As a self-employed, independent or freelance hairdresser, you have the freedom and flexibility to create your own schedule and run your business as you see fit. However, this freedom can also come with its own set of challenges, and one of the biggest concerns among self-employed hairdressers is burnout.
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and even depression. To avoid burnout, it’s important to take steps to manage your stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Here are eight strategies that can help:
- Set clear boundaries: As a self-employed hairdresser, it can be easy to blur the lines between work and personal time. To avoid burnout, it’s essential to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. This may include setting specific work hours, taking regular breaks throughout the day, and disconnecting from work-related tasks and notifications outside of your designated work hours.
- Prioritise self-care: Self-care is essential for avoiding burnout, and it should be a regular part of your routine. This may include regular exercise, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and practising stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or journaling.
- Manage time and schedule effectively: Freelancing often means we can manage our time and schedule in a way that works best for us but it can be easy to over commit and become overwhelmed with too many clients and appointments. To avoid burnout, it’s important to manage your time and schedule effectively. This may include setting realistic deadlines, prioritising tasks, and learning to say no when necessary.
- Find support: As a self-employed hairdresser, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. To avoid burnout, it’s important to find support through mentoring, networking, or joining a professional association.
- Take regular breaks: It’s easy to get caught up in work when you’re self-employed, but it’s important to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. This may include taking a short walk, reading a book, or doing a quick workout.
- Seek professional help if needed: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed for a prolonged period seek professional help. It’s important not to ignore the signs of burnout and to seek help from a mental health professional or doctor.
- Get some variety in your working style : As a self-employed hairdresser, you may often find yourself working in the same environment with the same clients and tasks. To avoid burnout it’s essential to get some variety in your work style by taking on new projects, learning new techniques or styles.
- Relax and Have Fun : Finally, as a self-employed hairdresser, it’s important to remember to relax and have fun. This may include taking a vacation, engaging in a hobby, or spending time with friends and family.
By implementing these strategies and making them a regular part of your routine, you can take steps to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Some sites that may be helpful for further reading and learning strategies to help you include:
