Burnout as a Designer—Part 2

Today, I’m sharing some business tips against burnout. This article is part of my three-part series “Burnout as a Designer.” In the first part, I delve into my personal story. In this second part, titled “Business Tips Against Burnout,” I share tips that you can implement in your business to help reduce your stress levels. Finally, in the third part, I will discuss essential oils and other daily practices that can support you in managing or preventing burnout.

How to Avoid Burnout as a Designer—A Self-Assessment

While I can’t provide you with a foolproof guide to avoiding burnout, I encourage you to take a moment to pause and reflect on how you’re feeling.

Close your eyes for a moment and tune into your body. While doing so, allow your thoughts to come and go freely as you focus inward. Pay attention to your breath, your heartbeat, and the rise and fall of your chest.

Next, reflect on these questions: What are you feeling in this moment? Where do you sense tension or blockages? What feels good? Can you quiet your mind, or is that difficult? Just observe.

Also, what patterns can you currently recognize in your life? Do you feel restless or stressed? Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you experience recurring physical issues, like headaches? Take stock.

Finally, which areas of your life feel light right now? What brings you joy, and what seems to happen effortlessly? And which areas are the most challenging? Observe.

This brief exercise might bring you some clarity. Of course, you can also write down your thoughts.

Altogether, I invite you to take responsibility for yourself. By getting to know yourself, your body, and your mind better, you can respond more effectively. Consider whether it makes sense to seek help and think about what steps you can take to feel better.

Eight Business Tips Against Burnout

1. Find Something You Enjoy and Cultivate It. Whether it’s sports, drawing, meditation, reading, or cooking, schedule dedicated time for it in your calendar. I’ve recently discovered my love for watercolor, and it truly helps me to be in the present moment, away from the screen. While I know how challenging this can be, sometimes, it’s essential to set everything else aside, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
2. Create a Weekly Plan. Identify when you’re most creative and when you can tackle organizational tasks. Look for patterns and leverage them. For example, do you want to set aside a (half) day each week to focus on your business instead of client projects, or to simply read a book? Consider using the arrows in your Human Design chart to distinguish whether a routine is helpful for you. They can provide insights into your natural rhythms and preferences. Remember, you have the power to decide your availability!
3. Create Templates. There are likely repetitive tasks or processes in your business. Take advantage of that by preparing, for example:
   • Pre-written emails for contact inquiries, so you don’t have to create a new email each time.
   • A questionnaire that addresses your recurring questions from contact inquiries.
   • A FAQ page to direct people to.
   • A template for proposals.
   • How do you present results to your clients? A template might be beneficial here too. This applies to many other areas as well.
4. Use Tools That Can Take Work Off Your Plate. I use a project management tool that’s great for maintaining a clear communication trail during a project. This software allows you to collect all information, questions, and content in one place, saving you countless emails. You can also set up private or internal lists. I’ve also set up a scheduling tool to arrange Zoom or phone appointments, eliminating time-consuming emails to find a suitable meeting time. Of course, setting up these tools requires an initial time investment. However, it’s worthwhile in the long run to optimize your tools and processes.
5. Set Boundaries—for Clients and for Yourself. Do you share your phone number, or do you prefer scheduled video chats? Are you available on Instagram after 6 PM? Is your computer off on Sundays? Remember, you can define these boundaries however you see fit.
6. Delegate Tasks. I’ve mentioned before that this isn’t my strong suit; I’ve been doing almost everything myself over the past seven plus years. However, think about tasks that bring you no joy or create significant stress. For me, it’s web development. While I enjoy it, the pressure of delivering for clients made me wish I could hand it off. So, I recently did that, and it feels great! I am now working with a developer to delegate the development of web projects. Plus, it's a start for growing our studio.
7. Network with Others. Connect with other freelancers and speak openly and honestly with them. Although it might often feel like it, you’re not alone, no matter how challenging the situation may seem. Allow yourself to be inspired or vent. These individuals don’t need to be in your immediate vicinity. You likely have online contacts, and if not, reach out to someone. We creatives are generally helpful and open to exchange. The Designers’ Well-Being Hub is the perfect setting for this kind of networking. We come together to support each other on various business and life topics.
8. Reconsider Your Pricing. If your prices are too tightly calculated, you’re trapped in a cycle of overwork. So, you must work more to achieve your desired revenue. That’s why you should consider whether you can shorten your workload or deliverables or raise your prices to relieve some pressure.

Those were my thoughts and suggestions! I hope these business tips against burnout help you feel a bit more relaxed and better prepared for the daily tasks ahead. To conclude, owning a business will always involve work and is an ongoing process, but ideally, it shouldn't stress you to the point of burnout.

Business Tips Against Burnout—Additional Ways to Prevent Burnout as a Designer

In the third part of my blog series “Burnout as a Designer,” I will introduce essential oils and breathwork that can help manage or prevent burnout.

Feel free to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss upcoming articles and news. I also wholeheartedly recommend checking out The Designers’ Well-Being Hub. It might be just what you need right now to take better care of yourself.

With all my love,
Sarah

This article is an adaptation of an OG post, written by our Founder and Creative Director Sarah, with translation and editing assistance from AI technology (ChatGPT).