How To Protect From Burnout When Running A Fashion Brand
Running your own fashion business and being your own boss can often be considered the ultimate career dream. You can set your own hours, select your projects, and be in total control, which is unequivocally appealing (especially if you have endured terrible jobs previously). However, the reality can be far different, and the stress of managing everything can get on top of you. In my latest article, I look at how to cope with burnout—carry on reading for more.
The fashion world is a fantastic environment to be involved in—especially if it is your career, allowing you to design, manufacture and market endless stylish pieces to fashionistas around the globe. Yet, this type of work can quickly shroud you in deadlines, overwork, lack of free time (for yourself, your partner, or your family), and ultimately, stress. In the following key points, I will offer valuable insights and tips to help you, as an entrepreneur, strike a balance between business and your personal well-being.
Business Burnout
During the daily running of your business, everything may seem fine, and then suddenly, you are hit with entrepreneurial burnout. This is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion brought on by overwork and prolonged stress. It can quickly manifest as a feeling of detachment, being overwhelmed, and even a decreased sense of accomplishment.
In a traditional job, if you start to experience the effects of burnout, you have the option to seek help from supervisors or managers to take time off—unfortunately, business owners and entrepreneurs more than likely attempt to push through the strain.
Understanding the different signs of work-related burnout is crucial so you can quickly address the problem before it impacts your health and your company. Being aware of what is happening is the first step to finding balance. Then, you can begin to reclaim control of your life and make changes for the better.
Working Out The Root Causes
It is crucial to try and discover the root causes of your entrepreneurial stress so you can develop a coping strategy to change things around. Some of the most common causes are –
- Financial instability
- Long working hours
- Pressure to innovate
- Competition
- Figuring Out The Next Trends
Additionally, working for yourself can be very isolating, which can exacerbate any issues you are suffering from.
Once you have pinpointed the specific factors contributing to your high-stress levels, you can target the areas and reduce the damaging consequences. Whether you need help with financial planning, time management guidance or even social support – once you have discovered the root causes, you can find balance.
Create Healthy Working Habits
Creating healthy working habits as a self-employed business leader is essential. Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life so you have time for your loved ones but can also recharge (so you are raring to go once you are back in the saddle, ready for the fast-paced clothing industry).
Make a list of tasks, focus on the important ones first, and even delegate some responsibilities (if you have help) to avoid becoming overwhelmed with work. Remember to take regular breaks (and stop to take lunch – do not eat on the go) and try and incorporate some form of physical activity or workout during the day (even if it is a walk, allowing you to clear your mind too) which can reduce stress and boost your energy. If you have healthy working habits set in place, it will improve your productivity and boost your well-being.
To ensure your business is working at an optimum level, you must always take care of yourself, too (especially if you are running a solo company).
Search For Professional Help
With the huge amount of weight on an entrepreneur’s shoulders, the solution may need to fall into the hands of a professional. Hiring a business coach, mentor, or even a therapist can help your mindset and provide valuable strategies and even unique perspectives you may not have previously considered. Experts in these fields can quickly help you figure out any negative thoughts you focus on and offer methods to change and alter them, improving your mental well-being and boosting your business’s performance.
Additionally, advisors can help you create a self-care routine that is personalised to your needs and can help protect you against self-related injury that can occur with overwork and high amounts of stress. It is crucial to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness; in fact, it is a proactive step to keep your business running smoothly.
Build A Support Network
With the numerous challenges business owners face, building a strong support network is essential for success. You need to surround yourself with positive folks who can offer help, advice, and encouragement (and not bring you down with negativity). If you struggle to find people close to home, you could join online communities or entrepreneurial groups to find like-minded individuals who want to succeed in life. A positive support group can help to lower any feelings of isolation and even provide a feeling of camaraderie, which is a fantastic incentive to dive in and try out new business methods or content ideas (especially valuable for a clothing brand) – this will prove to you, that you are not alone.
Practice Self-Care And Mindfulness
Self-care and mindfulness are fantastic methods you can utilise to achieve balance in your working/home life and keep stress under control. Many business owners fail to see self-care as vital, yet all the money in the world (without enjoying yourself) defeats the purpose. As such, remember to make time for your hobbies, loved ones, holidays, and relaxation. You may consider it a selfish act, but it is necessary for your well-being and to keep your business healthy and sustained. Similarly, mindfulness practices such as deep breathing exercises and meditation can keep you focused, removing the fear of being overcome with your worries.
Set Realistic Goals
Stay realistic, especially regarding your business goals—if you aim for the stars too soon and it is taking longer than you expected, you could easily slip and burn yourself out. You must break down any long-term objectives into smaller, more feasible tasks. Celebrate any achievements during your journey (even smaller ones). Always focus on progress (rather than aim for total perfection), allow yourself to be flexible, and adjust your goals as required.
Summary
Being your own boss of a fashion company is filled with stress and challenges, but by incorporating a proactive approach, you will be ready to protect yourself from burnout. Identify the root issues and signs, develop healthy working styles, seek outside help and create a strong support network, including time to relax using self-care and mindfulness and set realistic, achievable goals. You must remember that your happiness and health are equally important to your business’s success, allowing you to grow and thrive without limiting your life quality.
I hope this health-based business guide was useful and provided you with tips you can use in your working life. Please share your thoughts on the content in the comments section below.
