Running a Small Buissness with Anxiety, Combating Burnout…

Running a small business is already a rollercoaster, but when you add anxiety into the mix? Let’s just say, it’s a whole different level of chaos. Some days, I feel like I’m on top of the world, brainstorming new ideas and engaging with my community. Other days, the overwhelm creeps in, and suddenly, even answering emails feels like climbing a mountain. If you’re a fellow small business owner dealing with anxiety, know that you’re not alone.

I wanted to share some of the ways I manage my business while navigating anxiety—and how I fight off burnout before it takes over. Because let’s be real, I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit.

1. Setting Boundaries (And Actually Sticking to Them)

One of the hardest things for me has been setting boundaries—especially when it comes to social media. As a business owner, I feel like I have to be online all the time, responding to messages, posting new content, and engaging with my audience. But constantly being “on” is exhausting.

So, I started setting small limits:

• I give myself a cut-off time in the evening where I stop checking DMs and emails. (It’s a work in progress, but I try!)
• I batch-create content so I’m not stressing about what to post every single day.
• I remind myself that I don’t need to respond to every notification the second it pops up.

It’s all about finding a balance between being present for my business and protecting my mental health.

2. Listening to My Body & Mind

Anxiety loves to trick me into thinking I’m being “lazy” if I take a break. But the truth? Pushing through when I’m mentally drained only leads to burnout.

Now, I check in with myself daily. If I feel that familiar tension creeping in—tight chest, racing thoughts, or just pure exhaustion—I pause. Sometimes that means taking a walk, journaling, or even just stepping away from my screen for a bit. It’s not slacking off; it’s making sure I can keep showing up for my business in the long run.

3. Keeping the Passion Alive

One of the biggest burnout triggers for me is feeling like my business has become a never-ending to-do list. I started my shop because I love what I do—designing motivational merch, creating bookish items, and making products that bring people joy. But when the pressure of running a business takes over, that passion can start to fade.

To combat this, I:

• Take time to create just for fun, without worrying about sales or trends.
• Celebrate small wins—like a sweet customer review or hitting a new shop milestone.
• Remind myself why I started in the first place.

4. Knowing When to Step Back

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your business is step away for a bit. Whether it’s a weekend off or even just a slow day where you only tackle the essentials, giving yourself permission to rest is huge. Hustle culture might make it seem like you need to be grinding 24/7, but in reality? Rested, recharged you will always do better work than burnt-out, anxious you.

5. Finding a Support System

Running a small business can feel isolating, especially when you’re dealing with anxiety. But trust me, you don’t have to do this alone. Connecting with fellow small business owners, leaning on supportive friends and family, or even just having an accountability buddy can make all the difference.

At the end of the day, taking care of yourself is taking care of your business. Anxiety might make things harder, but it doesn’t have to stop you from chasing your dreams. You’ve got this! 💛

Have you ever struggled with burnout or anxiety while running your business? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear how you navigate it!