But consistently working without a break is not good for your health and well-being. Pushing yourself too hard and feeling constantly tired or stressed may cause serious mental and physical strain. Long-term stress can lead to depression, high blood pressure and even increase your risk of heart attack and other diseases. It is vital to get life and work into a reasonable balance in order to avoid burn-out.

 

 

So how do you recognise the signs of stress and fatigue? Irritability, sleep problems and an inability to switch off can all indicate higher than desirable stress levels, and can lead to impaired judgement and poor decision making. If you feel that you no longer have any control over your working life, it is definitely time for a break.

 

First, it is important to recognise that taking time out does not have to mean long stints away from the workplace. Building regular breaks into your day will refresh you, even if it is a five minute walk around the block. Always aim to give yourself a break for lunch, however short, and try to avoid working very long hours every day.

 

Improved time management can also help you free up valuable time for yourself and help you focus on the things that matter. As a business owner, you are likely to have too many tasks and not enough time, and unless you develop techniques for managing your workload, you could spend too much time on trivial tasks, or find yourself constantly managing avoidable crises.

 

The aim is to prioritise and plan, so you can work 'smarter'. Having more time to work purposefully will also help your business in the long term. Try to measure how you spend your time and assess where you could manage things better. Set a 'must do' goal each day, and get in the habit of making lists so you know what needs to be done.

 

Similarly, careful delegating, with administration or bookkeeping for example, will free up precious time. Always ask yourself: 'Who else can do this?'

 

 

Taking more control over your working day will make you feel more in control of your time. Set your working hours for the week, including a leaving time each evening, and stick to it. Plan social arrangements after work, schedule time for sport and activities, and make plans for your weekend that cannot be changed.

 

If you are really feeling jaded, a holiday or even a long weekend is likely to reinvigorate you. Laptops and smart phones make it possible to stay in touch from almost anywhere nowadays, meaning that even the most time-pressed business owners can enjoy a break. Plan well ahead, advise clients of your absence if necessary, and for peace of mind, make sure staff are fully briefed before you go.