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The pressure to constantly “hustle” can be overwhelming, especially when juggling a side hustle on top of your regular work.
As good as hustling and making money are, it’s important to recognize the signs of stress and burnout and take steps to protect your well-being.
In this article, we’ll discuss practical strategies that’ll help you cope to ensure that you prioritize well-being while hustling for your daily bread.
I. Recognize the signs of burnout
Stress and burnout can either be emotional, physical, or behavioral in nature.
When the root cause is emotional, you’ll feel drained, irritable, anxious, or depressed. You might also find yourself losing motivation and passion for your side hustle.
In the same manner, when they are physical, you’ll discover that your strength is drained easily. You can also experience constant headaches, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
Additionally, when it’s a behavioral issue, procrastinating, neglecting personal needs, taking on too much work, and making careless mistakes become regular.
II. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care
To efficiently set boundaries and prioritize your well-being, allocate specific hours for your side hustle and stick to them. Avoid encroaching on your personal time or sleep.
Likewise, set timers and step away from work regularly to avoid burnout. Take a walk, stretch, or do something you enjoy.
Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night because a well-rested mind is more resilient to stress. Engage in self-care activities that nourish your mind and body, like exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or hobbies.
III. Manage expectations and redefine success
Don’t expect overnight success with your side hustle. Set achievable goals and celebrate your wins, no matter how small they might seem.
Focus on progress, not perfection. Avoid walking the unhealthy path of comparison. Focus on and celebrate your own journey and progress, not someone else’s highlight reel.
Also, redefine your definition of success. What does success look like for you? Is it financial gain, personal fulfillment, or learning a new skill?
Do not adopt another person’s definition of success. Discover what it means to you and ensure you align your side hustle with your values.
IV. Seek support and adjust your approach
Share your struggles with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Most times, talking about your stress is an effective way to manage it.
Also, seek help. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks, hire help, or adjust your side hustle to make it more manageable.
Very important, evaluate your motivation. Ask yourself why you’re doing this side hustle. Is it still fulfilling, or is it draining you? If it’s not working anymore, don’t be afraid to adjust your approach or even let go of your mental sanity.
Conclusion on how to cope with the stress and burnout of side hustle culture
Understand that you are not alone. Many people struggle with the pressures of side hustle culture, so it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and make adjustments to fit your needs.
Pay attention to your energy levels and emotions. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits. It’s okay to say no and decline additional work or commitments if you feel overwhelmed.
Your well-being is more important than any temporary hustle.
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