Leave burnout in 2024. Here are 4 tips for balancing your work life and mental health in the new year

[Kesha]

2025 is here, and for many, the new year bringing a fresh wind of motivation to finally tackle the things we’ve been procrastinating on and what’s no longer serving us. Whether you’re committed to letting go of some toxic relationships, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, or addressing unhealthy habits, one thing that must undoubtedly stay behind in 2024 is overworking ourselves at the expense of our mental health. 

Now, I understand this can be easier said than done, especially for freelancers who essentially have to wear several different hats to keep their businesses afloat. But, keep reading for some practical tips on how you can prioritize your well-being while freelancing in 2025. 

Manage your time effectively
As a freelancer, learning to take control of your time will be a game changer when it comes to avoiding stress and burnout. If not, you risk having work spill into all areas of your life, leaving you feeling either constantly working or always thinking about it. And who wants that? 

To avoid this, make a habit of setting clear daily and weekly goals and creating your schedule accordingly. Some may insist that being successful requires adopting rigid disciplines such as waking up at 6 a.m. every day or developing a consistent morning and night routine. However, forcing these habits on yourself may lead to even more stress if they don’t fit your nature. Instead, focus on finding a schedule and system that works for you and your lifestyle.

Don’t forget to incorporate regular breaks and plan time away from work, whether weekly, monthly, or yearly. For tips on how to take extended breaks from the platform, check out this recent post here. And, to maximize your working time, try using time management techniques such as time blocking and tools like Google Calendar or Notion for scheduling or Monday.com for staying organized.

Have boundaries and limits
One of the perks of freelancing is to call the shots on who you work with, what you work on, and when. Take full advantage of this by adequately vetting buyers and projects before accepting them. If you notice a specific type of project, scope of work, or even a client that no longer brings you joy, it’s perfectly fine to say no. And, if you’re feeling uncertain, consider doing a cost-benefit analysis and ask yourself if the monetary gain is worth the potential stress. 

Further, it’s really important to share your expectations clearly with clients. While negotiating with buyers and exploring options like discounts and exceptions is okay, just be careful not to overdo it or compromise too much on what you know you’re worth. Also, avoid overpromising with unlimited revisions or constant 24-hour deliveries. These things can be difficult to uphold and can take a toll on your motivation, leading to stress and burnout. 

Stay in community
Without the luxury of co-workers to bond with over shared experiences, freelancing can sometimes be quite isolating. That’s why we dedicate so much effort to building a vibrant and welcoming community that helps you connect with others and share your experiences, tips, and support. Of course, the Forum is a fantastic starting point, but I also recommend participating in our webinars and any in-person meetups that may pop up in your area. We have other exciting initiatives planned for the community in the new year to help you stay connected, so stay tuned. 

Prioritize self-care
When was the last time you engaged in an activity that brought you joy, not for financial gain or to reach a goal, but simply for the sheer pleasure of it? Whether it’s honing your painting skills, tackling a DIY home project, or enjoying family game nights, in the new year, be intentional about setting time aside for activities unrelated to work or performance.

Also, since freelancing often involves long hours on the computer, create balance by including some form of physical activity in your daily routine, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk or a quick home workout. Additionally, don't let your busyness lead to neglecting well-balanced meals, and be conscious of your screen time. Make sure to appreciate real-life moments with family and friends, indulge in a good book, or enjoy some quiet time.

Freelancing can be very rewarding, but to maximize your growth and potential, you have to be willing to prioritize yourself. That means being intentional about taking care of your mental health and having sound systems and habits to help you manage or avoid stress. 

Which of these tips are you committing to try in the new year? 

Do you have any other ones you would add to the list?

[mandyzines]

This all sounds nice and warm fuzzy but Fiverr's system is unfriendly to people who need and take time off.

[sujoydew]

6 hours ago, Kesha said:

Additionally, don't let your busyness lead to neglecting well-balanced meals, and be conscious of your screen time. Make sure to appreciate real-life moments with family and friends, indulge in a good book, or enjoy some quiet time.

Thanks for your insights & advice. @Kesha

[mateusbl]

14 hours ago, mandyzines said:

Fiverr's system is unfriendly

True! In holidays they give buyers 9 days to analyse their orders. While we sellers should be there responding in 12 hours... they never think on sellers life, at least in end of the year the response time should be 24 hours

[ojef79]

On 1/8/2025 at 8:37 PM, Kesha said:

make a habit of setting clear daily and weekly goals and creating your schedule accordingly.

Thank you for this insightful post.