEO’s priority list. Sleep deprivation can induce chronic exhaustion, burnout, and unpredictability. As hard as it may be, setting a strict sleeping schedule that allows you to have at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night is what we should aim for. By doing so, you’ll be sure to feel more alert, energised, and productive during the day. (Must work on that!)
We live in a world where work never stops and we can work remotely from almost anywhere. This means that, as leaders, we can always be connected to work-related issues. Hence, it’s essential to be strict with yourself. Take a break from work outlooks and social media, and indulge in other healthful activities. It will help refresh your mind and prepare you better.
As a CEO, it is crucial to set a positive example and inspire team members to do the same. By highlighting the value of taking breaks and participating in activities that bring joy, you can reassure them that returning rejuvenated and revitalised will boost productivity and ultimately contribute to the success of the business.
In conclusion, burnout is a natural occurrence that can affect anyone. However, as a CEO, it is crucial to prevent it and inspire others to do the same. Allowing oneself to rest and recover through regular breaks leads to increased effectiveness in the workplace, improved decision-making abilities, and long-term success. There should be no guilt or shame associated with taking time off or encouraging team members to do so.
Remember to practise what you preach, foster a culture of holistic growth within the organisation, and lead by example. Prioritise regular breaks, and witness the positive impact it has on both the business and personal well-being.
Well, that’s all from me for now. Time to hop off and start planning my next break! 😉
