How to Avoid Burnout Closing Out 2025

I’m here to tell you that’s OKAY. I’m going to help you navigate the homestretch and NOT burnout.

What is burnout?

Burnout is when stress builds up so much that it drains your energy, focus, and motivation. You feel exhausted, checked out, and like you’re just going through the motions. It happens when you’re pushing nonstop without enough recovery, balance, or control.

The problem is it doesn’t just hit your work—it impacts your health, your mindset, and the people around you. The good news? Burnout isn’t permanent. Once you recognize the signs, you can start making shifts to get your energy, performance, and drive back on track.

Here’s how I do my best to prevent and avoid burnout: 

• Take time off – Even if only a half day or a long weekend (add an extra day). I know how difficult this can feel or might be to commit to, ESPECIALLY as a business owner, but trust me, I learned this lesson a long time ago working in finance.  Time off and away from your business is one of the best things you can do to come back refreshed, with a new lens and energy. 

• Set boundaries with kids, spouse, colleagues, coworkers, and friends – you can’t and WILL NOT be able to do it all and everything you want if your health comes last.  Put your boundaries in your calendar and BLOCK your time. 

• PRACTICE saying “No” – If it’s not a “hell yes! Then it shouldn’t be in your calendar.” If it doesn’t serve you, your family, your work, or your health, can YOU really or should you really be saying yes to …more drinks, late nights and takeout?, missed workouts? That’s a question to ask yourself and run it through your own filter: a) does it improve my health? b) Does it help my family? c) Can this help with work or your career? 

• Exercise regularly – Even if only 15-30 minutes a day, and does NOT have to be your heaviest hard lifting session. But make a point for yourself, your health, and your mental health to do something for you. It does not and should not take a backseat even during your busiest times or seasons of your life. Working out will help you show up more energized, focused, and sharper, ready to tackle whatever it is you’re dealing with. 

• Take care of YOU – take a yoga class you’ve been putting off or never done, book that massage you haven’t scheduled for months, consider one of my go-tos and IV vitamin drip, epsom salt bath (when your muscles are sore or you just need to unwind), sauna/cold plunge, or walk in nature.  Whatever it is you need to do to recharge your OWN batteries so you can show up best for others – do it, and do it regularly. Put it in your calendar; if it’s not in your schedule, it won’t happen. 

• Eat real FOOD – fill up your plate with chicken, steak, fish, or seafood and load up on real veggies (not salads), preferably cooked, roasted, or lightly pan-fried, and CONTINUE to focus on actually eating your meals (not drinking), avoiding skipping meals, and choose the best options if you have to eat out or do take out. 

• Slow down to speed UP – I love even for 5 minutes throughout my work day to step outside for fresh air and sometimes some sunshine if I’m lucky! It goes a long way if you’ve been cooped up inside all day, glued to your screen. 

• Consider a work environment switch-up – if you can work from home or remotely from a cafe/co-share working space – do it.  It’s great to get the creative brain flowing and out of your typical day-to-day. You might even be more productive. 

• Reward yourself for hitting small milestones – every little WIN counts, acknowledge them, high five yourself, treat yourself to a nice meal, longer workout, massage, and pat yourself on your back. 

• Build and constantly audit your schedule. Block your time to eat, workouts, walks, and time with family – your main priorities.  You’re in control of your day-to-day; no one else is – if you don’t control it, others will. So make it count and block your time! 

How are you going to prevent burnout? Comment below.