When You Feel Burnout Creeping In: What to Do Before It Takes Over
Because You Deserve a Business That Nourishes You, Not One That Drains You.
You ever sit down to work on your business and suddenly feel like it’s all too much?
Your to-do list is growing, your energy is shrinking, and even the things you used to love feel heavy?
That’s not just tiredness, friend. That’s burnout knocking on your door.
And if you don’t slow down and listen, it’ll walk right in and take over.
Let’s not let it get that far.
Here’s how to recognize the signs early—and what to do to bring yourself back before burnout becomes your whole identity.
First: Know the Signs
Here’s what creeping burnout often feels like:
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You dread doing the creative work you used to enjoy
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Every decision feels harder than it should
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You feel guilty resting but too tired to work
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You start comparing yourself to everyone online
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Sales feel stressful, not exciting
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You question if your business is even worth it anymore
If any of these are showing up for you—pause. This is your body and your spirit saying: we need a reset.
5 Things to Do When You’re On the Edge of Burnout
1. Cancel What Can Be Canceled
Look at your calendar and be honest—what doesn’t need to happen this week?
Reschedule it. Say no. Give yourself space.
Burnout thrives in overcommitment. So start with uncommitting.
2. Cut Your To-Do List in Half
Literally. Look at today’s list. Cross out anything that isn’t urgent or aligned with your most important goals.
Ask: What will actually move me forward right now? Do that. Let the rest wait.
3. Create Before You Consume
Don’t scroll. Don’t compare. Don’t dive into your inbox.
Start your day with you—your ideas, your creativity, your vision.
Even 15 minutes of personal, no-pressure creativity can help bring you back to center.
4. Take a “Bare Minimum” Week
Instead of quitting or pushing through, try a week where you only do the essential tasks: fulfilling orders, answering key emails, posting once.
Let it be light. Let it breathe. Sometimes doing less is how you keep going longer.
5. Talk to Another Creative
Don’t carry this in silence. Reach out to a biz friend, accountability partner, or creative community.
Say: “I’m tired. I feel overwhelmed. Can we talk it through?”
You’ll be surprised how healing it is just to be seen.
Action Step: Make a “Peace Plan”
Take 10 minutes to write out:
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3 things you can pause this week
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3 things that nourish your energy (even small ones: sunlight, music, long showers)
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1 boundary you’ll set (ex: no emails after 7pm)
Stick it on your wall, your mirror, your lock screen. Let it be your guide out of the spiral.
You Are Allowed to Take a Break—and Still Be a Boss
Your business needs you—not the burnt-out, stretched-too-thin version.
So give yourself permission to slow down before you break down.
Because you’re not failing.
You’re not lazy.
You’re human.
And taking care of yourself is not the opposite of ambition—it’s how you sustain it.