Working as a freelancer can be exceptionally rewarding, and there are certainly a lot of benefits to this style of employment; however, it can be challenging too.
While freelancing offers you unlimited flexibility (and the opportunity to earn as much as you want), you may find yourself juggling multiple roles: keeping track of deadlines, client expectations, and finances can quickly lead to feelings of burnout and fatigue. Read on for some valuable tips to help you avoid freelancer fatigue.
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Take Breaks Often
Of course, taking a break doesn’t feel like groundbreaking advice, but it is a commodity that many freelancers deny themselves. So, why not aim to reinvent the way you think about taking a break throughout the day? You could do this by incorporating mindful gaming. Engaging in short sessions of calming mobile games can give you a mental reset, as well as inject a little fun and play into your day.
Set Your Working Hours
As a freelancer, it can be easy to take your work with you everywhere you go. In many ways, this allows you to be flexible; however, if you find it hard to switch off and find yourself thinking about working 24 hours a day, it may be time to set your working hours.
This doesn’t cancel out your flexibility, as your working hours can differ from day to day. Decide when you want to work and how long for then stick to it! Consider using blocking apps to block non-urgent emails and work communication during non-working hours. This can help you to regain a work-life balance and protect your mental health.
Try Coworking
Freelancers can reap a wide range of rewards from utilizing coworking spaces such as Meanwhile Creative studios in Manchester. Coworking spaces can improve your mental health drastically, as they provide a sense of community and a space to create social connections. This helps to reduce the feelings of isolation that freelancers may experience. It can also connect you with like-minded people who may be able to understand and share your experiences.
The collaborative atmosphere fosters networking opportunities, allowing freelancers to share insights, and even collaborate on projects. Basically, you never know who you might meet, and how you could enhance each other’s careers.
In addition to using a coworking space, you could also seek connections within the freelance community online. Networking with peers, joining forums, or attending virtual meet-ups can provide a sense of camaraderie.
Say “No” Occasionally
As a freelancer, to protect your peace, it is crucial to develop a repertoire of polite (yet assertive) responses to decline projects that don’t align with your goals. When starting, it can feel hard to decline work; however, staying true to your vision is crucial.
Overcommitting to projects can lead to exhaustion and compromise the quality of your work. The point of going freelance is to work towards your dreams, not someone else’s. So, before agreeing to any new projects, ask yourself:
- Do I have the capacity?
- Does it align with my existing commitments?
- Will it be fun?
- It is financially viable?
If not, stay strong and say no! This proactive approach protects your mental wellbeing and ensures that you can deliver your best work consistently.
Make Time for Self-Care
Neglecting your wellbeing is a shortcut to freelancer fatigue. To avoid this, it’s important to make time in your day for activities that make you feel good! Whether it’s taking a walk around your city, practicing mindfulness with an app, indulging in a hobby, or spending time with friends and family, it’s important to do activities that are for you—and you alone. However you choose to look after yourself, it’s essential to prioritize your self-care rituals.
Embrace Delegation!
As a freelancer, you generally need to wear lots of hats. You might find yourself being an accountant, marketing coordinator, or HR executive, all before getting down to the job at hand. In some cases, hiring help is an incredibly beneficial and strategic move. Whether that is an accountant to take care of your finances, or a personal assistant who can take control of your emails and admin. Working with others allows you to put more time and energy into your core strengths. Moreover, it helps you avoid spreading yourself too thin, which is a common cause of mental fatigue. By entrusting certain responsibilities to others, freelancers can create space for personal wellbeing, rest, and recreation. We all need support, so why not embrace delegation?
Hopefully these tips will help you find a connection, protect your mental health, and aid you in navigating the challenges of being a freelancer. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please remember it’s important to reach out and speak to someone you trust.
