Freelancing is a great way to make money on your terms, but it can also be very challenging. When you’re not working for someone else, the responsibility of getting work done and making money falls entirely on you, and this can lead to a lot of stress and burnout. This article will discuss ten ways to deal with freelance burnout and keep your business running smoothly!

Understand the causes of freelance burnout

The first step to dealing with freelance burnout is understanding what causes it. For some people, the pressure of constantly finding new clients and work can be too much. Others may feel like they’re not charging enough for their services or that they’re not good enough at what they do. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to identify the cause of your burnout so you can figure out how to deal with it.

Top ways to better understand the causes of your freelance burnout:

• Keep a journal to track your thoughts and feelings related to work. This can help you identify any patterns or triggers that lead to burnout.
• Talk to other freelancers about their experiences with burnout. You may be able to relate to some of their stories and find helpful advice.
• Read articles or books on the topic of burnout. This can help you better understand the causes and effects of burnout and how to deal with it.

Take a break if necessary

If you’re feeling burnt out, taking a break from freelancing may be necessary. This doesn’t mean that you have to stop working altogether, but taking some time off can help you recharge and come back refreshed. You could take a weekend trip, go on vacation, or just take a few days off to relax at home.

Some ideas for little breaks that can make a big difference:

• Take a few days off each month to relax and rejuvenate.
• Set aside one day each week as a “work-free” day.
• Take a long weekend every couple of months.

Set boundaries for yourself and your work

One of the best ways to deal with freelance burnout is to set boundaries for yourself and your work. When working from home, letting work take over your life can be easy. You may work late into the night or on weekends because you don’t have set hours, which can quickly lead to burnout.

It’s important to set boundaries to separate your work and personal life. Decide what hours you will work each day and stick to them. Turn off your computer and phone when you’re done working for the day. Don’t check work email after hours unless it’s necessary. If you need to take a break during the day, do it! Go for a walk, nap, or step away from work to clear your head.

Some apps and tools that can help you set boundaries and manage your time:

• Toggl: This app allows you to track how much time you spend on each task. This can help you figure out where you’re spending too much time and adjust accordingly.
• RescueTime: This app tracks how much time you spend on different websites and apps. It also gives you a report of your productivity level each day.
• Freedom: This app blocks websites and apps so you can’t access them while working. This can be helpful if you have trouble staying focused on work.

Create a routine and stick to it

Another great way to deal with freelance burnout is to create a routine and stick to it. When you have a set schedule, it can help you stay on track and be more productive, and it can also make it easier to take breaks when you need them.

Start your day by doing the same thing every morning. This could be making coffee, reading the news, or working out. Then, sit down at your desk and start working. Take a break for lunch at the same time each day, and then finish your work in the afternoon. If you have trouble sticking to a routine, plenty of apps and tools can help!

Delegate tasks whenever possible

As a freelancer, it’s easy to feel you have to do everything yourself. But this is not the case! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, delegate tasks whenever possible. This could mean hiring an assistant to help with administrative work, outsourcing some of your projects, or simply asking for help from friends and family.

Best places to hire assistants:

• Upwork: This website allows you to post your project and receive bids from freelancers.
• Fiverr: This website offers a variety of services starting at $5.
• TaskRabbit: This website allows you to find local assistants to help with errands or odd jobs.

Stay organized and efficient

One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to stay organized and efficient. When you’re organized, keeping track of your work and deadlines is easier, which can help you feel more in control of your business and less stressed.

There are a few different ways you can stay organized:

• Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your deadlines and appointments.
• Create a to-do list daily, so you know what needs to be done.
• Keep your work area clean and clutter-free.
• Invest in project management software to help you keep track of projects and deadlines.

Take care of yourself both physically and mentally

It’s essential to take care of yourself both physically and mentally if you want to avoid burnout. When you’re physically healthy, you have more energy and are better able to handle stress. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

It’s also essential to take care of your mental health. This includes managing stress levels, staying positive, and taking necessary breaks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, talk to someone who can help! This could be a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend or family member.

Top activities that help with mental health:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Journaling
• Spending time in nature
• Getting a massage

Connect with other freelancers

When you’re a freelancer, it’s easy to feel isolated. You may not have co-workers or a boss to talk to, and you might not get out much because you’re always working from home. This can lead to burnout very quickly.

One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to connect with other freelancers. There are a few different ways you can do this:

• Join a professional organization or networking group.
• Attend conferences or meetups related to your industry.
• Connect with other freelancers online through social media or forums.

Find a mentor or coach

Having someone to talk to who understands the freelance lifestyle can be a huge help when trying to avoid burnout. A mentor or coach can offer advice, support, and accountability and help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Try finding a mentor who’s achieved success in your field. It’s easy to feel lost or unsure of your direction when you’re a freelancer, but a mentor who’s at a level you aspire to can help you figure out what steps you need to take to get there.

Celebrate your successes

It’s easy to focus on your failures when you’re a freelancer. But it’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. It’ll be easier to keep going when you see how far you’ve come.

One way to celebrate your successes is to set goals and reward yourself when you reach them. For example, if you want to lose weight, set a goal of losing five pounds. Then, buy yourself a new outfit or take a trip somewhere once you reach your goal.

Another way to celebrate your successes is to keep track of them. This could mean keeping a journal or blog, setting up a bulletin board, or simply making a list of your accomplishments. Reflecting on your successes, you’ll feel proud of how far you’ve come.

Conclusion

Freelance burnout is a real problem that many freelancers face. But it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By staying organized, efficient, and healthy physically and mentally, you can avoid burnout and keep your freelance business thriving. And when you do start to feel burnt out, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a mentor, coach, or trusted friend or family member. With the right support system in place, you can overcome anything!