Feeling overwhelmed with work as a self-employed individual?

It can be incredibly valuable to seek feedback from those you work with to gain insights into areas they believe might be contributing to your stress. Ask them about the habits they notice in you that could be contributing to your overwhelm. Often, we are too close to our behaviour patterns to see how they impact us. Getting an outside perspective can highlight blind spots and provide actionable suggestions to help manage and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Don't hesitate to open up this dialogue, as it's often the key to finding a healthier balance in your work life.

Feeling overwhelmed when you're self employed is common. It's likely you're doing things to get the business (marketing, sales) as well as things to maintain the business (admin, fulfillment, bookkeeping, emailing, etc.). First, stay organized and create systems to help manage your tasks. Next, delegate certain tasks to those who can do them faster and for less than what your time is worth (for example, someone doing an admin task can free you up to sell). Finally, do your best to manage your stress levels as you bring your business to each new stage.

When I first started my freelance writing business, I was constantly overwhelmed by the fluctuating income. Some months were great, while others barely covered the bills. This inconsistency was a major stress trigger for me. I realized I needed to identify and manage this anxiety to prevent it from affecting my work quality. By acknowledging that financial uncertainty was a key stressor, I took proactive steps like creating an emergency fund and setting up a budget to buffer lean months. This financial planning provided a sense of security and significantly reduced my stress.

It's very important to identify the triggers because then we accept and acknowledge them. Balancing your personal and professional life is important.. Learn to seperate both by keeping them in different boxes and lock them when it is required it's a technique which helps me always and i guide these technique to my clients too. Same when self employed it's difficult for secure financial aspects. But if we are mentally ready for positive and negative challenges coming and learn to relax, meditate or involved into physical activities like running, gyming etc works a lot. Thanks

Block scheduling is a great way to set boundaries. Find the top categories for work productive, self care, health, home productive, hustle/business growth, outreach, etc. Then list all activities under each category. Set time aside from 20 minutes up to 1.5 hours for each block. You only have to do one thing in each block that is purposeful. This will allow a lot more to be done with out feeling overwhelmed that everything needs to be done.

In the beginning, my home office was just a corner of my living room, and my work hours extended well into the night. This lack of boundaries blurred the lines between work and personal life, leaving me perpetually stressed and exhausted. I decided to set clear boundaries by designating specific work hours and creating a dedicated workspace in a spare room. I informed my clients about my availability and stuck to my schedule. This separation helped me mentally 'clock out' at the end of the day, allowing me to unwind and recharge for the next day.

At one point, my to-do list seemed endless, and I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks. I realized I needed a better system to manage my workload. I started categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance using the Eisenhower Matrix. High-priority tasks were tackled first, while less critical ones were delegated or postponed. I also learned to accept that not everything needed to be perfect; sometimes 'good enough' was sufficient. This approach helped me focus my energy on what truly mattered and made my workload more manageable.

1) I use Pomodoro Technique: by setting a timer for focused work sessions—usually 25 minutes—and then taking a 5-minute break. During these short breaks, step away from your work completely. You could do a quick stretch, grab a cup of coffee, or just sit back and close your eyes. After four "Pomodoros," take a longer break of about 15 to 30 minutes. 2) Schedule at least one longer break to reconnect with nature. This could mean taking a 30-minute walk in a nearby park or even just stepping out into your garden. The natural environment has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Use this time to clear your mind, breathe some fresh air, and return to work with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

It can be a lonely and understandably overwhelming time being self-employed. You are wearing all the hats, everything seems like a priority, and you are afraid to say no to anything/ anyone. But one thing we often miss is if you do not take care of you… you won’t have a business. Don’t be afraid to rest, take breaks, ask for help, and set boundaries. Each day will look different, but trust in a foundation that creates sustainable success. I also recommend being a part of a community and having support from peers. Even coaches, therapist, mentors etc. If you can, try to hire a VA for a few hours a week, to delegate some tasks and reduce overwhelm. Get clear on what truly matters to you and you will take aligned action more easily.

Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, I joined an online community of freelancers. This decision was a game-changer. Sharing my experiences with others who understood my challenges provided much-needed support and encouragement. I also learned valuable tips and strategies for managing my workload and stress. Additionally, I hired a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks, which freed up my time to focus on my core work. Seeking support from a community and outsourcing tasks allowed me to manage stress more effectively and grow my business.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going, right? That adage is not the best thought to house in a business owner's mindset. Business owners need to be visionaries, present with those they work with, passionate, and inspired. By taking time for self-care, you fuel your energy, and inspired ideas are found. That said, I'm heading outside to walk my talk.

Initially, I neglected my health while trying to build my consulting business. Late nights, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise became the norm, and I soon found myself on the brink of burnout. I knew I had to make a change. I started prioritizing self-care by incorporating regular exercise, healthy meals, and adequate sleep into my routine. I also made time for hobbies that I enjoyed, like reading and gardening. This commitment to self-care not only improved my physical health but also boosted my mental resilience, enabling me to handle work stress more effectively.