For women in business, working for yourself is empowering, but it can also be exhausting.
When you run your own business, there’s no boss to tell you to take a break, no HR department reminding you of annual leave, and no clocking off at 5 pm. You are the business. And for many women in business, especially those building a business around their passions, this can blur the lines between life and work in a way that’s both exciting and dangerous.
At Co-Women, we know the reality of being your own boss: it often means being the marketing team, the finance department, the customer service rep and the cleaner all in one. So, how do you keep the fire burning without burning out? Here’s how.
1. Redefine Productivity
Success isn’t about working more—it’s about working well. Business networking, content creation, customer work, admin… it all adds up. But not every hour spent hunched over your laptop is productive.
Try asking: What is the one thing I can do today that truly moves my business forward? Let go of the guilt of an unfinished to-do list and prioritise high-impact work over busywork.
2. Create Working Hours—and Stick to Them
When you work for yourself, especially from home, it’s tempting to answer emails at 10 pm or brainstorm strategies on a Sunday afternoon. But your nervous system needs boundaries. Set clear working hours and honour your off time just as fiercely as your on time.
Pro tip: add a ‘work hours’ note to your email signature to gently set expectations for others, too.
3. Take Breaks That Actually Break the Cycle
Scrolling social media doesn’t count as rest, especially if you’re seeing competitors or clients pop up every other post. Instead, aim for real breaks: go outside, move your body, eat without your phone nearby, or take a power nap.
You don’t earn your rest. You need it to run your business sustainably.
4. Know What Fuels You—And Build It In
Burnout isn’t always about doing too much. It’s often about doing too little of what lights you up. Think about what brings you joy or calm: is it sea swimming, a slow morning, time with friends, reading, music, or creativity?
Put it in your calendar first. Business can fit around it.
5. Find Your People
One of the biggest challenges of being self-employed is the loneliness, and that’s where business networking becomes not just helpful, but vital.
The Co-Women community was built for this reason: to make sure no woman in business feels like she has to do it all alone. Whether it’s a Chai and Chatter meet-up or an online masterclass, staying connected can ease the emotional load and remind you: you’re part of something bigger.
6. Let Go of Perfection
You don’t have to be the perfect businesswoman, the perfect friend, the perfect parent, the perfect anything. Running your own business will always involve trial and error. Give yourself permission to experiment, evolve, and—yes—even fail sometimes.
Done is better than perfect. Rested is better than burnt out.
7. Ask for Help
Whether it’s outsourcing a small task, hiring a virtual assistant, or just texting a fellow Co-Wo to say “today is hard”, you don’t have to do it all yourself.
Many women in business fall into the “I’ll just do it” trap. But asking for support is a strength, and it can save you hours, energy, and stress.
Where to Go From Here
Burnout is not the price of ambition. It’s a signal that something needs to change. You deserve a business that works with your life, not against it.
Co-Women exists to help women in business thrive, not survive. Whether you’re looking for connection, support, or just a reminder that you’re not in this alone, we’ve got you.
Ready to reconnect with yourself and your business? Join us. 👉www.co-women.org
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