How to Avoid Burnout as a Mum and CEO: Practical Steps to Achieving Balance
Balancing the demands of being both a mum and a CEO can often feel overwhelming. The pressures of managing a business, running a household, and caring for your children can easily lead to burnout if not managed effectively. This guide provides practical strategies to help you avoid burnout, maintain balance, and thrive in both roles.
Understanding Burnout
Burnout occurs when prolonged stress and overwork result in physical and emotional exhaustion. As a CEO, the constant hustle to grow a business, coupled with the responsibilities of motherhood, can lead to feeling drained, unmotivated, and unable to keep up with daily demands.
I experienced this firsthand after becoming a mother of two while trying to maintain the same level of achievement in my business. Like many high-performing professionals, I felt pressured to meet societal expectations—pushing myself to do it all, both at home and at work. However, this pace was unsustainable and ultimately led me to burnout.
Recognising the Signs
Common signs of burnout include:
Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
Loss of motivation or interest in work
Irritability or heightened emotional responses
Difficulty focusing or making decisions
Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
Recognising these signs early is key to preventing a full burnout. If you identify with any of the above, it’s time to re-evaluate your approach.
Conducting an "Energy Audit"
One of the most effective ways to regain control and prevent burnout is through an "energy audit." This involves assessing where your time and energy are going and identifying what truly energises you versus what drains you. Ask yourself these three important questions:
What work energises me? – Identify tasks that you find fulfilling and motivating.
Where do my natural strengths lie? – Focus on leveraging your core skills rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Which tasks offer the best return on my time and effort? – Prioritise high-impact tasks that move the needle for your business.
This audit helped me shift my focus toward activities that aligned with my strengths and interests—like one-to-one coaching and leadership development—and allowed me to streamline my business without sacrificing growth.
Recognising the Season of Life You’re In
Understanding that life has different seasons can be liberating. There will be times for growth and pushing hard in your business, but there are also seasons where balance and sustainability take priority—such as when raising young children. Recognising this helps you set realistic expectations for yourself and avoid unnecessary stress.
Here are some ways to embrace the season of life you’re in:
Incorporate flexibility: As a mum, your time and energy may fluctuate. It’s important to allow yourself flexibility to shift priorities between home and work based on immediate needs.
Streamline tasks: Identify and remove non-essential activities. Simplifying your schedule helps you focus on the most impactful work, reducing the risk of burnout.
Improve your systems: Investing in systems or tools that automate tasks, whether it’s using a project management app or scheduling software, can help streamline your business processes.
Practical Strategies to Avoid Burnout
Delegate and Seek Support: The pressure to "do it all" often stems from societal expectations, particularly for women. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or even hire household assistance if needed. Sharing household responsibilities gives you more mental space to focus on your business and family without burnout. This might mean hiring help, outsourcing tasks, or empowering your team to take on more responsibilities. Sharing the load is crucial for maintaining balance.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. For example, designate specific times for family, business, and self-care. This ensures that you can dedicate time to each area without feeling overwhelmed by competing demands.
Practice Self-Care: As a busy mum and CEO, it’s easy to neglect your own well-being. Make self-care a priority by scheduling regular time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercise, reading, or simply taking time to rest. Taking care of yourself is essential for being able to care for others and your business.
Reassess Priorities Regularly: Life is dynamic, and what worked for you in the past may not be as effective now. Regularly reassessing your priorities allows you to adjust your workload and lifestyle in alignment with the current demands of both your business and family.
Embracing Flexibility and Flow
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace flexibility and flow. Not every day will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Some days may require more of your attention at work, while others may need you to be more present at home. By allowing yourself to flow between these roles without guilt, you create a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
Wrap-up: Creating a Sustainable Balance
Balancing life as a mum and CEO is challenging, but burnout can be avoided with intentional strategies. By conducting an energy audit, recognising your current season of life, and implementing practical steps like delegating tasks, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care, you can prevent burnout and maintain a sense of balance.
Remember, achieving balance isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most. Take the time to honour your personal and professional needs, and you’ll find a sustainable way to thrive in both roles.