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6 Signs You're Heading Toward Burnout (and What to Do About It)

Stressed small business owner showing signs of burnout at desk

Running a business is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. And if you’re constantly feeling frazzled, flat, or fed up, you might be heading toward burnout.

Here are 6 early warning signs to watch for:

😵‍💫 1. Constant Exhaustion

Even after a full night’s sleep, you’re still tired. Not just physically, but mentally drained, too.

🧠 2. Brain Fog & Forgetfulness

Struggling to focus or remember simple tasks? That’s not “just being busy”—it’s your brain waving a white flag.

🫠 3. Loss of Motivation

Tasks that once excited you now feel like a slog. You’re ticking boxes, but there’s no spark.

😤 4. Snappy or Short-Fused

You’re irritable, easily overwhelmed, or more emotional than usual, at emails, tasks, the cat.

📉 5. Drop in Productivity

You’re working more but getting less done. Procrastination creeps in, and everything feels harder than it should.

🚨 6. Ignoring Your Own Needs

You skip meals, work weekends, and cancel personal plans because “there’s just too much to do.”

🧘‍♀️ What You Can Do:

  • Take regular, guilt-free breaks
  • Reassess what actually needs to be on your plate
  • Set clearer work boundaries
  • Delegate tasks that drain your time and energy

✋ You don’t have to do it all

My reason for becoming a a virtual assistant was to work with busy business owners and stop them from reaching burnout.

Been there done yet, you don’t need to do it too. I can tell you all about it over a cuppa if you’d like.

Ready to hand off the stuff keeping you awake all night?

Let’s chat about how I can support you before burnout takes over.